Urinary blockage, medically termed urethral obstruction, is a critical condition in cats where the urethra, the tube carrying urine from the bladder, becomes blocked. Often referred to as a “blocked cat,” this condition prevents your cat from emptying their bladder.
To understand this condition, it’s important to know normal cat anatomy. Urine is produced by the kidneys and travels through ureters to the bladder. When a cat urinates, urine flows from the bladder through the urethra, exiting the body.
Urinary blockages are significantly more prevalent in male cats due to their narrower urethra compared to females, making them more susceptible to obstructions.
If left untreated, a urinary blockage can lead to severe, life-threatening complications, including kidney failure, bladder rupture, and dangerous electrolyte imbalances that can critically affect heart function.
A Urinary Blockage In Cats is an absolute medical emergency. Immediate veterinary attention is crucial if you suspect your cat is blocked.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Urinary Blockage in Cats
The symptoms of urinary blockage can overlap with other urinary tract issues. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) is a broad term encompassing conditions affecting the bladder and urethra. FLUTD can be caused by urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder stones, and inflammation.
Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC), a common type of FLUTD, involves bladder inflammation often triggered by stress.
FLUTD, FIC, and urethral obstruction can present with similar signs, making it challenging for pet owners to differentiate between them. However, distinguishing these conditions is vital because while FLUTD and FIC are usually not emergencies, a urinary blockage can be fatal.
Common symptoms seen in FLUTD, FIC, and early urinary blockage include:
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Increased urgency to urinate, leading to more frequent litter box visits
- Producing small amounts of urine frequently
- Straining to urinate (which can be mistaken for straining to defecate)
- Urinating outside the litter box, often in unusual locations like bathtubs, sinks, or tiled floors
- Excessive licking of the genital area
- Vocalization, such as loud and frequent meowing, indicating pain or distress
- Lethargy or increased hiding behavior
- Decreased appetite
- Vomiting or diarrhea
The definitive symptom of a urinary blockage is straining to urinate without producing any urine, or only managing to produce a few drops.
Observing urine production can be difficult, especially if your cat is already urinating frequently or outside the litter box. Confining your cat to a small bathroom with a litter box for a few hours to monitor urine output can help determine if they are urinating.
If you are uncertain whether your cat is urinating, treat it as an emergency and seek immediate veterinary care. Life-threatening consequences can occur within just 12-24 hours of being unable to urinate. Untreated obstructions can be fatal in as little as 36-48 hours.
Understanding the Causes of Urinary Blockage in Cats
Several factors can cause urethral obstruction in cats, including:
- Urethral plugs: The most frequent cause, especially in male cats. These plugs are composed of crystals and mucus that accumulate in the urethra, physically blocking urine flow.
- Bladder stones: Stones can move from the bladder into the urethra and become lodged, causing a blockage.
- Urethral strictures (narrowing) and cancer: While less common, these conditions can also lead to obstruction.
- Swelling: In a significant number of cases (up to 50%), the exact cause remains unidentified, but inflammation is believed to play a significant role.
While any cat breed can develop a urinary blockage, male cats are at a higher risk due to their anatomical predisposition. Additionally, cats that do not drink enough water may be more prone to developing urinary issues, including blockages.
Diagnosing Urinary Blockage in Cats: What to Expect at the Vet
Veterinary diagnosis begins with a detailed medical history of your cat. It is crucial to immediately inform your veterinarian about any straining, difficulty urinating, or blood in the urine you have observed.
A thorough physical examination will be performed, including palpating (feeling) the abdomen to assess the bladder:
- In a healthy cat, the bladder should feel small and soft, similar to a water balloon that is not fully inflated.
- In cats with FLUTD or FIC, the bladder is often very small and difficult to feel because they are urinating frequently.
- In a cat with a urinary blockage, the bladder will be firm and hard, like a baseball, and likely painful to the touch.
