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Last Updated:

Jan 22, 2009

Urinary Obstruction in Cats

What is it?

     This is a potentially fatal condition that occurs most often in male cats. The urethra becomes blocked by crystals, preventing urine from leaving the body. If not treated, the kidneys start to shut down and the bladder itself may actually rupture. The time from onset to death may be as short as 24-48 hours if not treated.

Signs:

• straining to urinate
• bloody urine
• urinating outside of the box
• vocalizing due to pain
• decrease in appetite

In the later stages of this condition:

• collapse
• decreased body temperature
• dehydration
• shock
• coma
• death

Treatment:

     Treatment usually begins with unblocking the urethra with the passage of a urinary catheter. Once the cat is unblocked, the catheter remains in place for several days. IV fluids are used to help flush the blood, kidneys, and bladder of any toxins that may have built up in the system while the cat was unable to urinate.

     Ideally, blood work is run in order to get a better idea of how the body has been affected by the condition. A urinalysis is usually run in order to determine the type of crystals that may have formed in the urine. Once the urinary catheter is removed, the cat is usually monitored to ensure that they are able to urinate on their own.

IF YOU ARE EVER UNSURE IF YOUR CAT IS URINATING FREELY OR HAVE NOTICED A CHANGE IN THEIR LITTERBOX ACTIVITIES, PLEASE CONTACT US OR YOUR REGULAR DAYTIME VETERINARIAN IMMEDIATELY.