How to Spot Urinary Blockage in Cats

Urinary blockage is a painful and potentially fatal condition for felines. This disproportionately affects male cats, who have a very narrow urethra. Tiny crystals and mucus can plug the urinary tract, causing pain, suffering, dehydration and even death. Here’s how to recognize feline urinary blockage, and be sure to take your pet to their cat veterinarian in Alexandria, VA as soon as possible to maximize their comfort and chances of survival.

What is urinary blockage?

Feline urinary blockage happens primarily to male cats between the ages of one and eight years old. The reason is because neutered male cats have especially small urethras (the tube that leads from the bladder to outside of the body). There are a number of different causes, including spasms, infections, traumas and other unusual conditions.

The main problem is that your cat isn’t able to pass urine, which is one of the body’s main ways of disposing of toxins. Your cat will still have urine flowing into the bladder, but they won’t be able to pass it, and urinary toxins will start building up in their system. If you spot any of the signs of urinary blockage, don’t delay—take them to the vet right away. Your cat only has three to six days from the time the blockage begins until they die. It’s an incredibly serious condition.

Signs of feline urinary blockage

If you notice that your cat is showing any of these signs, they may be experiencing urinary blockage. It’s important that you take them to a clinic immediately.

If your cat can’t seem to pee, is passing only a tiny amount of urine or you notice blood in their urine, it’s time to see a vet. You should also consider whether your cat has been lethargic or unusually tired. Have they been sleeping or “out of it” too much lately? Do they seem disoriented, or have they been vomiting? These are all major symptoms of feline urinary blockage.

Cats are typically pretty stoic, so you might mistake their symptoms for something else. Has your cat peed outside the litter box lately? It might not be a sign of defiance so much as a cry for help, especially if they’ve been hiding or restless due to their discomfort. Have you noticed abdominal swelling or a loss of appetite? Taken together, these indicate a serious need for your cat to see the vet right away.

Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If your cat is suffering from these symptoms, see a vet today.

Treat feline urinary blockage in Alexandria, VA

If you suspect that your cat is suffering from urinary blockage, it’s crucial that they get help immediately. Kingstowne Cat Clinic can help your cat recover from this painful and distressing condition. We are a full-service cat veterinarian in Alexandria, VA that has handled both major emergencies as well as day-to-day veterinary needs since 1990. Trust your cat’s health with the experts—call or stop by today to make sure your furry family member is getting the best care possible.

Categorised in: Cat Veterinarian

This post was written by Writer