The cat is a furry creature characterized by being very cleanSo much so, that even from a young age, if it can't find a suitable place to relieve itself, it will most likely meow to be taken to the litter box. However, sometimes its litter box isn't as clean as it should be, or the cat itself has a health problem that makes it difficult to urinate and/or defecate normally.
When that happens is when we wonder why does my cat not relieve itself and what we need to do to make it improve as soon as possible. Below you will find a very complete guide with all possible causes (both urinary and digestive), warning signs that you should keep an eye on, What can you do at home? y When is it urgent to go to the vet?.
Why doesn't my cat relieve itself?
When we say that a cat "doesn't relieve itself," we can be referring to two different situations, both important: no urine o does not defecateIn both cases, it could be a one-off problem or a true veterinary emergency, so it is essential to understand what is happening, observe the animal's habits, and act quickly in response to any changes.
Generally speaking, a healthy cat usually urinate several times a day y defecate once or twice a dayIf you notice that more than 24 hours without urinating or more than 48 hours without defecatingIf you see that he tries unsuccessfully, you should consider it a warning sign.
Factors related to the sandbox
Before considering serious illnesses, it's worth checking if the problem lies with the litter box itself or the surrounding environment. Cats are very sensitive animals, and any small detail can trigger an allergic reaction. reject your tray.
- It's dirtyThe litter box is the cat's toilet. We, as their caregivers, have to take care of it. Remove stools and urine clumps every day, Y de Clean the tray thoroughly at least once a week.Otherwise, he will prefer to relieve himself elsewhere or even hold it in for too long, which promotes constipation and urinary problems.
- Is in a bad placeIf we put it near food, water, the bed, or in a room where the family spends a lot of time, the baby won't want to use it either, as it won't feel comfortable or calm. Ideally, it should be a quiet place, with privacy and little foot trafficSo that the home will be safer for the cat.
- it's too smallWe often buy a litter box for our kitten thinking that, even as it grows, it will continue to use it, but the truth is that an adult cat needs a litter box. adult sandboxThat is, one that is large enough so that it can turn around and dig without difficultyIt is also recommended that there be one litter box per cat plus one extra, distributed in different areas of the house.
- Harassment or conflictsThere may be other family members (cats, dogs, or even people) who don't leave the animal alone when it goes to the litter box. Each of us needs our own space. personal space...including our cat. If another animal bothers him, chases him, or waits for him outside, he may start to... avoid the tray and relieve themselves wherever they can or simply hold it in.
- He is afraidIf your dog has had a bad experience with or near the litter box (loud noises, falls, scolding, banging when moving the tray), they may associate it with something negative and stop using it. In these cases, it's very helpful to... change tray (buy a new, different one) and place it in a quieter spot. We can also spray the area with synthetic feline pheromones (like Feliway) or, if we can't get them, with spray catnip so that he feels attracted to his "new private bathroom". It is important to reinforce with cat treats near the litter boxso that he associates it with something positive.
Health problems that can prevent him from pooping
When the problem is that the cat does not defecate or does so with great difficultyWe almost always talk about constipationConstipation is not a disease in itself, but a symptom that something is wrong with your digestive system or your daily routine.
- Urine infectionsAlthough they primarily affect urination, they can cause the cat to spend a lot of time in the litter box and appear to be trying to defecate. If your cat has a urinary tract infection, it will have many problems urinatingYour urine may even contain bloodHe may sit or lie down on the tray, relieve himself (especially urinate) in other parts of the house, meow in pain, and licking the lower abdomen and the ano-genital area a lotIf we suspect a urinary tract infection, we must Take him to the vet immediately. and offer him a better quality diet, preferably Grain-free and with good moisture content.
- Hair ballsEspecially if they have medium-length or long hair, from grooming so much they can swallow it large amounts of hairtoo many to be expelled naturally. When this hair accumulates in the intestine, it can form trichobezoarswhich hinder the passage of stool. If we see that, in addition to not defecating, the child is gagging and/or vomiting, we can apply a little of malt Apply a small amount to their paw once a day to encourage them to lick it and help expel the hair, or follow your veterinarian's instructions regarding specific hairball products.
