**THIS IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY!**
If you are ever concerned that your cat can’t pee, take it to a veterinarian IMMEDIATELY!
This condition is most commonly seen in the male cat because their urethra (the tube that allows the urine to flow from the bladder to the penis) narrows. This narrowing means that crystals or stones can become lodged in the urethra preventing the urine from being able to be excreted. As a result, the cat is unable to filter toxic materials or get rid of electrolytes that then build up to deadly levels!
How do I know my cat can’t pee?
The most common signs are:
- Visiting the litterbox a lot, but no urine spots are noted
- Crying (especially when straining in the litterbox)
- Vomiting
- Not eating
- Grooming/licking at penis excessively
- Hiding
What causes this?
The two most common causes are:
- Crystals or stones that block the urethra
- Stress that causes the urethra to spasm resulting in narrowing and obstruction
How do we treat them?
Your veterinarian will conduct a physical examination on your cat where they will feel their bladder to see if it is enlarged or firm. Bloodwork is done to assess for any toxic electrolyte build up as well as to assess for potential organ damage (in particular kidney damage). Radiographs of the abdomen are taken to see if any stones are seen in the kidneys, bladder or urethra. Cats that are completely blocked will be given heavy sedation or undergo a full general anesthetic to pass a catheter into their urethra to attempt to relieve the obstruction. These catheters are kept in place for a minimum of 24 hours to flush out the kidneys, bladder and urethra while your cat is on intravenous fluids. A urine sample is collected to assess for the underlying cause, and appropriate medications are started.
How can I help reduce the risks for my cat?
- Encourage increased water intake: This can be done by trying different types of water, using a water fountain or even allowing cats to drink out of the tap
- Feed a high quality diet: Many veterinary diets are now formulated to reduce the chance of crystal/stone formation. Consult with your veterinarian for more details
- Reduce stress: Ensure you have a minimum of 1 litterbox/cat and that the litter is cleaned daily. During stressful times, the addition of pheromones (Feliway) or anti-anxiety medication should be considered to help cats cope.
- Routine urine screening to assess for crystals.
Dr. Simone Herrlinger
Snelgrove Vet (Brampton, ON) 