Urinary Blockage in Cats: A Real Emergency

This is a very serious veterinary problem, especially if the urethra is completely blocked, as it can make the cat very sick and even threaten its life. In order to figure out that your cat has a urinary blockage, and then get it the right veterinary treatment, you need to first be aware of the symptoms. Once you suspect that your cat has a urinary blockage, you should be willing to take the cat to get a veterinary diagnosis and begin treatment as soon as possible.

Above all, only male cats get complete urinary tract blockages. However, there are some other risk factors that could increase your cat's risk of getting this veterinary problem. 

All risk factors include: 

• Being a male cat: The urethra in a male cat, which is the tube that urine flows through to the outside of the body, is very narrow and can get obstructed easily. Female cats can get a variety of problems in their urinary tracts, such as feline idiopathic cystitis or stones, but they rarely get completely obstructed urinary tracts. 
• Being in a multi-cat household.
• Eating dry food.
• Being overweight or obese.
• Being an indoor cat only.
• Being an older cat: Cats of any age can get a urinary blockage, but older cats are more likely to get them.

Having a blocked urethra will cause your cat to show a variety of symptoms having to do with their urination. 

Symptoms connected to urination that your cat might have include: 

• Strained urination
• Frequent urination
• Blood in the urine
• Painful urination
• Squatting in strange places
• Spending a lot of time in the litter box
• Licking under their tail a lot
• Visiting the litter box and not leaving a wet patch behind
• Restlessness and agitation

Trouble urinating can cause your cat to act out in problematic ways. Perhaps most problematic, many cats who have urinary blockages begin urinating in inappropriate places. This is due to the cat’s discomfort and inability to control its urination normally.

• Also, due to the pain associated with this condition, your cat may begin to cry uncontrollably.
• Your cat may hide and refuse to eat or drink. If your cat is not eating or drinking, you should take it to a veterinarian right away.

Having a urinary blockage can threaten your cat's life. In fact, within three to six hours of having a blockage, your cat could die from the buildup of urine. Thus, it is important that you get it veterinary treatment as quickly as possible.

• Call the veterinary office on your way to warn them that you are coming in because of an emergency. This will allow them to prepare for your arrival.
• Be prepared to tell the veterinarian about all of your cat's symptoms.