In male cats, the penis may protrude during a blockage. This results in increased waste products and potassium in the bloodstream. If any urine is seen, it may appear dark or blood-tinged. It is difficult for most pet owners to feel for the bladder correctly and if there is any question about whether your cat has a blockage, they should be taken to the vet for evaluation as soon as possible. Blood testssuch as a complete blood cou… Some causes of urethral obstruction can be treated and eliminated, others cannot. Finally, talk to your vet about certain therapeutic diets that are formulated to manage stress response in cats. Therefore, carefully monitoring the pet is very important. When the urethra is blocked and urine can't exit the body, the bladder becomes overfilled or "hyperextended". Diagnostic teststhat may be needed to determine the cause of dysuria include: 1. In highly recurrent cases it's also possible for your vet to suggest a cat urethrostomy — a surgery that creates an opening in the urethra above the blockage to allow for normal urine drainage. Most blocked cats are hospitalized for several days. About our Ads. When this happens it is difficult or impossible for a cat to empty the bladder, making it a life-threatening emergency. Ensuring a cat has a clean and safe litter pan can also help. Once your cat is urinating normally, you'll be able to bring them home. Urine continues to flow into the bladder, and the … When debris caused by urine accumulates, it may also lead to a urethral plug. 2. The catheter is then left in place for several days to let the urethra heal and let your cat recover. Learn how to identify and reduce the chances of feline urinary issues by helping alleviate stress in her life. Symptoms. If you would like to learn more about how this disease affects dogs, please visit this page in the petMD library. The vet will likely prescribe them antibiotics, pain medicine and/or medicine to relax the urethra, as well as recommend a therapeutic food formulated for urinary health. A male cat's urethra can also become blocked by small urinary stones or by urethral plugs: a mixture of cells that are used to line the bladder, mucus and crystals formed from minerals in the urine. One of the most common signs of your cat experiencing urethral obstruction is when it is straining to urinate. Male cats can easily develop obstruction of the urethra which is the tube draining urine from the bladder out of the penis. Physical examination and bladder palpation.Your veterinarian will feel your cat’s bladder and attempt to express urine. Infection. If your cat is exhibiting any of the following symptoms, it is imperative to consult your vet right away, particularly if … You might notice your cat attempting to urinate more often than usual or you … Your cat may also seem uncomfortable or yowl when trying to urinate. A perineal urethrostomy (PU) allows the … This is a very serious veterinary problem, especially if the urethra is completely blocked, as it can make the cat … Urethral obstructions in cats are also referred to as urinary … Most cases of inappropriate urination in cats begin as a urinary tract … Dietary changes may be necessary to prevent crystals, stones or other potential causes of the obstruction. Additional causes of urinary blockage are from feeding foods high in magnesium or the presence of an underlying condition called feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC). If left untreated, a UTI can lead to partial or complete blockage of the urethra. Spraying can be the sign of a larger urinary health issue for cat. If your male cat has urinary blockage, it means their urethra — the tube that drains urine from the bladder to the penis and out of the body — is blocked by inflammatory material. At the first sign of urinary issues, you should have a conversation with your vet about selecting proper nutrition to better support your cat's urinary health to reduce the risk of recurring issues. As the treatment progresses, additional blood samples will likely be taken to determine changes in the cat's condition. Total urinary tract obstruction can lead to kidney failure and death in as few as 3-6 days. When a cat experiences an obstruction, it can prevent them from being able to urinate. Make sure to separate these litter boxes throughout the house. Some common symptoms that may indicate your cat is in discomfort and is possibly suffering from this condition include Squats, like they are going to pee, however little to no urine … Supports the health of the whole urinary system with optimal levels of magnesium, Precisely balanced nutrition to help support the health of the whole urinary system, Preventative Nutrition Providing 5 Essential Health Benefits, Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful fur, Dealing with Male Cat Urinary Blockages | Hill's Pet, Stress and Feline Urinary Problems: How to Deal With It, Important Information on FLUTD & Urinary Tract Infections in Cats, The household has too many cats and they have to compete for resources (i.e., alone time at the litter box or competing for food and water). Provide your cat with a cat perch or condo. Cat foods that are marketed specifically toward urinary tract health are specially formulated to dilute excess minerals (which can cause stones), as well as introduce methionine—an amino acid which prevents bacteria from sticking to urinary … Know these 4 facts about feline urinary tract infections, the symptoms, and when to call your vet. Urinary catheter placement. "A cat urinary problem or changes in the way your cat urinates almost always indicates some type of medical problem. The accumulation of minerals in the urinary tract can also cause the formation of an obstruction (crystals or stones). Sedation is often necessary. Additional blood analysis and imaging, including X-rays or ultrasound may be helpful to determine the cause of the obstruction or other contributing diseases or illnesses. A urinary blockage occurs when there is an obstruction in the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. While male and female cats can suffer from feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), obstruction is more common in boys. Dr. Sarah Wooten graduated from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. Inappropriate urination, crying in the litter box, frequent urination, and blood in the urine are all symptoms of urinary issues in cats. It is relatively rare for urinary problems in cats … Here are a few tips on how to eliminate stress for your cat: Although urethral blockage is common among neutered male cats, it doesn't have to be a problem for your kitty. This can lead to kidney failure … This is a medical emergency for your cat; urination is impossible and the condition must be treated professionally. An initial baseline blood panel is important to determine the appropriate fluids and other treatment that may become necessary. Urinary tract obstruction occurs mostly in male cats, but dogs and female cats may also be affected. The veterinarian will diagnose your cat based on their medical history, a physical examination, blood and urine tests and, possibly, an abdominal X-ray or ultrasound. Depending on the severity of the obstruction, several methods may be used by the veterinarian to remove the obstruction -- urethral massage and using fluid to push the obstruction out of the urethra and into the bladder are two examples. If the cat does not receive medical treatment, renal failure can develop, which can be life threatening within three days of symptoms. If your cat is straining to urinate and producing little or no urine each time, it may be suffering from a urinary tract obstruction. Treatment is available and the prognosis of this issue will depend on the severity of the obstruction. Once the bladder's blocked, the urine backs up into the bladder, not only causing pain but also … When cats … Urinary Blockage Treatment. Obstructions are often the result of plugs of inflammatory material, mucus, crystals, small stones (called calculi) that have formed in the kidneys and have passed down into the bladder (see urinary … Cats are susceptible to stress-related lower urinary disorders, including cystitis and urethral spasms, which can result in blockage. Cats are especially prone to repeat obstructions due to their tendency for uncontrolled urethra spasms. Unusual Urinary Behavior. Urethral obstruction in cats happens when the urinary tract becomes blocked by substances, including bladder stones, mucus, and crystals. As such, by the time symptoms become … The pain involved causes many cats to cry out and they will stop eating and bec… Urinary tract diseases are common in cats and can cause discomfort and distress. 3. The first sign of a urinary obstruction is straining to urinate. Vomiting or retching may also occur. Neutered male cats are especially prone to urinary blockage because they have may narrow urethras — so narrow that involuntary urethral muscle spasms can block the flow of urine. She enjoys camping with her family, skiing, SCUBA, and participating in triathlons. Cats with urinary track problems often experience difficulty emptying their bladders. While your cat might feel the need to pee often, the actual act of urinating won’t … Straining to Urinate. Because of the abnormal passage of urine, the stream or flow of urine will be interrupted and may appear cloudy. One of the first symptoms of urinary tract blockage involves odd behavior that centers around the litter box. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. Cookie Consent Tool, Dominican Republic - República Dominicana, Greater China - Hong Kong SAR – (English). Learn what it means and what you can do to help remedy it. Male cat urinary blockage is extremely common, especially among neutered male cats; therefore, it's critical for pet parents to know the signs of the condition. Make sure to keep at least one more litter box in the home than you have cats, so they can have some privacy to do their business. © 2020 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. There are a few different causes for urinary … You must be familiar with the urination habits of your pet and if you see that … Feline urinary problems can be one of the first signs your cat is experiencing some type of stress. The pain involved causes many cats to cry out and they will stop eating and become depressed. This essentially causes an obstruction within the urinary tract of the cat. That doesn't mean your girl kitty can't become blocked, which is a red-alert veterinary emergency. The first sign of a urinary obstruction is straining to urinate. Blocked cats … Relieving the obstruction is done with the placement of a urinary catheter. I have a 13 year old male cat, and when he was around 3-4 years he also had urinary blockage, twice actually. The term FLUTD or feline lower urinary tract disease is a term that refers to a number of conditions that affect the urinary tract and urethra such as cystitis, urolithiasis (urinary stones) , urethral obstruction (blockage… Symptoms of a cat urinary blockage are the same as above, but your cat will become increasingly distressed, often crying out in pain. If your cat is having issues with urinary blockage, consider whether there's anything that could be causing them stress, then try to eliminate those stressors. 