Help For The Dreaded “Blocked” Kitty

Today’s topic is a much-dreaded veterinary emergency: urinary obstruction, more commonly known as a “blocked cat.”  Common feline urinary conditions include feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC), stones, or infection. Any cat can develop a urinary condition, but indoor male cats are especially susceptible.

Make sure to take extra caution when it is your neutered male cat having a urinary problem. Male cats have incredibly narrow urethras -- the tube that drains the bladder to the outside world through the penis. In fact, a male cat’s urethra is so narrow that even muscle spasms in the urethra can be enough to cause an obstruction to urine flow. A small bladder stone, crystals or a plug easily become lodged inside the urethra and can completely block the outflow of urine. Bloody urine, straining to urinate – which can easily be mistaken for straining to defecate, urinating outside of the litter box, and licking their hind end are all lower urinary tract signs.  These signs in your cat require a visit to the veterinarian to prevent an emergency. 

You should suspect that your cat is "blocked" when he is trying to urinate, but nothing, or just the tiniest dribble, will come out. As the condition progresses, he becomes increasingly uncomfortable. Eventually the pain is excruciating, and the chemicals that should be exiting his body through urination quickly begin to accumulate in the blood stream.  This can cause serious damage to the kidneys and the rest of the body. Without rapid intervention, urinary obstruction can be life threatening.

Treating a blocked cat involves relieving the urethral blockage, emptying the bladder and dealing with the biochemical abnormalities that have developed. This is typically done by placing a catheter through the urethra and leaving it in place until the bladder has had a chance to remain empty and recover.  Intravenous fluid therapy, pain relief, and medications that promote normal function of the urinary tract are necessary as well.

Prevention strategies should begin once a cat has experienced a urethral obstruction.  Unfortunately, they are at risk for developing the problem again. Diets are carefully chosen by a veterinarian to promote a healthy urine pH and bladder environment. Water consumption and decreasing stress in the environment have also proved essential parts to prevent recurrence.

This week I also want to mention a great resource to help manage stress in indoor cats. You may wonder if it is possible for your kitty to be stressed when they appear to sleep most of the day!! Research reveals that boredom and the litter box are top stressors for indoor-only cats.  A great website with more information on environmental enrichment for indoor cats is: http://indoorpet.osu.edu/cats/  Playing with your cat, providing them with a great perch, giving them choices when making changes, a quiet refuge, and keeping the litter boxes clean might just help prevent another panicked rush to the veterinary hospital.