Why does my cat yell before using the litter box?

Your cat is usually yelling before the litter box because something about going potty hurts or feels stressful.

Most important causes:

• Urinary pain or blockage: UTIs, cystitis, bladder stones, or a blocked urethra can make peeing painful. A blockage is an emergency, especially in male cats, if they strain, cry, and little or no urine comes out.
• Constipation: Hard stool can cause pain before or during pooping.
• Arthritis or joint pain: Older cats may hurt when stepping into the box or squatting.

Other common causes:

• Dirty litter box, scented or rough litter
• Box too small, covered, or in a stressful spot
• Feeling vulnerable around other pets
• Some cats just vocalize habitually, but that’s less common

What to do:
Check whether they’re producing normal urine or stool, watch for blood, straining, or repeated box trips, and schedule a vet visit for any new change in behavior. If they keep trying to pee with little or nothing coming out, go to an emergency vet right away.