What causes feline urinary blockage?
Urinary blockages (also called urinary obstructions) are usually caused by plugs of proteinaceous sludge, crystals and/or small stones that become lodged within a cat’s urethra—the tube leading from the urinary bladder to the outside of the body.
Can a female cat get an urinary blockage?
Being a male cat: The urethra in a male cat, which is the tube that urine flows through to the outside of the body, is very narrow and can get obstructed easily. Female cats can get a variety of problems in their urinary tracts, such as feline idiopathic cystitis or stones, but they rarely get completely obstructed urinary tracts.
What happens if a cat has an urinary tract infection?
Urinary tract diseases are common in cats and can cause discomfort and distress. If left untreated, a UTI can lead to partial or complete blockage of the urethra. This can lead to kidney failure or rupture of the bladder, which could be deadly.
What should I do if my cat has a bladder infection?
If they suspect that your cat has a bladder infection, the vet may submit a urine sample for culture. If your cat has urinary blockage, they should be hospitalized immediately for emergency treatment. The veterinary staff may place an intravenous catheter to deliver fluids and medicine to your cat.
What should I do if my cat has a blocked urethra?
Most blocked cats are hospitalized for several days. Once your cat is urinating normally, you’ll be able to bring them home. The vet will likely prescribe them antibiotics, pain medicine and/or medicine to relax the urethra, as well as recommend a therapeutic food formulated for urinary health.
How can you tell if your cat has an urinary problem?
Symptoms of a Cat Urinary Problem Straining to urinate Pain during urination Dribbling urinate Blood in cat urine A litter trained cat having “accidents” in the house outside of the litter box, often on a smooth surface such as a bathtub or tile Licking the genitals after urination (in an attempt to relive pain, itching, and burning sensation)
Does your cat have an urinary blockage?
Urinary Tract Obstruction in Cats. If your cat is straining to urinate and producing little or no urine each time, it may be suffering from a urinary tract obstruction. The obstruction may be due to inflammation or compression on the urethra , or simply a blockage.
What are signs of UTI in cats?
Signs of UTI Problems In Cats. You can easily know whether your cat has uti or not. Look out for the symptoms such as vomiting, the strong odor of urine, change in urine color to red, dribbling urine or inability to do so, frequent visits to the litter box, licking of the urinary part, etc.
How do you cure cat UTI?
Treat your cat with broad spectrum antibiotics if a culture is not possible. Broad spectrum antibiotics kill a wide range of bacteria. If a cat has never had a urinary infection before, then it is acceptable to put him on a course of broad spectrum antibiotics that kill a wide range of bacteria commonly found in urine.