What Are the Causes of Feline Bladder Stones?

Bladder stones in cats, commonly known as uroliths, are clusters of minerals formed into a rock hard substance. The stones primarily affect the bladder wall and the urethra of cats and can be caused by a variety of issues.

  1. Mineral Level

    • Urine with a high amount of magnesium, phosphorous, calcium or ammonia often produces bladder stones.

    Genetic Factors

    • Some felines produce the same type of bladder stone on multiple occasions as a result of their genetic makeup. For example, felines that are genetically unable to absorb the cystine mineral in the kidney are likely to produce cystine bladder stones repeatedly.

    Urine pH

    • The urine pH level is also important to note in determining the causes of bladder stones, because the level can be a determining factor in how minerals respond in the urine of cats and dogs.

    Bacteria

    • Bladder stones can also form as a result of bacteria being present in the urine. Common bacteria causing bladder stones in cats are e.coli, staph and proteus.

    Liver Shunts

    • Portosystemic shunts, also known as liver shunts, are contracted as a result of abnormal blood flow to the liver. The disease often causes the formation of ammonium rich bladder stones.