Why does my neutered male cat have an urinary blockage?
The urethra is the tube that leads to the cat’s bladder allowing your cat to urinate. Neutered male cats are the most likely to suffer from urinary blockages. The reason being is that they have a very narrow urethra, so even the smallest stone or crystal from their litter box can cause an obstruction.
What to do if a cat has an urinary tract obstruction?
The obstruction must be relieved as soon as possible. Sedation is often necessary. Depending on the severity of the obstruction, several methods may be used by the veterinarian to remove the obstruction — urethral massage and using fluid to push the obstruction out of the urethra and into the bladder are two examples.
When does urethral obstruction occur in a cat?
Urethral Obstruction (UO) is a life-threatening blockage of the lower portion of the urinary tract. It prevents an animal from being able to urinate and, unfortunately, occurs relatively commonly in cats. Although UO can occur in any cat, it is more prevalent in young to middle age male cats.
Who is at risk for urinary blockage in cats?
Male cats are at higher risk for urinary blockage, especially those that are overweight. It occurs more commonly in neutered male cats, but it can also happen to cats that are not neutered. Cats who have anxiety or high stress are also more at risk for getting a urinary blockage.
What does it mean when a cat has an urinary blockage?
What is Urinary Blockage? Urinary blockage, also known as urinary or urethral obstruction, is a problem most easily developed in male cats. It is a problem that occurs when the urethra – the tube that drains urine from their bladder to the penis – is obstructed, inflamed, or compressed.
What to do if your cat has an urethra blockage?
If the blockage cannot be removed through these processes, the cat will have to undergo a perineal urethrostomy which is a surgical widening of the urethra, although most urethral obstructions are removed through the first two procedures. After their urethral obstruction is removed, the cat’s urine will be monitored closely.
How often does a feline have an urethral obstruction?
Kansas State University. Feline urethral obstruction (UO) is a common disorder encountered in small animal emergency practice, with incidence estimates ranging from 1.5% to 9%.1,2. The etiology of UO was long thought to be a physical obstruction, such as a urethral plug, calculi, stricture, or neoplasia.
What should you not feed a cat with an urinary blockage?
Thomas: Second, don’t feed seafood-flavored cat food. Ever. Our vet has found, through many years of work in the field, that for some reason tuna and other seafoods irritate some cats’ bladders and may contribute to development of stones or crystals.
Is there any way to prevent urinary obstruction in cats?
Prevention of urethral blockage depends on the cause of the blockage. If the surgery is performed properly, it is unlikely that cats will develop subsequent urinary obstructions.
When to go to the vet for a cat urinary blockage?
If you believe your male cat has a urinary blockage, you will need to contact your local vet immediately. This can be a life-threatening situation if it is not resolved quickly. The fact is that you may not know there is a problem until your cat has been blocked for a number of days.
Which is the most expensive treatment for urinary blockage in cats?
The most expensive treatment option is a surgical procedure. This is usually reserved as a last resort, and only for the cats who continue to re-obstruct after they are treated as described above. The surgery is called a perineal urethrostomy, or PU for short.
Can a female cat have a blocked bladder?
A narrow urethra. Female cats very rarely develop blocked bladders. Male cats are much more likely to develop the condition because their urethra (the tube that drains urine from the bladder) is much longer, narrower and prone to blockage.
Can a cat recover from an urinary blockage?
Siouxsie: We can reassure you that blockages are treated successfully in a vast, vast majority of cases. Thomas: Once your cat recovers from his blockage, you’ll need to focus on prevention of infections, inflammation, or crystal development in the future.
What kind of blockage does my cat have?
My cat has a urinary blockage and is at the vet right at the moment. We had to admit him a second time since he became blocked again within a day. He has struvite crystals. Both times we’ve taken him in, the catheter was not able to be passed through to his bladder.
Can a neutered cat get an urinary blockage?
Worrying that Kitty might suffer a urinary blockage if he’s neutered is not one of them. Only a small percentage of cats ever get urinary blockages. Learn the ways to help prevent this problem. While male cats do suffer from feline lower urinary tract disease, or FLUTD, more often than female cats, it’s still not a high percentage.
Why are male cats more likely to have blocked bladders?
Male cats are much more likely to develop the condition because their urethra (the tube that drains urine from the bladder) is much longer, narrower and prone to blockage. Blockages are most common in overweight cats, indoor cats, neutered cats, stressed cats and cats that eat dry food.
Can a cat with FLUTD have a bladder blockage?
DVM 360 states that approximately 12 percent of cats with FLUTD experience blockages. These occur when crystals or stones formed in the bladder plug the urethra. Any type of FLUTD requires immediate veterinary attention, but blockage is a true red-alert emergency.
When do cats need surgery for blocked bladder?
Some cats require surgery – for instance if a large stone is blocking the tube and needs removing, or if the urethra (tube that drains urine from the bladder) is too narrow. Sadly, there are some blockages that aren’t easy to treat, such as large tumours.
Is it bad for a male cat to be neutered?
There’s lot of good reasons for neutering male cats and few, if any, bad ones. Worrying that Kitty might suffer a urinary blockage if he’s neutered is not one of them. Only a small percentage of cats ever get urinary blockages. Learn the ways to help prevent this problem.
How can you tell if your cat has a blocked urinary tract?
The most common sign of what veterinarians call a “blocked cat” is going to the litter box to urinate, getting into position and having nothing come out. Your cat may also seem uncomfortable or yowl when trying to urinate.
