The Symptoms of Bladder Stones in Cats

A cat with bladder stones experiences moderate to severe pain. Bladder stones are formed when minerals present in the urine bind together. The most common suspect minerals are calcium, magnesium, ammonia, phosphorus and carbonates. Some bladder stones remain small, allowing the normal passage of urine to flush them out. Other bladder stones can grow as large as several millimeters, causing them to rub against urinary walls and creating blockages in the urethra. These blockages require veterinary care to either flush them out or remove them surgically.

  1. Urination Challenges

    • A cat experiencing painful or difficult urination should be evaluated for bladder stones. In veterinary terms this is called "dysuria." Other urinary challenges can include increased frequency, cloudy urine and urinating in unusual places. Cats not using their litter box associate it with pain that could be caused by a bladder stone. The presence of blood, known as "hematuria," is also a sign of bladder stones.

    Genital Licking

    • While cats do groom themselves regularly, a cat concentrating on its bottom is indicating something is wrong. Cats use grooming techniques to rid themselves of physical problems. A cat that is constantly licking its genital area is a prime candidate for a bladder stone diagnosis.

    Excessive Thirst

    • Cats are not big water drinkers as their natural inclination is to get most of their necessary fluids from their food. When a domesticated cat starts drinking much more water, it's a sign of a health issue such as bladder stones. The cat instinctively drinks more water in an attempt to flush out the problem.