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My cat can't pee after PU surgery, meds failed. What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 13 years and 3 months old | 19 lbs

My 13 y/o chubby male cat just had PU surgery 10 days ago but is still suffering from inflammation, urethral spasms, and unable to urinate on his own. They've had to put catheters in him 3 x's since his surgery. Prazosin is not working (he's been taking it for 1 month), we've tried Onzior with Valium for 3 days (that got him to pee once a day). But those were short term meds. He was then switched to Phenoxybenzamine along with xanax. That made him dizzy, very lethargic, dazed, diarrhea, vomited,

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on October 3rd, 2018

It sound like you have a great vet! Some cats are very hard to manage. You may discuss with your vet using steroids or placing a catheter for several days in a row and placing Georgie on IV fluids. Cerenia is an anti-nausea medication that can help with some types of inflammation. Adequan can also be used in cats with bladder issues, though it may take several weeks to be effective.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian
Published on December 2nd, 2018
I would have a vet take a look at him first thing Monday morning if he still hasn’t urinated and you are sure he hasn’t peed anywhere else in the house outside of the litter box. If he isn’t eating, not drinking, straining, crying out, or acting abnormal in any way, then I would take him in to the emergency clinic sooner. After a PU surgery he should be able to pee although he may have excessive swelling preventing it. If he peed while at the vet then he should be able to pee. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian
Published on June 23rd, 2017
She can recover if the Kidney failure is due to her not being able to urinate. I would talk to your vet about placing a urinary catheter if they think she has any sediment that could be preventing her from urinating. If they think she is have spasms in her urethra (she is trying to pee but not much comes out), I have had good luck with prazosin. It helps to relax the urethral muscle. My biggest concern would be WHY she can't urinate. But it is great news and a great sign that she ate!!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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