Symptoms of Urinary Blockage in Felines

A urinary tract blockage in a feline is a complication of feline urinary tract disease and commonly occurs in male cats when mucus, crystals or stones plug the urethra. While it is very rare for a female cat to become blocked, it is possible. It is important to know the signs that this condition has occurred because it is life-threatening and if your cat is blocked, it is critical that you get it to a veterinarian immediately.

  1. Pain

    • If blocked, your cat may vocalize frequently to indicate pain.

      When a cat's urinary tract becomes blocked, he is experiencing severe pain. Depending upon the individual, signs of pain may be constant vocalization in your presence or the cat may hide from you. Your cat will experience pain in his back and in his abdomen and may vocalize if you touch these areas or may behave aggressively. The third eyelid, which is the white film that covers part of the cat's eye, will often be visible. The cat may also groom his genital area frequently in an attempt to ease the pain.

    Urination

    • If a cat is truly blocked, he will not produce any urine. He may be only partially blocked, and will produce a small amount of urine in which blood may be present. He will strain in his litter box while trying to urinate, may spend lots of time in the litter box and may make frequent trips to the litter box. Other cats will come to associate the litter box with the pain they are experiencing and avoid it altogether.

    Distended Bladder

    • A cat's distended bladder feels like a peach.

      The easiest way to determine if your cat is blocked is to feel for a distended bladder. You can do this by gently massaging your cat's belly. A distended bladder feels like, and is about the size of, a peach, according to Mar Vista Animal Medical Center. A normal bladder feels like a partly filled water balloon.

    Progression

    • As the male cat stays blocked and toxins build up in his body, symptoms that indicate the condition is becoming more serious will be present. These include depression, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and loss of appetite.

    Kidney Failure

    • As the toxins continue to build up, the cat's kidneys will fail and uremic poisoning will occur. Many cats will lapse into a coma. Symptoms of uremic poisoning include disorientation, lack of coordination and weakness.