Do you think your cat is having a hard time peeing? A urinary obstruction, often known as a blockage, is a medical emergency. Learn to spot the signs of a urinary blockage in your cat so you can intervene before it's too late.
What Is a Urinary Obstruction, and What Causes It?
The urethra gets plugged and urine cannot pass, resulting in urinary obstruction. This can be caused by sediment or crystals in the urine, as well as urinary tract irritation. Urinary blockages in male cats are significantly more common than in female cats. Males have a longer and narrower urethra than females. The urethra can become clogged with silt, mucous, or tissue inflammation, making urination difficult or impossible.
If a cat is unable to urinate, the kidneys will be unable to perform their vital role of filtering toxins from the bloodstream and excreting them in the urine. Toxin levels in the cat's body rise, making him sick. A blocked cat will eventually die if it is not treated.
Urinary blockage in cats may or may not be accompanied by urinary tract infections. The obstruction could be caused by or result of a urinary tract infection.
Signs That Your Cat Is Having Urinary Problems
Cats have a natural ability to hide disease; it's a survival instinct for them. There are, however, some symptoms that might help you assess whether or not your cat is having urination problems.
When a cat makes many trips to the litter box, this is the most visible indicator of urinary obstruction. Take a deeper look if you observe this happening. Keep an eye on your cat in the litter box. Is he attempting to urinate but failing to do so? Is the only peeing in little drops (no stream)? Inspect the litter box for indications of urine. If your cat has gone to the litter box multiple times yet the litter is dry or lacks clumps, he is not passing urine. If your cat is straining and there is little or no urine coming out, he is most likely obstructed.
Extreme tiredness, increased water intake, loss of appetite, and general discomfort are also indicators of urinary obstruction. Restlessness in cats can be expressed by vocalization or pacing. Because they are in pain, they may hide and avoid contact with people and other pets.
Urinary difficulties in cats can manifest themselves in a variety of ways before becoming entirely clogged. Bring your cat to the doctor if he or she has been urinating outside the litter box for a few days or if there is blood in the urine. This can assist avoid an obstructive situation.
What Should You Do If Your Cat Isn't Peeing?
If you think your cat is having problems peeing on his own, you should take him to the veterinarian right once. If your regular veterinarian is closed, take your cat to the nearest open veterinary hospital, even if it is an emergency clinic. Without veterinarian treatment, an obstructed cat will likely die within 24 hours.
Urinary Obstructions in Cats: Treatment
Urinary blockages in cats usually necessitate a few days in the hospital for treatment and observation.
When you arrive at the veterinarian's office, inform them right once that your cat is unable to urinate. They'll feel your cat's kidneys swiftly to see if they're swollen. A cat with a urinary obstruction has a huge, firm bladder that a specialist may easily feel. This is because the bladder is overflowing with urine that has nowhere to go. The bladder may rupture if not treated. Alternatively, toxin buildup and kidney failure will result in death.
If your cat is actually obstructed, the crew must get to work as soon as possible. A blood sample will be taken to check for electrolyte abnormalities. The veterinarian will then sedate the cat and attempt to insert a stiff urinary catheter. When there is stuff clogging the urethra, this might be quite difficult. The catheter may need to be passed multiple times.
The vet will collect a urine sample and then flush the bladder with sterile saline once the stiff urinary catheter is in place. The urine will be tested for infection, blood, crystals, and other abnormalities. For the cat's comfort, most veterinarians will replace the stiff catheter with a flexible one. This will be sutured in place and connected to a closed drainage system (tubing and a bag to collect the urine). An intravenous catheter will be used to administer fluids to the cat.
During your cat's stay at the hospital, the veterinarian may administer pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, and/or other medications to aid healing. The specific treatment is determined by the cat's symptoms as well as the results of laboratory tests. When necessary, a specific urinary diet can be established.
The doctor will remove the urinary catheter after one to three days of fluids and urine catheterization and examine the cat to ensure he can urinate on his own before sending him home.
Male cats with a clogged urethra may require surgery to expand the urethra. A perineal urethrostomy is a name for this procedure. It entails the amputation of the penis and the construction of a urinary hole. If a cat suffers from obstructive urinary troubles, this procedure, as terrible as it may sound, can significantly enhance his health and quality of life.
How Can Cats Avoid Urinary Obstructions?
Urinary issues are genetically predisposed in some cats. There are, however, precautions you can take to avoid a urinary blockage.
Bring your cat to the vet for an annual or biannual exam if your vet recommends it. Subtle issues may be found during a routine exam and treated before your cat becomes ill.
At the first symptom of a urinary problem, contact your veterinarian (or really any health issue).
Because it preserves hydration and minimizes mineral content, feeds your cat a balanced moist (canned) diet.
Ensure that your cat has access to fresh, clean water at all times.
Maintain a clean and fresh litter box so your cat does not keep his urine for longer than necessary.
Keep your cat from growing overweight.
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