The veterinarian might gently attempt to express the bladder, but this is usually impossible in cases of urethral obstruction. Bladder palpation is a critical diagnostic step, but it should only be performed by a trained veterinarian.
In obese or uncooperative cats, bladder palpation can be challenging, and further diagnostic tests may be necessary. Abdominal ultrasound is helpful to visualize bladder size and detect bladder masses or urinary crystals. Abdominal X-rays can also be used to assess bladder size and identify bladder or urethral stones.
A complete blood count, serum blood chemistry, and urinalysis are typically recommended for a comprehensive evaluation.
Treatment Options for Urinary Blockage in Cats
The primary goal of treatment is to relieve the obstruction and manage the potentially life-threatening consequences of electrolyte imbalances and toxin buildup.
This is achieved by placing a urinary catheter while the cat is under sedation or general anesthesia. Catheter placement in blocked cats can be complex, and potential complications include urethral tearing and bladder rupture, which may necessitate emergency surgery.
Fortunately, most cats are successfully unblocked, and the urinary catheter is secured in place for 3-5 days. During this period, cats with dangerously high potassium levels are treated with medications like calcium gluconate and/or insulin and glucose to lower potassium and protect the heart.
Hospitalization is required for pain management, intravenous (IV) fluid therapy, and monitoring. Antibiotics and prescription diets may also be prescribed. Once the blockage is removed and pressure on the kidneys is relieved, kidney function typically returns to normal. However, acute kidney failure remains a potential risk.
Medical management is usually the standard of care. However, surgery may be recommended for cats with bladder stones or a history of recurrent obstructions. Cystotomy is a surgical procedure to remove bladder stones.
Perineal Urethrostomy (PU) is a specialized surgery to create a wider urethral opening in male cats, resembling a female urethra, to prevent future blockages. PU surgery has its own risks and does not prevent FLUTD or FIC. Your veterinarian can advise if PU surgery is appropriate for your cat.
Recovery and Long-Term Management After Urinary Blockage
Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are key to a positive outcome for cats with urinary blockages. Most cats require hospitalization for 3-5 days for IV fluids, pain relief, and supportive care.
Once urine appears clear and follow-up bloodwork is normal, the urinary catheter is removed. The cat is then monitored for another 12-24 hours to ensure the blockage does not recur before discharge.
After discharge, your cat may receive medications to relax the urethra for up to two weeks, along with oral pain medication and antibiotics as needed.
A lifelong prescription diet is usually recommended to prevent crystal formation and promote bladder health by controlling urine pH. Increasing water intake through water fountains and transitioning to a canned food diet are also beneficial.
Commonly recommended prescription diets include: [List of prescription diets as in original if available, otherwise remove this line].
With timely and appropriate veterinary care, most cats recover fully and live normal lives with minor dietary adjustments. However, pet owners must remain vigilant for any signs of urinary issues, as recurrent blockages are possible. If your cat experiences more than two episodes of urethral obstruction, discuss PU surgery with your veterinarian.
Feline Urinary Blockage FAQs
1. How quickly can a urinary blockage kill a cat?
Life-threatening complications can arise within 12-24 hours of being unable to urinate. Death from an untreated blockage can occur in as little as 36-48 hours.
2. Can a cat recover from a urinary blockage without veterinary intervention?
No. Urinary blockage requires immediate veterinary treatment to resolve.
3. Is it possible to unblock a cat’s bladder at home?
No. Attempting to unblock a cat’s bladder at home is dangerous and should only be performed by a veterinarian. Improper handling can cause bladder rupture, a life-threatening condition.
References
- American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Urinary Obstruction in Male Cats.
- Ettinger S, Feldman E. Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 6th ed. Elsevier Saunders; 2005.
- Reineke E. “Feline urethral obstruction: Emergency treatment and stabilization.” Western Veterinary Conference 2013, Proceedings.
WRITTEN BY: Veronica Higgs, DVM, Veterinarian
