Important note
FeliVitals is for tracking and organization. It does not diagnose FIC, rule out obstruction, recommend treatment, change medication, or replace veterinary care.
Urinary blockage warning
If your cat is straining and passing little or no urine, crying in the litter box, becoming distressed, vomiting, weak, or hiding, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Urethral obstruction can be life-threatening.
Who this guide is for
This page is for caregivers whose cat has FIC or lower urinary tract signs and who need clearer notes about litter box events, urine changes, symptoms, hydration and possible stress context.
What daily care may involve
Veterinary care may include exams, urinalysis, urine culture, imaging, pain control, environmental review, hydration support and rechecks. Because lower urinary tract signs can have different causes, accurate home notes are useful.
Symptoms worth recording
These signs do not diagnose FIC by themselves, but they are useful to record and discuss with your veterinarian:
- frequent litter box visits or small urine spots,
- straining, crying, licking or discomfort,
- blood in urine or urinating outside the box,
- changes in water intake, stress, routine or household activity,
- medication notes, appetite changes or hiding.
What you can track in FeliVitals
- Litter box sessions: record urination events, volume notes, blood notes, straining and accidents.
- Hydration: track oral water and related notes.
- Symptoms: record licking, discomfort, appetite, hiding and behavior changes.
- Context: keep daily notes about stress, routine changes or household events.
- Medications: log prescribed medications and missed doses.
A simple daily workflow
- Log each unusual litter box event as soon as you notice it.
- Add urine amount, blood, straining or accident notes.
- Record water intake and appetite when relevant.
- Add stress or routine context in daily notes.
- Bring the pattern to your veterinarian.
Prepare for your vet visit
A useful FIC visit summary may include timing of litter box visits, urine amount, blood notes, straining, accidents, hydration, stress context, medication history and urgent episodes.
Related FeliVitals resources
- Litter box tracking
- Hydration tracking
- Cat symptom tracker
- Free cat health tools
- Early litter box changes worth tracking
- How to track hydration and water intake
FAQ
Is straining always FIC?
No. Straining can happen with several urinary problems, including obstruction. A cat passing little or no urine needs urgent veterinary care.
Can I track stress context?
Yes. Daily notes can include routine changes, visitors, conflict, travel, litter box changes or other context you want to discuss.
Can FeliVitals replace a urinalysis?
No. It can organize observations, but testing and diagnosis must come from your veterinarian.