Everything You Need to Know About Cat Urinary Problems
What are some common urinary problems in cats?
There's feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC), urinary blockages, bladder stones, and urinary tract infections.
What causes urinary problems in cats?
Some causes are not well understood but are typically affiliated with stress, a lack of adequate water consumption, and changes in urinary pH.
Are certain cat breeds or ages more prone to urinary issues?
Yes. Young to middle-aged male cats are more likely to have FIC. Cats older than 10 are more likely to have urinary tract infections. Cats prone to forming a certain type of bladder stone, known as calcium oxalate, include middle-aged to older male cats and breeds such as the Devon Rex, Tonkinese, Burmese, Himalayan, Persian, Siamese, Ragdolls, and long-haired cats. However, any cat can develop urinary issues, regardless of age, sex, or breed.
What are the signs of urinary problems cats?
Straining to urinate, frequent trips to the litter box, blood in their urine, urinating outside the litter box, and excessive licking of their genital area are common signs. Cats with urinary blockages can be lethargic, unwilling to eat, and sometimes vomit.
How can I tell if my cat’s urinary problem is an emergency?
If your cat shows signs like bloody urine, straining to urinate, or inability to urinate, these are serious signs of a potential urinary blockage and require emergency treatment, and can be fatal. It's best to bring your cat in for evaluation if you're unsure.
How does a veterinarian diagnose urinary problems in cats?
A physical exam, along with diagnostics like urine testing and X-rays, will help us diagnose the issue.
What treatments are available for cats with urinary problems?
Treatment varies based on the problem but may include pain medication, antibiotics, fluids, or a prescription urinary diet. For blocked cats, we relieve the obstruction with a urinary catheter, typically under sedation. They receive IV fluids, pain medication, and usually need 2 to 3 days of hospitalization to monitor urine production and reduce inflammation.
Can stress affect a cat's urinary health, and how is it managed?
Absolutely. Stress is associated with FLUTD and urinary blockages. Cats can become stressed due to changes in their home environment, new pets, new people, events in and around the house, traveling, schedule changes, or even vet visits. Managing stress involves introducing change gradually, providing safe areas for escape, and using pheromone plugins, sprays, or medication for situational stress.
How can I help prevent urinary problems in my cat?
You can help prevent urinary problems in your cat by encouraging water consumption, either with water fountains, feeding a canned diet, or both, reducing environmental stress by providing separate areas in your home with all of your cats resources that they need, including water, food, litter box, toys, perches, and resting areas. And also making sure that you keep up with your preventative veterinary care and get your cat on a prescription urinary diet.
What role does diet and hydration play in preventing cat urinary issues?
If your cat has urinary issues, oftentimes a prescription urinary diet will be recommended by your vet. These diets are formulated to change the pH of the urine and make sure it's dilute to help prevent urinary issues. Keeping your cat well hydrated is also very important. So you can do that by feeding a canned diet, because that has more moisture in it than dry food. Also, increasing their water consumption by using running water, like a water fountain.
Can urinary problems in cats become chronic?
Yes. Once a cat has FLUTD or feline lower urinary tract disease, or FIC, which is feline idiopathic cystitis, they can often continue to have episodes or flare-ups of urinary problems throughout their life.
What are the best ways to monitor a cat’s urinary health over time?
Monitoring their litter box habits, how much urine they're producing, if it's more or less than usual, if there's any blood in their urine, and also monitoring their water consumption habits. So, are they drinking more or drinking less than usual?
Are there specific litter types that help identify urinary issues early?
There are some litter types that claim to identify urinary issues early by changing color based on urinary pH. But because this value can vary throughout the day, it's not always accurate and certainly not a replacement for a veterinarian's diagnosis. However, some of these litters can make it easier to identify blood in the urine, which would indicate a urinary issue and warrant a trip to the vet.
Can a urinary infection in a cat resolve on its own, or does it always require treatment?
If your cat truly has a urinary tract infection confirmed by urine testing and is showing symptoms, it should be treated with an antibiotic.
What should I do if my cat has recurring urinary problems?
Consult with your vet about your cat's specific case. Generally, feed a prescription urinary diet, ensure adequate water consumption, and reduce household stress as much as possible.
Are male cats more likely to experience urinary blockages than female cats?
Yes, due to their anatomy and the smaller size of their urethra. Male cats are more likely to get urinary blockages, although female cats can also get them, typically due to bladder stones.
What is Feline Idiopathic Cystitis, FIC, and how is it managed?
FIC is a condition where a cat's bladder becomes inflamed without infection, sometimes leading to urinary blockage. It's one of the most common causes of FLUTD and is managed with pain medications, a urinary prescription diet, increasing water consumption, and reducing environmental stress.
When should I take my cat to the vet for urinary problems?
If your cat is making frequent trips to the litter box, urinating outside the box, has blood in their urine, is straining to urinate, or is not passing any urine, these are all reasons for an urgent care or emergency vet visit, as they could indicate a urinary blockage. If you're unsure, it's best to err on the side of caution and have them checked by a vet, as it can be life-threatening if untreated.
If you have questions on urinary issues in cats, we would love to answer them for you. Please give us a call at the office at (848) 217-5000, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!