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My cat isn't peeing after catheter removal for urinary crystals. Normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Siamese | Male | neutered

Hi! My cat recently got his catheter removed. We are prescribed to give him only dexamethasone together with his prescription diet to dissolve the crystals. During the nighr, he was able to pee. This morning he was able to pee small drops. Minutes later, when he's trying to urinate, nothing comes out. Is this normal?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Davis

Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on December 21st, 2018

It can be normal if the bladder is empty. It could also be a sign that he is obstructed again. If he’s painful, not eating or his abdomen is firm and painful please take him right in for a recheck. If there’s no urine in another six to twelve hours then that is an emergency and he’ll need to be seen right away for treatment again. Unfortunately sometimes the urethra is inflammed and can close up again once the catheter is removed. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Momo.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 28th, 2017

    I would get concerned if you see him straining to urinate or vocalizing when he goes to the litter box or if you see him taking a longer time in the litter box with very little urine output to show for it. If you see these things then it's important to take him to the ER vet right away. However, no it isn't necessarily abnormal for him to not urinate for more than 6hrs, especially if his bladder was recently completely emptied. Keep and eye on Mr. Whittles and seek veterinary care if you notice any of the symptoms above or if he is not producing urine for more than 12 hrs. I hope that everything works out well for Mr. Whittles. Best of luck and take care.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Vet Q & A
Is it normal for a cat to dribble pee and hide after unblocking?
Yes, this can be normal. Urinary blockage effects a cat's entire system and can make them feel very poorly. When the catheter is removed there is usually a fair bit of inflammation due to the catheter having been in place. The fact that he is producing urine is a good sign. You want to see him continue and start to produce more and more. If he appears to get duller or stop urinating take him back to the vet.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My cat won't eat or pee after UTI treatment. Is this normal?
Hi and thank you for submitting your question about Moustachio (neat name!). His lack of urination for 12 hours is concerning. If he really has gone 12 hours without any urination, you will need to take him back into your veterinarian's office. Male cats do tend to get mucous plugs or stones which can block the urethra and lead to difficulty or the inability to urinate. Not eating or drinking anything either in 12hours is also a concern that needs to be addressed today with the veterinarian who saw and treated Moustachio yesterday. I hope this has helped. Best of luck.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Food & Nutrition
Cat peeing drops after catheter removal: Is it normal? How long? Food?
The special food should help a lot, it is highly recommended. he should get back to normal within a week, it's quite normal for him to urinate in drips in the first few days as the urethra is likely to be inflamed and swollen.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
Cat had urinary catheter. What signs to watch for & when will he eat?
If he still has the catheter in, I would monitor it for any blockages, the bag not filling, etc. If the catheter is removed, I would keep an eye for signs of any returning blockage, not urinating at all, painful abdomen, straining to go, vomiting, vocalization, etc. if he was under anesthesia/sedation while the catheter was in, it may take about 24 hours before he feels recovered enough to start eating and drinking normally again.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
Male cat catheter: Bloody urine & mucus. Is it normal? When removed?
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm so sorry this happened to Smeagol! The blood and mucous or mineral material you describe are common for blocked cats. Usually the catheter remains in place until the urine is a normal yellow color. Usually 3-4 days is sufficient. Ideally, Smeagol will also get antibiotics to prevent an infection from the catheter and medications for pain and urethral spasm. I recommend calling or visiting your vet if you have further questions. Best wishes to you and Smeagol!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
Cat urinary blockage: How much should he pee? When to go to ER?
Poor Atticus! Urinary blockage effects a cat's entire system and can make them feel very poorly. When the catheter is removed there is usually a fair bit of inflammation due to the catheter having been in place. If he is producing urine, that is a good sign. You want to see him continue and start to produce more and more. If he appears to get duller or stop urinating take him back to the vet. I hope this helps!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Training & Behavior
My cat with bladder crystals is in the tub. Should I be worried?
It may indicate that something is off, but I would only be concerned if he was showing signs of being obstructed. If he is straining to urinate and you have not seen urine in the past 24 hours, then I would recommend an urgent visit to the vet. Otherwise, I recommend just monitoring him for any of the above signs of obstruction. I hope that helps and all is well with Pinky.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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