🐱My Cat Explains
Is it normal, or time for the vet?
Cats hide pain. This free 4-page checklist helps you spot the signs that matter, and how fast to act.
Get the checklist
What's inside
20 signs in 3 urgency levels
Each sign tells you how fast to act, and which source it comes from.
The litter box emergency
Why straining in the box, or suddenly peeing outside it, can't wait until tomorrow, especially in male cats.
A printable litter box log
Track what you see for a few days and bring it to your vet. Every sign is checked against Cornell, ASPCA, AVMA and VCA sources.
Questions
Will this tell me what's wrong with my cat?
No. It doesn't diagnose anything. It sorts common signs by how fast to act, so you know whether to call the vet now, book a visit, or watch and write down what you see.
Why does the litter box matter so much?
A cat straining in the box with little or no urine can have a blocked urethra. It's most common in male cats and can become life-threatening within a day or two. If you see it, go to a vet or emergency clinic now.
Is it free?
Yes. No payment and no card. The short emails that follow are optional, and every one has an unsubscribe link.
Not veterinary advice. In an emergency, contact your vet or an emergency animal hospital. Poison emergency: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply).