Urinary obstruction in cats is a serious health problem that can lead to death if not treated immediately. This condition occurs when there is a partial or complete blockage in the cat's urinary tract, preventing it from urinating normally. Urinary obstruction is more common in male cats and can be caused by a number of reasons including diet, lack of exercise, stress, urinary tract infections and structural problems in the urinary tract.

 

Symptoms of Urinary Obstruction in Cats

 

Difficulty and pain when urinating

Difficulty urinating is one of the most common symptoms of urinary obstruction in cats and can be caused by several factors. When a cat is having difficulty urinating, he may make several attempts to urinate but produce only small amounts of urine or no urine at all. Sometimes the cat may appear to be in pain or discomfort while trying to urinate. Difficulty urinating is a sign that there is a blockage or narrowing in the urinary tract, which can be caused by a variety of factors, such as crystals in the urine, urinary stones, tumors or inflammation.

Frequent urination and small amounts

Frequent and small amounts of urination is another common symptom of urinary obstruction in cats. When a cat has a urinary blockage, urine gets trapped in the bladder, which can cause the cat to feel the need to urinate more often than usual. However, due to the obstruction, the cat may only be able to urinate small amounts at a time.

 

 

Blood in cat urine

Blood in the urine, also known as hematuria, is another common symptom of urinary tract obstruction in cats. When a cat has a urinary tract obstruction, there can be irritation and inflammation of the urinary tract, which can lead to blood in the urine. In addition, the urinary stones they can also scrape the walls of the urinary tract, causing bleeding.

 

However, blood in the urine can also be a sign of other conditions in cats, such as a urinary tract infection, bladder or kidney tumors, or kidney disease. Therefore, it is important to take your cat to the veterinarian for a thorough evaluation if you notice blood in the urine.

 

In some cases, blood in the urine can be difficult to detect with the naked eye. If you suspect your cat may have blood in her urine, it may be helpful to look at your cat's urine more closely, paying attention to color and consistency. Urine may be pink, red or reddish brown in color. If in doubt, take your cat to the vet for a thorough evaluation.

 

The veterinarian may perform tests to determine the cause of the blood in the urine, such as urine tests, x-rays, or ultrasounds. Treatment may involve giving medication to treat the urinary tract infection, surgery to remove blockages or tumors, or changes to the cat's diet and lifestyle to prevent future blockages.

 

 

cat throwing up 

Vomiting is a common symptom of urinary tract obstruction in cats, although it is not directly related to the urinary tract. When a cat has urinary blockage, it may become dehydrated due to the inability to urinate. Dehydration can lead to metabolic disorders such as increased blood acid and electrolyte imbalance. This can lead to vomiting in the cat, as well as other symptoms such as lethargy and lack of appetite.

 

Additionally, urinary obstruction can make the cat feel uncomfortable and anxious, which can lead to vomiting. It is important to note that vomiting itself is not a direct indication of urinary obstruction, but rather a secondary symptom that could indicate a complication due to this condition.

 

Lack of appetite, lethargy and weakness

Lack of appetite and lethargy are common symptoms of urinary obstruction in cats. When a cat has urinary blockage, it can become dehydrated and unable to eliminate metabolic waste from the body, which can lead to a number of metabolic disorders. These metabolic disorders can affect the cat's food intake as well as its general disposition, leading to a lack of appetite and lethargy.

 

breathing difficulty

Breathing difficulty is an uncommon symptom of urinary obstruction in cats, but it can occur in severe and advanced cases. This is because urinary obstruction can lead to a number of metabolic disorders that can affect the cat's lung function.

 

When a cat has urinary blockage, it can become dehydrated and unable to eliminate metabolic waste from the body. This can lead to an increase in acid in the blood, which can affect lung function. In addition, urinary obstruction can cause anxiety, which can lead to rapid, shallow breathing.

 

Causes of Urinary Obstruction in Cats

clearing being done on a cat

 

inadequate food

A low-moisture, high-carbohydrate diet can cause urinary obstruction in cats. This is because cats that consume dry food such as dry cat food are more likely to develop crystals in their urine, which can lead to urinary blockage.

 

lack of exercise 

Lack of exercise can also be a cause of urinary blockage in cats, as exercise helps to stimulate urination and promote urinary health.

 

Gact stressed

Stress can also be a cause of urinary blockage in cats, as it can lead to bladder contraction and urine retention.

 

urinary infections

Urinary tract infections can cause inflammation and swelling of the urinary tract, which can lead to urinary blockage.

structural problems

Structural problems in the urinary tract, such as a narrowing of the urethra, tumors or urinary stones, can also lead to urinary obstruction in cats.

 

How to avoid urinary obstruction in cats?

Encourage your cat to drink plenty of water

 

Cats, even after so many years of domestication, still retain many of their wild customs. One is obtaining water primarily from the blood of their prey, which means they don't have the same need to drink water as other animals. 

 

However, as the diet of domestic cats is often based on dry food, it is essential to encourage them to drink enough water to avoid health problems. One way to encourage water intake is through water fountains, as cats love running water. 

 

Also, another useful tip is to offer wet food sachets, which help increase water intake. However, if you have several cats and it is not feasible to offer sachets individually, you can choose to make a soup using just one packet of sachets to hydrate several kittens, with as little expense as possible.

 

proper nutrition

Whenever you buy a feed, try to find out which  mineral matter content the ideal is 8.0 % avoid rations that present values much higher than recommended. 

A suitable cat diet should be high in moisture and low in carbohydrates, as this can help prevent crystals from forming in the urine. Therefore, whenever possible, offer sachets to your cat.

  

Encourage your cat to exercise

 Cats need regular exercise to maintain good general health, including urinary health. Interactive play and activities that encourage movement and exercise are essential to prevent urinary obstruction in cats. A good and cheap tip is to use paper balls, they love to run after them 

 

stress reduction

 

Reducing stress is important for the cat's overall health, and can also help prevent urinary blockage. 

Providing your cat with a safe and peaceful environment, with toys, scratching posts and comfortable beds, can help reduce stress and anxiety. 

And as cats are born hunters, a good tip is to hide snacks that they like the most around the house. Thus, they will be able to exercise their hunting instincts, making them less prone to stress.

 

Treatment of urinary tract infections in cats : Proper treatment of urinary tract infections is important to prevent urinary obstruction. The veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics and other therapies to treat the infection.

 

Checking for Structural Problems: Checking for structural problems in the urinary tract, such as a narrowing of the urethra, tumors, or urinary stones, is important to prevent urinary obstruction. The veterinarian may perform imaging tests, such as x-rays or ultrasounds, to check for any structural problems.

 

Regular Vet Visits: Regular vet visits are important to monitor your cat's health and detect any health problems early, including urinary obstruction.

 

In summary, urinary obstruction in cats is a serious condition that can lead to death if not treated quickly. Prevention is key to avoiding urinary blockage, and this includes a proper diet, regular exercise, reducing stress, treating urinary infections, checking for structural problems, and regular visits to the vet. If you suspect that your cat has urinary obstruction, it is important to take him to the veterinarian immediately for proper treatment.