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General guidance — not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.
A urinary blockage in cats is a life-threatening emergency that can kill within 24–72 hours if untreated. Male cats — especially neutered males — are at the highest risk because of their anatomically narrow urethra. Immediate veterinary care is the only treatment: do not wait to see if it resolves.
Last reviewed: June 2026
For cat owners
An article can't ask about your cat.
Describe what you're seeing. You'll get a few follow-up questions about your cat, then where it lands — vet today, watch closely, or no visit needed — and what to do at home meanwhile.
What Is a Cat Urinary Blockage?
A urinary blockage (urethral obstruction) occurs when crystalline debris, mucus, or a small stone lodges in the urethra and prevents