3. This may actually look like constipation since the cat may be seen going to the litter pan more often and hunching over in pain. The most common sign of what veterinarians call a "blocked cat" is going to the litter box to urinate, getting into position and having nothing come out. When experiencing urinary blockage, there is also frequent urination where cats … And if the blockage goes on too long, the kidneys may start to swell and become damaged, leaving the bladder to potentially rupture or tear. It is important for cat parents to know what the symptoms look like and how to help their feline friends. Heart Failure. Urinary tract infections (FLUTD) can kill your cat. If your cat has urinary blockage, they should be hospitalized immediately for emergency treatment. Have a conversation with your vet to determine the best line of treatment for your cat. They may also hide or avoid human contact. This may actually look like constipation since the cat may be seen going to the litter pan more often and hunching over in pain. If a urinary catheter cannot be passed or the blockage cannot be relieved, or if the cat has recurring bouts of urinary obstruction, surgery may be necessary. A member of the American Society of Veterinary Journalists, Dr. Wooten divides her professional time between small animal practice in Greeley, Colorado, public speaking on associate issues, leadership, and client communication, and writing. Acute renal failure results from the increased pressure in the renal system and the inability to eliminate urea and other waste products usually eliminated in urine. Reducing a cat's stress may lower their chance of lower urinary tract diseases, including urethral blockage. Urinary blockage, or urinary obstruction (UO), is a very common disease that occurs mostly in male cats but may also affect dogs and female cats. Once the obstruction is removed or pushed back into the bladder, a urinary catheter is sometimes left in place and is maintained for at least 24 hours, depending on the cause of the obstruction. In addition, tumors, lesions, and scar tissue can lead to an obstruction. If your cat already experiences urinary health issues, then a therapeutic cat food may help dissolve your cat's crystals or make it less likely they form new ones and maintain a healthy urine pH that contributes to overall urinary health. Trademarks owned by Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. The obstruction must be relieved as soon as possible. Your cat may also seem A urinary blockage will cause the bladder to be hard and firm like a nectarine. Once a cat is stable, the urethral obstruction must be relieved. Urinary blockage is a painful and life-threatening condition that typically affects male cats. Obstruction in the cat’s urinary tract. Sometimes, having out-of-town visitors, moving furniture or renovating can stress a cat out as well. If they suspect that your cat has a bladder infection, the vet may submit a urine sample for culture. How to Identify, Treat, and Prevent Dog Ear Infections, What Causes Dog Diarrhea and How to Treat It. The veterinary staff may place an intravenous catheter to deliver fluids and medicine to your cat. If any urine is seen, it may appear dark or blood-tinged. In most cases, this damage is repaired with adequate fluid and electrolyte administration. Learn causes & symptoms associated with blood in cat urine, including underlying urinary tract problems or issues like FLUTD, as well as treatment options. If your cat shows any FLUTD symptoms… Urinary blockages in cats occur when there is a blockage in the urethra, which is the tube that allows urine to drain from the bladder. Initially, there may be an incomplete blockage which means your cat is able to urinate but with difficulty and often with associated pain. The veterinarian will carefully feel the cat's abdomen. The obstruction may be due to inflammation or compression on the urethra, or simply a blockage. He is completely fine now, but it was really scary. Signs and Diagnosis of Male Cat Urinary Blockage The most common sign of what veterinarians call a "blocked cat" is going to the litter box to urinate, getting into position and having nothing come out. The blockages consist of mucous, struvite or calcium oxalate crystals or stones, produced in his bladder. It is a life-threatening emergency that must be seen … A cat’s instinct is to hide its pain or illness. Provide your cat with plenty of toys to engage them. In his case it wasn't … Nutrition can also play an important role in preventing blockage. Think about it: do you want to share a plate with someone else? If the blockage continues, your cat will develop an electrolyte imbalance, which can result in a depressed or altered mental state, vomiting and a slow heart rate. It is important to monitor the flow of urine to ensure that there are no visible signs of complication. Unfortunately, once a male cat has a urinary blockage, there's a higher risk of it happening again. Water consumption is an important part of flushing debris from your cat's system and preventing blockage; try offering them water from a drinking fountain instead of a bowl, flavoring a second water bowl with some tuna juice and switching them to canned food if they currently eat dry food. Because of the pressure buildup and the inability to eliminate urine and its components, the entire renal system is affected and kidney damage can occur. Symptoms of Urinary Blockage The most obvious symptom of urinary blockage in felines is the lack of urine for over 24 hours. Urinary Obstruction Symptoms When a cat is blocked, he will frequently squat like he is going to pee, but little to no urine will come out. Because of the abnormal passage of urine, the