If you notice your cat straining to urinate, crying out when urinating, producing little or no urine or producing bloody urine, he may be suffering from a urinary blockage. This emergency requires immediate veterinary attention.
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Treatment
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Your veterinarian will insert a urinary catheter into the urethral opening; he will inject saline through the catheter in an attempt to dislodge the obstruction. If this method is successful, the vet will stitch the catheter in place and monitor your cat's urine production for several days.
Monitoring
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After removing the catheter, the vet will monitor your cat's urine production to ensure the blockage does not recur. When urine production is normal, your cat may go home.
At Home
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Re-blockage is common; closely monitor your cat for signs of blockage, vomiting or loss of appetite; feed wet cat food and provide free access to water.
Surgery
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If your cat cannot be unblocked or experiences recurrent blockage, a surgical procedure called a perineal urethrostomy may be performed. The veterinarian removes the penis, which widens the opening of the urethra, and permanently stitches the urethra in place.
Warning
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Urinary blockage may cause the kidneys to stop producing urine. This can quickly lead to a buildup of life-threatening toxins in your cat's body.
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