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Why is my cat still crying when peeing after stress cystitis & UTI?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 10 years and 6 months old | 19 lbs

What could my cat have? He was screaming and had bloody urine 6 weeks ago. Went to er vet was told he has stress cystitis. Went to reg vet next day and for two weeks did onsior and pain meds. Then he continued to cry in box but was urinating great. Urinalysis showed a uti so started anti biotics for 13 days. Those are done and 2nd urine test showed no infection. Thing is, he's still crying only when urinating once a day. What are we missing that could be wrong with him?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Rebecca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 20th, 2017

I'm sorry for the problems Duck is having. I would consider asking the vet to image his bladder with ultrasound or possibly X-ray to make sure he doesn't have bladder stones. He may also just have residual inflammation. Make sure that he can urinate as if he becomes blocked that can be life threatening.
Some therapies that can help may be prescription diets,
Cosequin supplement to decrease bladder inflammation and feliway if stress in a component. He may also need pain medication if still crying. Some veterinarians have had luck using a medication called cerenia for urinary issues. Feline urologic syndromes can be difficult to diagnose and treat in some cases.
Keep trying to help Duck feel better.

More info. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=612

Good luck

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Stress cystitis is VERY common and I agree with the presentation however, if xrays were not done he may have a urinary stone lodged in his urethra causing a blockage (may be partial), pain and discomfort. It is an emergency if he is producing little to no urine!

So, if no xrays have been done I would do that ASAP. If he has not had bloodwork that is imperative as well!

The other thing you may want to try is Feliway which is a product that reduces stress:

http://www.feliway.com/us/#redirected

Their website is an excellent source of information on how to use this product effectively. It really works wonders!

Finally, be sure you are making the necessary changes in the environment and he may need a special diet like Hill's c/d stress ( you will need to get that from your vet).

https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=612

I hope this information helps. Best wishes!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on December 9th, 2018
Usually is this diagnosis (which by far is the most common cause of feline cystitis) is established by ruling out other causes like urinary crystals or stones and urinary tract infections and possibly even urinary bladder tumors.
X rays and/or abdominal ultrasound, urine analysis are usually performed.
If it stress related the key factors of stress must be understood discussing them and if not removable or found medical treatment for stress can be eventually used.

Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. Please find the time to give us a feedback about the consultation as that will be used to improve our service.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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