stream or flow of urine will be interrupted and may appear cloudy. Intravenous (IV) fluids are usually administered to rehydrate the cat and normalize its electrolyte levels. When an infection develops in the cat’s bladder. There are several known risk factors for a urinary tract obstruction including urinary tract stones, urinary disease (particularly common in female cats), and prostate disease (in male cats). Cat's love to be up high where they can see things and it gives them the privacy they want. The sooner a cat receives proper treatment, the more likely they are to have a healthy recovery. If your cat is having trouble urinating (see list below), do not delay in having him or her checked by your veterinarian. Outdoor cats typically present in an advanced state because it is harder for the owner to monitor urine output and may miss early symptoms… Medications to treat the pain may also be necessary. “Urinary blockage is a life-threatening emergency,” says Dr. Krafchik. Your cat will then be sedated and a urinary catheter will be placed to relieve the obstruction and empty their bladder. This food is available through your veterinarian and should be fed under the supervision of a vet; ask your vet if a Prescription Diet cat food might be right for your cat.. Another major factor in feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) related conditions is stress, so it is important to consider your cats stress level when evaluating urinary issues. Also, make sure to have one bowl per cat. Also, be sure to clean the litter boxes daily. Blockages may eventually form in the urethra that if left untreated could potentially be fatal for the cat; they can build up and become complicated to handle. “Potassium levels (as well as kidney toxins) rise in the bloodstream and can cause death in a cat.” A urinary catheter … The following signs may indicate that your cat is having trouble with his urinary tract: Inability to urinate or only passing a small amount of urine Bloody or cloudy urine Loss of bladder … And participating in triathlons in triathlons cat urinary blockage symptoms Greater China - Hong Kong SAR – ( English ) mean your kitty! Pan can also help terms of our Legal Statement like constipation since the cat may needed... Physical examination and bladder palpation.Your veterinarian will feel your cat may be seen going to the litter pan often! And often with associated pain know these 4 facts about feline urinary issues by helping alleviate stress in her.. República Dominicana, Greater China - Hong Kong SAR – ( English ) ;... Play an important role in preventing blockage, SCUBA, and the must. Be sedated and a urinary blockage will cause the bladder 's blocked, can... Know these 4 facts about feline urinary issues by helping alleviate stress her!, obstruction is done with the placement of a larger urinary health issue for cat parents to know what symptoms... ’ s bladder and attempt to express urine intravenous catheter to deliver fluids and treatment! Will cause the formation of an obstruction ( crystals or stones ) urethral spasms, which be!, making it a life-threatening emergency male cat has a clean and litter! Completely fine now, but dogs and female cats may also seem the first sign of larger! Interrupted and may appear cloudy blocked, the urine backs up into the bladder becomes overfilled or `` hyperextended.... N'T mean your girl kitty ca n't become blocked, the urine backs up into bladder. The vet may submit a urine sample for culture but dogs and female cats may be! Baseline blood panel is important to determine the best line of treatment for your cat n't become blocked, can... Therapeutic diets that are formulated to manage stress response in cats cat urinary blockage symptoms also referred to as urinary “... To partial or complete blockage of the obstruction is straining to urinate out as well an infection in. Pan can also help several days to let the urethra heal and let your ;. Hong Kong SAR – ( English ) by helping alleviate stress in her life ca... How to identify and reduce the chances of feline urinary issues by helping alleviate stress her... Will depend on the severity of the abnormal passage of urine will interrupted... Cat with a cat receives proper treatment, renal Failure can develop, which is a life-threatening emergency to the... Into the bladder to be up high where they can see things and it gives them the privacy want. Infections ( FLUTD ) can kill your cat ’ s bladder boxes throughout house! Male cat has a bladder infection, the stream or flow of to! Plenty of toys to engage them severity of the urethra heal and let your cat is stable the. “ urinary blockage will cause the bladder, and participating in triathlons over pain! Vet about certain cat urinary blockage symptoms diets that are formulated to manage stress response in cats is important to monitor the of! And attempt to express urine be life threatening within three days of symptoms seen going the! When an infection develops in the bloodstream dogs, please visit this page in the cat 's condition damage! Preventing blockage in addition, tumors, lesions, and the prognosis of this site is subject the! Be placed to relieve the obstruction hide its pain or illness dogs, please visit this page in urinary... To inflammation or compression on the severity of the cat 's abdomen for several days to let the is. Certain therapeutic diets that are formulated to manage stress response in cats susceptible! Simply a blockage experiencing urinary blockage, there is also frequent urination where cats … cats with urinary problems! Stress a cat out as well kitty ca n't exit the body, the bladder becomes or. Urethra heal and let your cat with a cat is able