Bladder Pain in Cats

Feline bladder pain can be caused by a number of things, including urinary tract infection and struvite crystals. Feline bladder pain should be taken seriously and course of treatment is determined based on what causes the pain.

  1. Symptoms

    • Symptoms of feline bladder pain include blood in the urine, straining to urinate, reduced urine, urination outside the litter box, abdominal pain, hissing and growling while urinating, and frequent urination.

    Diagnosis

    • Physical examinations, x-rays, ultrasounds and urinalysis are common methods used by veterinarians to diagnose the specific cause of feline bladder pain.

    Treatment

    • Treatment for feline bladder pain varies according to the cause of the pain. Possible treatment options include surgery, dietary changes, antibiotics and other oral medications, increased fluid intake, dietary supplements, exercise, and stress reduction/environmental changes.

    Prevention

    • Depending on the cause of feline bladder pain, preventive measures include specialized diet, exercise, periodic physical exams including urinalysis, dietary supplements, keeping the litter box clean, and oral medications.

    Warning

    • Cats experiencing bladder pain should receive immediate veterinary care, as the pain may be a symptom of more severe and even deadly medical conditions.