Urinary problems in cats, a veterinary emergency.

What you need to know

Urinary problems in cats start with difficulty urinating, associated with pain or the presence of blood. These problems can recur, worsening with each repetition.

Seriousness of the situation

Possibly serious

Emergency consultation needed ?

Emergency consultation if pain, blood or absence of urine for 12 hours

Symptoms of a urinary problem in cats
What should I do if my cat has trouble urinating?
Causes of urinary problems in cats
Preventing urinary problems in cats

Symptoms of a urinary problem in cats

Urinary tract issues in cats can manifest themselves in several ways. Some common signs include:

Frequent urge to urinate or difficulty urinating: Your cat may make multiple attempts but discharging only small amounts of urine, or even none at all.
Changes in grooming habits: Cats with urinary issues may groom their genital area more frequently than usual.
Vocalization: If your cat vocalizes loudly while trying to urinate, it could indicate discomfort or pain.
Blood in the urine: A pinkish or reddish tint to the urine indicates the presence of blood, a telltale sign of an infection.
Urinating outside of the litter box: Cats experiencing urinary discomfort might start relieving themselves outside the box because they associate the pain with the location.

There are several factors that contribute to the development of urinary issues in cats, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), blockages in the urethra, bladder stones, and stress.

While UTIs and blockages often require medical attention, identifying possible stress triggers can help prevent these problems from occurring in the first place.

If your cat displays one or more of the above symptoms, please contact us on 033 0027 0670. We can help!

What should I do if my cat has trouble urinating?

If you notice any signs of urinary problems in your cat, it's imperative that you schedule an appointment with a veterinarian immediately. Left untreated, these issues can lead to severe pain, organ damage, and even death.

If you're not sure whether the situation is a veterinary emergency, our call centre is available to help you manage the situation.

The treatment required for urinary problems in cats includes the following:

Antibiotics: If a UTI is diagnosed, your veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics to eliminate the infection.
Urinary acidifiers: Adjusting the pH of your cat's urine can aid in dissolving struvite crystals and preventing new crystal formation.
Dietary changes: Your veterinarian might recommend adjusting your cat's diet to promote healthy urinary function and prevent future issues.
Emergency Intervention: In cases of urethral blockage or obstruction from bladder stones, immediate action is needed to clear the obstruction, potentially requiring surgery or a catheter.

With proper care, most cats experiencing urinary difficulties can recover quickly. For your pet's comfort, don't hesitate to have an emergency vet visit you at home.

Given the difficulty of differentiating between a benign and a serious situation, we advise you to consult the out of hours vet in London as soon as the first symptoms appear on your cat.

Causes of urinary problems in cats

To identify the cause of a urinary problem in cats, it is essential to have a urine analysis. This examination will reveal :

The presence of urine sand, crystals and urinary stones
The presence of blood, white blood cells or cylinders

Using urine dipsticks and microscopic examination, the vet can identify the main causes of urinary tract disease:

Urinary stones
Bacterial cystitis
Idiopathic cystitis

The most common contributing factors are a poor diet combined with a stressful environment. If these two factors are not taken into account, your cat's urinary problems are likely to recur frequently.

Preventing Urinary Troubles: Tips for Cat Owners

Maintaining proper hydration is essential to your cat's overall health and preventing urinary issues. Encourage your feline friend to drink more by providing fresh water daily and using a shallow, wide bowl, as whisker fatigue can deter them from accessing deeper containers.
Dietary Support : Selecting the right food for your cat can play a crucial role in preventing urinary troubles. A nutritionally balanced diet helps regulate urinary pH and crystal formation. Opt for wet food if possible since it contains far more moisture than dry kibble.
Frequent Litter Box Maintenance : Regularly cleaning your cat's litter box can help maintain hygiene, reduce stress, and decrease the likelihood of infections. Remove soiled litter daily and replace it entirely every week. If you have multiple cats, ensure there are enough boxes available to prevent territorial disputes or overcrowding - ideally one per cat plus an extra one.
Stress Reduction : Minimizing stress in your cat's life is crucial in reducing the risk of urinary problems. Ensure they have plenty of hiding spaces and enrichment activities such as scratching posts, puzzles, toys, and window perches that allow them to observe the outdoors safely. Sometimes, a calming pheromone diffuser can also be beneficial in creating a serene atmosphere for your cat.

Frequently asked question about Urinary Troubles in cats

My cat often urinates in small quantities. Is this normal?

No, the behaviour you describe is not normal. This symptom is called pollakiuria. It is one of the first symptoms to appear in cat urinary diseases.

Is surgery necessary for urinary obstruction?

Surgery is a treatment option in the event of frequent recurrences of urinary obstruction. To make it easier to evacuate urine and avoid a bladder globe, the vet amputates the penis and opens the urethra directly.

Can my cat die as a result of a urinary problem?

The most serious cases of urinary disease can cause irreversible and sometimes fatal deterioration in kidney function. Early treatment can limit this risk.