- Constipation due to poor dieta low-quality, very dry diet and low in fiber and moisture It promotes small, hard, and dry stools. Feeds with a lot of grains or poor-quality vegetable fillers can increase the risk of constipation and other health problems. To improve this, in addition to malt, it's important increase hydration with wet food and, if recommended by the veterinarian, use Gastrointestinal feeds rich in natural fiber.
- Intestinal obstruction by foreign bodyAlthough rare, a cat can ingest an object that becomes lodged in its intestine, such as thread, string, pieces of toys, or plastic. The most common symptoms are: Repeated vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, and loss of appetiteIn these cases, it is necessary urgent veterinary help to be able to return to their daily routine and, in some cases, surgery may be required.
- DehydrationCats naturally drink little, and if they also eat only dry food, the intestine reabsorbs too much water from the feces, making them watery. very hard and difficult to expelInadequate hydration also negatively affects urinary health. That's why it's key. Offer fresh water at various points throughout the house and combine the feed with wet food.
- Lack of exercise and obesityA sedentary lifestyle makes the intestines sluggish and causes stool to move more slowly. Overweight cats also tend to move less and may have physical difficulty assuming the correct posture in the litter box, which worsens the problem. Play with your cat every day and offer them interactive toys It helps to keep the digestive system active and prevent constipation.
- Chronic diseases: disorders such as chronic renal insufficiencyEndocrine diseases, joint pain (osteoarthritis, hip or spinal problems), or neurological disorders can contribute to both constipation and urinary retention. In older cats, constipation is very often the only issue. the tip of the iceberg of a more complex health problem, which is why a good veterinary check-up is essential.
Urinary problems: when the cat doesn't urinate
It's not just the poop that matters: your cat do not urinate If your baby urinates for more than 24 hours, or makes painful attempts in the litter box without success, it may indicate a problem. urinary obstruction or feline urological syndromeespecially in males. This situation is a medical emergencybecause retained urine causes toxins to accumulate in the blood and can endanger your life within a few hours.
Some common causes are:
- Formation of urinary crystals or stones that block the urethra.
- Feline idiopathic cystitis, closely related to the stress and changes in the environment.
- Inflammation of the urethrachronic dehydration or diets with an excess of certain minerals.
The most common warning signs are: the cat goes in and out of the litter box without urinating, it assumes the position but nothing comes out, meows in painHe licks his genital area insistently, has a hard or tender abdomen, hides, or is lethargic. If you notice any of these signs, the correct course of action is go immediately to the vet.
What should I do if my cat doesn't relieve itself?
As we can see, there are several reasons why a cat may stop relieving itself. Therefore, in addition to the advice we have given so far, we recommend always pay close attention to the feline to be able to detect any new and small details that may appear in your routine.
Some general guidelines that help both at the digestive and urinary levels are:
- Keep the sandbox spotlessRemove feces and urine daily, change the litter according to the type recommended by the manufacturer, and wash the litter box regularly. A dirty litter box encourages cats to avoid it, which worsens the problem.
- Check the type of sand and tray.Many cats dislike certain textures. strong perfumes or sudden changes in material. Introducing new sand in a way that progressive can prevent rejections.
- Ensure proper hydration: offer clean, fresh water at various points in the house, use moving water fountains and increase the proportion of wet food These are very effective measures to improve both bowel function and urinary health.
- Provide a quality diet: opt for foods formulated for the gastrointestinal or urinary healthWith quality protein, adequate fiber and fewer cereals, it helps to ensure stools have the correct consistency and reduces the formation of urinary crystals.
- Encourage exercise and playSpending a few minutes each day playing with your cat (simulated hunts with feathers, wands, balls, interactive toys) improves its physical condition, reduces stress, and stimulates intestinal motility.
- Reduce environmental stressSudden changes in the house, new pets, construction, noise, or a lack of hiding places can greatly upset a sensitive cat. stable routinesProviding high shelters, scratching posts, and quiet resting areas helps the cat feel safe and use its litter box normally.
This way we can help him recover quickly, but always keeping in mind that, before Symptoms include pain, lethargy, vomiting, blood in stool or urine, or several days without defecating.The only responsible option is to go to the veterinarian for a complete diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
small gestures Such as checking the litter box daily, respecting the cat's need for privacy, and providing proper food and hydration are small gestures that, together, make a big difference in preventing your companion from reaching situations of severe constipation, impactions, or dangerous urinary problems.
