So if your cat won’t urinate, then you can gently rub your cat’s inner thigh as well as the lower belly. This can help the cat to relax. Once you notice your cat getting more comfortable, add a little pressure while rubbing. This is another way of expressing your cat.
About cat bladder expression
A functioning bladder should be able to expand and release, fill and empty. Urine is squeezed out of the bladder through the urethra and out of the body through the urethral opening when a cat expresses their bladder with the help of an expresser’s hand. It is impossible to completely avoid mechanical irritation, and it gets worse the longer the bladder needs to be expressed. The idea is to empty the bladder as much as possible each time while being as gentle as possible to prevent harming the walls of the bladder.
A cat can be trained to express its bladder in two steps:
- Learning how to physically extract pee from the bladder is the first step. The environment, the cat’s posture, your handling technique, the spot you put your hand, and the way you move it to encourage the bladder to release and express pee are all important considerations.
- The second component involves mastering the “art” of bladder expression, which entails knowing how to manage your stress levels in relation to your cat, how to determine when the bladder is sufficiently empty, and how to recognize problems. Like any skill, your proficiency increases with practice.
We recommend that you always wear disposable gloves when expressing. In addition, please consult your veterinarian about the necessity of personal protective equipment (PPE) if you are working with a cat that has the potential to bite or scratch you. Also, be sure to keep your nails short. This will greatly improve the cat’s comfort level and simplify the process for you.
It’s crucial to keep your composure when releasing your cat’s bladder. You can never overestimate the impact your mood has on the cat. Of course, when you start learning, you might be nervous. Try your best to unwind and give the cat reassurance and comfort. It will be simpler for you and your cat to stay composed throughout the process the more you two collaborate. Additionally, a calm cat also has a relaxed bladder, which is much easier to empty than one that is tense.
You and your cat will both need to get used to this procedure. Their experience with you will differ even if other people have been expressing the cat for years. The cat will come to recognize you as the one who relieves their bladder. The cat may never enjoy it, but the process will go much more smoothly if you can picture yourself working with each other rather than against it. Even though your cat doesn’t seem to agree, think of it as teamwork. This is crucial since the cat will pick up on your attitude and adopt it as well.
It’s natural to worry about hurting the cat. See your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about how to tell when your cat is in pain or becoming overly stressed. As a general rule, if you’re worried, stop, take a break, and then resume. You will eventually be able to tell when your cat is comfortable and when you should stop, with the help of your veterinarian.
Your cat’s and your own physical needs and preferences will determine where you decide to let your cat relieve themselves. For example, you should choose a spot where you can stand if bending over hurts or is difficult for you.
You can express:
- onto a floor-based towel, litter box, or pee pad
- onto a towel or pee pad, or from a counter into a sink
- Into a toilet
To find a place that works for the two of you, some trial and error may be required. Remember that pee will probably get lost and wind up somewhere you don’t want it to, like on nearby objects or you Over time, this will decrease, but even the most seasoned expressers still have “accidents.” This is something to consider when choosing the location.
Ensure that the area you select is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized following each session. To prevent damage, if you choose to use a sink, make sure you always completely rinse the drainpipe with clear water.
Why Is My Cat Not Peeing?
When there is a physical issue with the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, cats may have trouble peeing.
Cancer
Cancer can affect any part of the urinary tract. It is possible for a tumor to grow to the point where it obstructs the urinary tract. Even when the cancer did not start in the urinary tract, certain types of cancer can damage the kidneys to the point where they are unable to produce urine.
FAQ
How can I help my cat urinate?
How long can a cat go without urinating?
How do you unblock a cat’s bladder?