Cat Urinary Blockage: Massage & Medication Guide
When a cat can't urinate, a condition known as urinary obstruction, it's a matter of grave urgency. If a cat remains obstructed for more than 24 hours, it can lead to kidney failure, and beyond 48 hours, it can be lifethreatening! Therefore, pet owners must act swiftly if they notice their cat is unable to urinate, and immediate veterinary care is essential.
Early Symptoms of Feline Urinary Obstruction:
⚠ Restlessness, anxiety, and unexplained crying
⚠ Frequent visits to the litter box, but only a small amount of urine is produced or the cat strains for a long time without any result
⚠ Constant licking of the urinary opening, leading to redness and inflammation
⚠ Cloudy urine, blood in the urine clumps, or a pinkish hue
What to Do When a Cat Can't Urinate:
Most cases of feline urinary obstruction are caused by spontaneous cystitis, also known as idiopathic cystitis. In such cases, the urethra is not completely blocked, and emergency treatment can be attempted using a combination of massage and diuretic medication.
Apply a Warm Water Bag to the Bladder Area: Place a warm water bottle filled with warm water over the cat's lower abdomen (the bladder region) for about 5 minutes at a time, repeating as needed. This can soothe bladder spasms, improve circulation, and stimulate urination. The water temperature should be between 4045°C to avoid burns. If a water bottle is not available, a warm, wellwrung towel can be used instead.
Massage the Bladder: Gently massage the cat's lower abdomen from top to bottom to help stimulate urination. However, the massage should be very gentle to avoid causing harm.
Massage the Bladder and Kidney Points: Gently massage the bladder and kidney points on the cat for about 3 minutes each. These points can help regulate kidney energy, promote urination, and alleviate symptoms such as frequent urination and difficulty urinating.
Administer Diuretics and Antiinflammatory Painkillers: A common diuretic is Diurex (hydrochlorothiazide tablets), which stimulates urination by promoting the exchange of sodium and potassium ions. If the cat has blood in its urine, indicating a possible urinary tract infection, broadspectrum antibiotics such as Clavamox (amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium) or Enrofloxacin can be used. For severe pain, such as frequent crying, meloxicam tablets can be given for their effective pain relief and safety in cats.
Caution: If the cat's obstruction is due to a urinary tract infection, urethral tumor, or urinary tract stones, and the urethra is blocked, the above methods are generally ineffective, and immediate veterinary care, including catheterization and intravenous fluid therapy, is required.
Lastly, urinary obstruction in cats is prone to recurrence, so preventive measures are crucial. This includes ensuring the cat has adequate water intake, maintaining a stable and comfortable living environment, and reducing stress. If the cat's obstruction is due to urinary tract stones, it is recommended to switch the main food to wet food or urinary tract prescription food.
