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Why is my cat howling, in pain, not peeing, and has cloudy pee?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 2 years and 7 months old | 10 lbs

My cat has started howling lately as if his tummy hurts. Hes been using the bathroom less and not going in his litter box. I think he's been eating ok or at least I saw him eat yesterday. His urine looks cloudy (maybe milky would be a better way to describe it). He's clearly in pain and I think he feels bloated. All the veterinarian offices that I know of are closed today.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 22nd, 2017

I would call around the clinics to find a vet on call. There is typically a vet on call on weekends to see emergencies, and the information to reach one is found on their answering machine. This is a medical emergency, and Chewy needs to see a vet now. When a cat starts howling, using the bathroom less, not going in the litter box, and has cloudy urine, those are signs of a UTI or bladder stones. Bladder stones can block his urethra, and that is fatal without treatment. Please find a vet on call to see him now, or take him into an ER vet.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on March 19th, 2020
Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Sebastain. I'd be concerned he does have an issue with his bladder such as feline idiopathic cystitis or bladder stones. The big concern is that if he has bladder stones, those could easily block his urethra, which is fatal without treatment. He needs to see a vet for this. If he is very lethargic, tries to urinate but can't, is howling and crying when trying to urinate, only urinates very small amounts, goes to the litter box multiple times, you see blood in his urine, or is urinating outside the litter box, take him into a vet immediately. Otherwise, have him seen by a vet in the morning. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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