Cat Urinary Health Problems

Health conditions affecting a cat's urinary tract are often referred to as feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD). This is an umbrella term that covers a range of urethra and bladder health problems. Middle aged, overweight cats are more prone to developing FLUTD, according to Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine. Cats with urinary health problems may urinate outside of the litter box, have bloody urine, urinate with greater frequency and experience painful urination. There are common urinary health problems in cats.

  1. Urinary Stones

    • Urinary stones are composed of accumulated minerals from the cat's urinary tract. The stones are often formed by struvite or calcium oxalate. Struvite stones are less common now due to formula changes in commercial cat food. Calcium oxalate stones are not affected by diet. Treatment for urinary stones may involve flushing the bladder to help pass the stones. Surgery may be required if the stones do not pass. Cats that have suffered from urinary stones in the past are susceptible to recurrence, according to Cornell University.

    Feline Idiopathic Cystitis

    • Cats with feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) typically have bloody urine and often strain to urinate. Urinary tract obstructions can also occur. FIC is an ongoing condition that can be triggered by stress in the cat's life. Household stress like unfriendly cats, erratic feeding schedules and moves may worsen or prolong FIC. Providing a steady diet, toys, clean litter boxes and climbing posts can help reduce recurrences of FIC. Bouts of FIC usually last for a couple of weeks, according to Cornell University.

    Obstruction of the Urethra

    • Urethral obstruction is a serious health problem that can be life threatening. Untreated cats with urethral obstruction cannot balance the electrolytes in their body or remove toxins and will die as a result. Obstruction of the urethra must be treated immediately as death can occur in less than a day. Urethral obstructions can be caused by urinary stones or urethral plugs which are composed of minerals, protein and cells that form a soft mass. Male cats have long, narrow urethras and are more prone to developing obstructions.

    Obstruction Symptoms and Treatment

    • Symptoms of urethral obstruction include frequent attempts to urinate and even crying out from pain. Urethral obstruction may be treated with catheterization to remove the blockage, antibiotics and fluids to treat electrolyte imbalances. In severe cases for male cats, a surgery to remove part of the penis and urethra may be an option. However, this procedure may cause incontinence and other urinary problems in the future, according to Cornell University.

    Diagnosing Urinary Health Problems

    • Diagnosis of cat urinary health problems typically begins with a physical examination of the cat and a urine analysis. There are many causes for urinary health problems and bloodwork, urine cultures and x-rays may be needed for diagnosis, according to Cornell University. FIC is typically diagnosed when other urinary problems have been ruled out but bloody urine or bladder discomfort persists.

    Prevention

    • Fresh, clean water and frequent meals help to reduce incidences of urinary health problems. Cats should also have multiple, clean litter boxes that are located in quiet locations in the home. Avoid introducing major changes into the household and discuss the best cat food options with your veterinarian.