Urinary blockage in male cats: an emergency
A male cat straining without urine is a life-threatening emergency.
Male cats can fully block their urethra. Straining with little or no urine, crying, licking and vomiting require emergency vet care within hours. Prevent with more water, wet food, weight control and less stress.
Related breeds

Scottish Fold
Known for folded ears and an owl-like face; straight-eared kittens are called Scottish Straights.

British Shorthair
A round-faced, plush-coated cat (classically blue) that is calm and undemanding.

Persian cat
The iconic long-haired cat of Persia: the calmest of breeds, found in doll-face and peke-face types.

Exotic Shorthair
Essentially a short-haired Persian: the same sweet nature with an easy coat.
Related articles
Heatstroke and cold injury in pets
Heatstroke kills in minutes. Cool safely; prevent cold injury in winter.
Choking and CPR for dogs and cats
What to do when something is stuck or your pet stops breathing.
Wounds and bleeding: first aid
From cut paws to bite wounds: controlling bleeding and bandaging.