Causes of Cats' Frequent, Urgent, Incomplete Urination:
Part 1: Causes of Frequent, Urgent, and Incomplete Urination in Cats
1. Generally, male cats are more prone to experiencing frequent urination, urgency, and incomplete voiding, even after being neutered. There are numerous reasons for such urinary issues, including urinary stones, urinary tract infections, inflammation, and trauma. The most common cause is the presence of urinary stones. Both male and female cats have a similar chance of developing urinary stones, but due to the shorter and wider urethra in females, they can often expel the stones during urination, preventing urethral blockage. However, if the stones are too large, they can cause damage to the urethra as they pass through, leading to severe discomfort for the female cat during urination.
2. Urinary blockage in cats can lead to kidney damage, reducing or even eliminating the kidneys' ability to filter blood. If toxins in the blood are not expelled in a timely manner, it may result in feline kidney failure. If a cat's urethra becomes blocked due to urinary stones, causing difficulty or complete inability to urinate, the toxins filtered by the kidneys cannot be expelled, leading to their accumulation within the kidneys. This can alter the kidney environment and increase the kidneys' workload. In such cases, the owner must promptly take the cat to a veterinarian for catheterization or needle aspiration to facilitate urine elimination.
Part 2: How to Address Urinary Stones in Cats?
1. Firstly, ensure that your cat has access to clean and ample drinking water, ideally cool, filtered water. Some cats are prone to urinary stones, and despite preventive measures, they may still develop them. In such cases, consider providing your cat with distilled water, which can effectively prevent the formation of urinary stones. However, distilled water lacks essential trace elements, so when giving your cat distilled water, also feed them with foods rich in trace elements.
2. Normally, a cat's urine is slightly acidic. However, excessive consumption of vegetables and fruits can make the urine alkaline, potentially leading to urinary stones. Conversely, an excessive intake of meat can increase the acidity of the urine. Therefore, it is crucial to feed your cat a balanced diet to maintain urinary health.
Should you notice sparkling crystals in your cat's urine, it indicates the presence of urinary stones. Pay closer attention to your cat's urination patterns and consider administering urinary supplements. If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to consult with an online veterinary professional.