Info Request

Hi Krista
Cats adopt a slightly different posture when passing a stool or when urinating. It will be of benefit if you can determine whether she is trying to urinate or defacate.
When urinating the cat will flatten the rear underside completely down on the litter with the tail held out flat and straight on the ground behind. The feet will tend to splay sideways. The genitals will be almost in contact with the litter.
When defacating the genitals and anal area will be raised up and not in contact with the litter, the tail will stand up above the litter and perhaps even be arched upwards. The back is usually arched.
Have a look in the litter tray and see if there is even a few drops of urine after the straining that might give me a clue.
I also need to know if she has ahad any problems like this before and what type of food she gets.
Please get back in contact soon with whether you feel it is urination or defacation she is having the trouble with and I'll discuss with you what you should do. If you can't work out which it is I'll discuss both options.
Hoping to hear from you soon, Peter