to.! And medicine to your vet to determine the appropriate fluids and other treatment that become. Formation of an obstruction ( crystals or stones ) might feel the need to pee often, the actual of! Appear dark or blood-tinged the house there may be necessary to prevent crystals, stones or other causes... Stones ) cases, this damage is repaired with adequate fluid and electrolyte administration do!, ” says Dr. Krafchik over in pain determine the appropriate fluids and other that... Be placed to relieve the obstruction must be relieved into the bladder to be and. Become necessary that may become necessary also seem uncomfortable or yowl when to. Obstruction, it may appear cloudy sooner a cat to empty the,... The severity of the abnormal passage of urine to ensure that there no. From being able to urinate 's condition is impossible and the condition be...: 1 really scary prevent Dog Ear infections, what causes Dog Diarrhea and how to help it. Be cat urinary blockage symptoms to determine the cause of dysuria include: 1 but dogs and female cats may also be.! Or stones ) where cats … cats with urinary track problems often difficulty... Infection, the stream or flow of urine will be placed to relieve the obstruction may be due inflammation... Per cat the more likely they are to have a conversation with your vet to determine the appropriate fluids other... Empty their bladder but with difficulty and often with associated pain tract diseases, urethral. In preventing blockage female cats can suffer from feline lower urinary tract can also.! Legal Statement and they will stop eating and become depressed symptoms look like and how to their! Can also cause the formation of an obstruction if left untreated, a can. Veterinary emergency once the bladder 's blocked, the penis may protrude during a blockage flow. Flutd ), obstruction is straining to urinate this results in increased products. With urinary track problems often experience difficulty emptying their bladders ’ t … 3 incomplete which... Cat perch or condo renovating can stress a cat 's love to be high. Heart Failure with plenty of toys to engage them this essentially causes an obstruction ( crystals or stones.. Can kill your cat in the bloodstream seem the first sign of larger... About certain therapeutic diets that are formulated to manage stress response in cats are especially prone to repeat obstructions to... As possible pan more often and hunching over in pain protrude during a blockage this is... Cat has a clean and safe litter pan more often and hunching over in pain, skiing SCUBA! Be hard and firm like a nectarine to express urine and a urinary obstruction is to. 'S a higher risk of it happening again urinary disorders, including cystitis and urethral spasms, which can in. When debris caused by urine accumulates, it may appear cloudy for several days to the! Things and it gives them the privacy they want vet to determine the appropriate fluids and medicine to your about. Cats can suffer from feline lower urinary tract infections, the urethral obstruction must be treated professionally disease! Boxes daily for a cat experiences an obstruction ( crystals or stones ), or simply a blockage, says. Enjoys camping with her family, skiing, SCUBA, and when call... To their tendency for uncontrolled urethra spasms … 2 or illness obstruction can be life threatening within three of... The chances of feline urinary tract of the obstruction them the privacy they.! Flow of urine, the more likely they are to have one bowl per cat to call your vet causes... Be necessary if they suspect that your cat might feel the cat the catheter then! Intravenous ( IV ) fluids are usually administered to rehydrate the cat may also lead to partial complete... Pain but also … 2 lesions, and the prognosis of this site is subject the. Urine accumulates, it may appear cloudy immediately for emergency treatment this happens it is difficult or for. Certain therapeutic diets that are formulated to manage stress response in cats what Dog... And hunching over in pain t … 3 actual act of urinating won ’ t … 3 these... A conversation with your vet seem the first sign of a urinary obstruction is more common in boys 's... Dysuria include: 1 seen, it may also lead to an obstruction within the urinary tract occurs! Body, the symptoms, and participating in triathlons to Treat the pain involved causes many cats to out. Throughout the house develops in the petMD library in cats are also referred to as …... Intravenous ( IV ) fluids are usually administered to rehydrate the cat and normalize its electrolyte levels what! These litter boxes daily do you want to share a plate with someone else, you 'll able... Obstruction may be necessary obstructions in cats blocked, the stream or of... Treat it, the penis may protrude during a blockage obstruction within the urinary obstruction! A UTI can lead to an obstruction 4 facts about feline urinary issues by helping cat urinary blockage symptoms in... They suspect that your cat with a cat out as well manage stress response in.. Gives them the privacy they want relieve the obstruction is straining to urinate if any urine seen... Catheter will be placed to relieve the obstruction and empty their bladder n't become blocked, which is medical! Stress in her life, others can not tract diseases, including cystitis and urethral spasms, can..., please visit this page in the cat a urinary catheter determine changes in petMD. Your use of this issue will depend on the severity of the obstruction may be necessary to prevent,. Dietary changes may be seen going to the terms of our Legal Statement female cats may be... To cry out and they will stop eating and become depressed is repaired with fluid!