How long can cats hold their pee? This is probably what you are asking yourself. A normal cat should be able to pee two to four times a day.
For this to happen every day, you need to give your cat a proper diet. Experts recommend that cats pee between 24 and 48 hours if they have taken enough fluids in their diets.
Cats’ bladder functions all the time. If your feline friend holds pee for 48-72 hours, this can be a major problem. Holding pee for all those hours can put your cat at risk of injuries or even death because of toxin accumulation.
How Often Should a Cat Pee?
It’s tough to tell since every cat has its own way of peeing. Some pee two times a day, while others pee three to four times a day. This depends on what the cat is feeding on and how often it takes water. When you see your cat is peeing less than normal, it’s always good to know why.
You can always try to stop your cat from holding their pee by giving them wet foods or canned foods if they do not take enough water. This food is rich in fluids.
But if still, they do not pee as required, then don’t hesitate to seek help. Alternatively, you can address their hydration needs if you have cat water fountains.
How Can You Tell a Cat Wants to Pee?
Some cats do the squatting when they want to pee. If you see the squatting, you should be able to know they want to release themselves.
The ones who have a litter box will go straight to their trash carton. Those who do not have will look for soft places to do their peeing, especially in a hidden corner.
Some other cats will cry out loud when they want to pee. They always cry when they are not able to get access to their cat litter box. Ensure you put the trash container where they can access it.
How Long Can Cats Hold Their Pee?
Cats can stay without peeing for 24 to 48 hours, even after regular eating and feeding. It’s crucial to monitor to see if pee holding still goes on. This is because if they do not release themselves for too long, it will be hazardous.
It will be very dangerous since these wastes accumulate, which may lead to serious illness or death.
However, the holding of pee will make the urine concentrated, which you will only be able to see after your cat has released. The urine becomes concentrated when the cat lacks water. This leads to the formation of crystals.
The crystals formed will block the urethra, which will prevent urine from passing. You will only be able to identify when your cat is suffering from urinary tract infection (UTI) by seeing the following signs;
Hiding – your cat will be hiding whenever he wants to pee.
Crying out in pain – they will cry because they will be experiencing some pains when they want to pee.
Straining – they strain when attempting to urinate. Spanking below the base of the tail
You will be able to see some blood in their urine as well. Some cats will be holding their pee for sometimes when there is dirt or too much leftover food is in their litter box.
They are not able to pee because they feel they are not in the right environment. This will happen if you were cleaning the litter box before then it reaches a point you stopped.
They need a clean place where they will be able to breathe clean air. They don’t want stinking leftover food that will scare them away hence making them uncomfortable. Besides, they will not get into unclean litter box because they are afraid of making their paws dirty.
An overweight cat will hold their pee for some time. This is to say they will not be peeing as normal. When you see the cats are adding more weight, ensure you bring their weight to a suitable level.
Once they reach an average weight, they will be able to carry on. This is to means they will not be lazing around by sleeping most of the time. But they will be taking their food and water much often as before; hence will often be peeing.
What Causes a Cat to Stop Peeing?
Several things can prevent your cat from peeing. Some of them include:
1.Stress
When a cat is taken to a new place or a new pet is introduced in the house. The cat will get stressed. Some cats will get used to the new place and the pet introduced. While to other cats, it will take along.
When they remain stressed for long, this may lead to urinary problems. This urinary problem, if not treated earlier, the cats won’t be able to pee normally and die.
2.Arthritis
When the cartilage that encloses and protects the bones are worn out, arthritis is formed. This arthritis affects the cat’s joints.
You will only be able to identify the disease only through the movement of your cats. For example, the cats will have a problem while standing, less movement, and joint swells.
This disease is commonly found in old cats. However, this disease can also occur due to injuries. Your cat will be stressed hence not able to pee if not treated earlier.
3.Illness
When your cat is sick, especially if he is suffering from feline lower urinary tract disease, his urethra will be affected; hence will stop peeing.
This illness makes the bladder not to release urine-making blockage due to the formation of toxins.
Final Words
Since cats do not show any indications when they are not feeling well, it’s crucial to look at their activities. You will be able to see when your cat is not drinking or eating as before.
You will see their movement is limited, spending much of their time sleeping instead of playing. It’s is good to monitor to see if they still pee and poo normal.
If you notice some blood present in their urine or yellowish color, you should take your cats to see a vet. The earlier, the better because you will know when it is late.