A relatively common medical issue in cats is urinary blockage. Cats suffering from a urinary blockage are unable to pass urine properly, which means they cannot fully empty their bladder. This condition is seen most often in male cats due to the structure of their urinary tract and should always be treated as a medical emergency.
Urinary blockages are usually caused by crystals, stones, or plugs that obstruct the flow of urine. The seriousness of this condition is often underestimated, as many owners are unfamiliar with it and may assume their cat is dealing with a simple bladder infection. Unfortunately, if a urinary blockage is not treated quickly, it can become fatal in a very short period of time.
Causes
There are several possible causes of urinary blockage in cats. One common cause is a physical obstruction, such as a urinary stone or a urethral plug. Blockages can also occur when the urinary tract becomes abnormally narrow due to conditions such as inflammation, cancer, or scar tissue. In some cases, urethral spasms may also prevent urine from passing normally.
Studies show that the most common cause of urinary obstruction in cats is the presence of urethral inflammation plugs. In one study, these plugs were responsible for urinary blockage in around 60 percent of affected cats. Urinary stones accounted for approximately 20 percent of cases, while about 5 percent were caused by other conditions that resulted in an abnormally narrow urinary tract. In the remaining cases, no clear underlying cause was identified.
Symptoms
Symptoms of urinary blockage can range from mild to severe. In the early stages, symptoms may sometimes resolve on their own, but they often return quickly. During the early stage of a blockage, a cat may show the following signs:
- Straining to urinate
- Blood in urine
- Increase in meowing in discomfort and meowing in pain when urinating
- Frequent urination
- Urinating outside the box
- Licking their behind
A cat with an obstruction that has progressed may show these symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Restless
- Inability to stand
- Hide in discomfort
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
It is important to remember that cats are very good at hiding pain and discomfort. If your cat shows any of these symptoms, they should always be taken seriously and assessed by a veterinarian. Do not wait to see if the symptoms resolve on their own, as delaying treatment can have serious consequences.
Treatment
A cat with a urinary obstruction requires emergency treatment. A catheter is placed into the urethra to flush out the obstruction and allow urine to pass. The bladder is then flushed and drained through the catheter. In most cases, the catheter is left in place for several days until the swelling of the urethra has reduced. Once the catheter is removed, the cat is kept under observation to ensure they are able to urinate normally.
When the cat is ready to go home, the veterinarian may prescribe pain medication, specialised diets designed to reduce crystal formation in the urine, or other medications to keep the cat comfortable. If bladder stones are identified as the cause of the obstruction, surgical removal may be necessary.
Cats that experience recurring urethral obstructions will usually require further testing to identify the underlying cause and determine whether the condition can be managed medically. If a cat has repeated obstructions that cannot be resolved or managed with medication, and no other underlying health issues are present, a perineal urethrostomy may be recommended. This surgical procedure widens the urethra, allowing crystals, plugs, and small stones to pass more easily instead of causing an obstruction.
Veterinarians recommend that any cat straining in the litter tray should be seen by a vet as soon as possible. Cats that have experienced a urinary obstruction once are at a higher risk of recurrence. While preventive measures can be taken, they cannot fully guarantee that another obstruction will not occur. If stones were the cause of the obstruction, a specialised diet may be prescribed to help reduce crystal formation. Depending on the type of stones or crystals present, these diets often contain controlled levels of minerals such as phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium.
Prevention
One important preventive measure cat owners can take to reduce the risk of urinary obstruction is ensuring their cat stays properly hydrated. Adequate water intake and regular urination help flush the urinary system and reduce the buildup of crystals. Because cats can be selective about drinking, it may help to encourage water intake by offering a drinking fountain. Some cats also enjoy drinking from a running tap.
Feeding a diet with a high moisture content can further reduce the risk of urinary blockage. Wet food contains significantly more moisture than dry kibble. A raw diet can also be a good option, as it naturally contains higher moisture levels compared to dry food.
Stress has also been linked to the development of urinary stones and crystals. Factors such as changes in daily routine, living in multi cat households, or other environmental changes can increase stress levels and raise the risk of urinary issues. By keeping your cat’s stress levels as low as possible, you can help reduce the likelihood of urinary obstruction.
Conclusion
Urinary obstruction is a common health issue in cats that can become life threatening very quickly. By closely monitoring your cat’s litter tray habits, you gain valuable insight into their overall health. Recognising the early signs and seeking veterinary care immediately can prevent serious complications and save your cat’s life.
Through this article, we hope to have informed cat owners about urinary obstruction, how to recognise the warning signs, and what steps can be taken to reduce the risk of it developing. Early awareness, proper hydration, stress management, and appropriate nutrition all play an important role in prevention.
When your cat is in our care, our experienced cat sitters carefully monitor elimination habits and provide daily updates on urination and defecation. They are trained to recognise signs of concern and will act promptly if anything appears abnormal. If you would like to learn more about our cat sitting or cat relocation services, feel free to contact us. We will be happy to help and support you and your cat.