Male Cat Urinary Blockage

A urinary blockage is a painful, uncomfortable and even deadly condition common in male cats. If you suspect that your cat is suffering from a urinary blockage, seek immediate treatment from an experienced veterinarian.

  1. Symptoms

    • Common symptoms of urinary blockage include straining to urinate, painful or frequent attempts at urination, failure to produce urine and crying while trying to urinate. Cats with a blockage eventually lose their appetites and become lethargic.

    Causes

    • Male cats who have feline urologic syndrome (FUS) or feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) often form crystals, mucus and bladder stones. These objects form a plug in the urethra, causing a blockage.

    Diagnosis

    • Your veterinarian will perform diagnostic tests such as bloodwork, urinalysis and X-rays to diagnose a urinary blockage in your cat.

    Treatment

    • Treatment of your cat's blockage requires immediate emergency removal of the blockage and may include catheterization and medication. Specialized diets are often prescribed for cats who have experiences blockages.

    Warning

    • A urinary blockage in your male cat requires prompt treatment as it can result in your cat's death within three to six days.