There’s lot of good reasons for neutering male cats and few, if any, bad ones. Worrying that Kitty might suffer a urinary blockage if he’s neutered is not one of them. Only a small percentage of cats ever get urinary blockages. Learn the ways to help prevent this problem.
What causes a male cat’s urethra to be blocked?
A male cat’s urethra can also become blocked by small urinary stones or by urethral plugs: a mixture of cells that are used to line the bladder, mucus and crystals formed from minerals in the urine.
What kind of blockage can a cat have?
When we talk about a blockage in a cat, we are usually referring either to a urinary blockage or an intestinal (gut or bowel) blockage. Both of these scenarios are life-threatening situations. Both of them are also quite expensive to treat. We will discuss urinary blockage below and give you an idea of approximate costs as well.
Can a cat be released from the hospital after a urinary blockage?
Sometimes, cat behavior after this procedure can include leaks of urine due to the pain in pushing but this is not a permanent problem. The cat will be released from the hospital once it is able to properly urinate on its own.
When is urinary obstruction more common in male cats?
The incidence of urinary obstructions is reportedly higher in the winter months. Bladder inflammation leading to mucous plugs (sometimes called “Feline Urologic Syndrome” or “FUS”) is more common in male cats.
How long does urethra obstruction last in cats?
Within 2 to 3 weeks, cats are very much at risk for recurrence of obstruction since the episode is still continuing. Depending on the cause of the obstruction, some can be removed and while some can only be treated. Cats are prone to re-obstruction because of uncontrolled spasms in the urethra.
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)
Are all male cats prone to urinary problems?
Urinary tract issues are common in cats, especially males. In some cases the cause is easy to diagnose, and sometimes there appears to be no cause at all. Urinary cysts that develop can cause inflammation, infection or blockage. Simple diet changes may make a huge difference in preventing them.
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 to treat repeated urethral blockages in cats?
Perineal urethrostomy is a surgery that can cure repeated blockages. Learn how to help keep your cat’s urinary tract healthy! Repeated Urethral Blockage in Male Cats: There’s a Surgery for That Male cats are more susceptible to urethral blockages than female cats. Whether the blockage is from urinary crystals or bladder stones.
When is perineal urethrostomy surgery recommended in cats?
By allowing urine to exit the body before it reaches the damaged part of the urinary tract (for example, in the case of traumatic injury to the penis), your veterinarian can ensure that complications such as scar tissue or infection do not cause a urinary obstruction for your cat. When is perineal urethrostomy surgery recommended?
Do male cats get uriniary tract infections?
Cats with urinary tract disease will often have urine which is blood-tinged or discolored. Females are at greater risk for urinary tract infections that lead to blood in the urine than are males .
What is feline urinary blockage?
Blocked Cat (Feline Urinary Blockage or Obstruction) Male cats are prone to developing a urinary blockage or obstruction, and when this condition occurs these cats are commonly referred to as “blocked toms.”. This is considered an emergency, as the cat is unable to void any urine.
How old is my cat with a blocked bladder?
My little boy is 7 years old and had a blockage yesterday. He had a catheter put in to drain bladder and IV and returned home same day with medication. I chose the outpatient vs inpatient route due to costs, proximity and his lack of cooperation at the vet.
What causes urinary blockage in a neutered male cat?
Causes of Male Cat Urinary Blockage Neutered male cats are especially prone to urinary blockage because they have may narrow urethras — so narrow that involuntary urethral muscle spasms can block the flow of urine.
My little boy is 7 years old and had a blockage yesterday. He had a catheter put in to drain bladder and IV and returned home same day with medication. I chose the outpatient vs inpatient route due to costs, proximity and his lack of cooperation at the vet.
Prevention of urethral blockage depends on the cause of the blockage. If the surgery is performed properly, it is unlikely that cats will develop subsequent urinary obstructions.
My cat has a urinary blockage and is at the vet right at the moment. We had to admit him a second time since he became blocked again within a day. He has struvite crystals. Both times we’ve taken him in, the catheter was not able to be passed through to his bladder.
What kind of surgery do you do for a cat with urinary blockage?
The surgery is called a perineal urethrostomy, or PU for short. It creates a new urinary opening, shortening the length of the urethra. It’s the procedure that is often referred to as “turning a male cat into a female cat”. This is usually performed by a qualified specialist surgeon, which is another reason why it can be so expensive.
When we talk about a blockage in a cat, we are usually referring either to a urinary blockage or an intestinal (gut or bowel) blockage. Both of these scenarios are life-threatening situations. Both of them are also quite expensive to treat. We will discuss urinary blockage below and give you an idea of approximate costs as well.
What causes urinary blockage in neutered male cats?
Neutered males have very narrow urethras, which explains why these cats have, by far, the highest incidence of urinary blockages. Urinary obstructions can also be caused by involuntary muscular contractions called urethral spasms or, less frequently, by tumors, infections, trauma and other conditions.
What are the risks of neutering a male cat?
They are at the highest risk for developing a much dreaded veterinary emergency: urinary obstruction. Neutered male cats have incredibly narrow urethras (the tube that drains the bladder to the outside world through the penis).
Can a neutered male have an urinary tract infection?
Male or female, purebred or domestic shorthair, any cat can develop a urinary condition like Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC), stones, or infection. But when the cat in question is a neutered male, BEWARE!
Can a neutered male block the outflow of urine?
In fact, a neutered male’s urethra is so narrow that involuntary muscular contractions called urethral spasms can be enough to cause an obstruction. A small stone or a plug made of proteinaceous material and/or crystals can easily become lodged inside the urethra and completely block the outflow of urine.