Jan 26 2009
Feline urinary straining
One of the biggest problems we hear from cat owners is inappropriate urination and straining to urinate.
Though inappropriate elimination can sometimes be territorial/ behavioral/ stress, often this problem is due to a urinary tract infection. The bacteria causes inflammation in the bladder, which triggers a signal to the brain that the cat needs to urinate with a full bladder, even though technically the bladder has not had enough time to fill up. Therefore, we start seeing frequent urination in tiny amounts. The cat will often associate their litter box with the irritation/ discomfort they are feeling, and then choose to urinate elsewhere instead in an attempt to avoid the discomfort.
A urinary tract infection can often easily be treated with a round of antibiotics, but it is not something to put off treating for too long, as it is very uncomfortable for the cat and can eventually lead to either kidney infections or chronic cystitis.
Your vet will want to check a fresh urine sample to determine which type of bacteria is causing this and if crystals or casts are present, then choose the proper antibiotic for curing. Crystals in time will start to form stones.
If seeing this problem, definitely make sure your cat is able to produce and let out urine each time squatting. The situation is much different with a male cat than with a dog or even female cat when this occurs. That is because the male cat’s urethra (the ‘tubing’ which carries urine from the bladder and out of the body) is extremely thin, and the crystals get stuck in the urethra easily and block the bladder from emptying. This is a dire emergency situation, requiring an emergency vet A.S.A.P. It is lethal if not treated quickly- as the bladder continues to fill with urine and will eventually rupture. The abdomen becomes painful as this occurs.
Once a cat is blocked, unfortunately there is nothing you can do at home: the only way to help a blocked cat is by having the cat sedated, catheterized, and professionally “flushed” to get this unblocked; then the catheter needs to remain in place while the crystals are treated and dissolved so the cat can urinate on his own again. Often in cats who have a tendency to have a change in urine pH and therefore more susceptible to UTIs and blocking, we recommend a diet change or supplements to help keep the urine pH at a less compatible level for crystal formation.
Christine, LVT
Thanks for telling about this. This is a very serious problem. I battled this with my sweet baby boy for 2 months. Even had to have surgery on him. He never recovered and I lost last Tuesday.
My cat has had ths once He’s coming up 4, a manx I keep him on expensive urinary tract food, commercial & veterinary, also includes the odd “can” of food (veterinary), lots of water & occasionally amoxicillan with clavulanate ( an antibiotic) I think this condition must be caused byit bouncing low grade dry food?? It’s very expensive for the vet to care for him as are all visits!!