It can be...This definitely can be a urinary infection which can lead to crystals blocking her urinary tract and can turn deadly if left untreated. This is more true in males because their urethra is a lot smaller, but can happen in females as well.
The signs of an infection are frequent trips to the box with not a lot if anything coming out, or frequent accidents outside the box or straining. Also, there could be a pinkish tinge of blood in their urine. If she starts to cry or hiss, her belly swells, she starts hiding or she stops letting any urine out at all it is an emergency as her bladder could burst if she cannot urinate. Your kitty needs medical attention as soon as possible. They will take a urinalysis to confirm the condition, empty her bladder if needed, and give her some antibiotics. If there is a blockage and she cannot urinate, they will have to catheterize her and keep her overnight, so the sooner treatment is sought the better.. Depending on the type of infection, they may also recommend special foods to prevent it from recurring. Purina One Special Care is one, and Science Diet makes another. Also, any canned food should have an ash content of 3% or less. Please let me know how it goes. If you have any questions at all, please let me know, I will be happy to help!
Cat Care Expert
20+ years experience with Cat Care and behavior problems, 3 years Pet Rescue