Cat Suddenly Unable to Urinate: Possible Causes and Sol

Section 1: What is Feline Urological Obstruction (Feline Urological Syndrome, FUS)?

Feline Urological Obstruction, commonly referred to as FUS, is a condition characterized by difficulty or complete inability to urinate. When a cat is unable to urinate at all, it can lead to acute kidney failure and may result in death within 24 to 48 hours. Therefore, if you notice any signs of FUS in your cat, it is crucial to act quickly and seek veterinary care for catheterization.

Feline Urological Obstruction typically progresses in stages. In the early stages, symptoms may not be very apparent, and owners may not be able to observe their cat's urination process promptly. It can be challenging to detect urinary abnormalities when multiple cats are using the same litter box, as the litter may not reveal any changes. These situations can make it difficult to detect FUS early on.

Section 2: Symptoms of Feline Urological Obstruction

When FUS begins, the urethra may not be completely blocked, and the cat may exhibit some unusual urination behaviors:

The cat may repeatedly enter and exit the litter box, but only a small amount of urine is produced, or there may be no urine at all. You may notice that the urine clumps are significantly smaller when cleaning the litter box.

Occasionally, the cat may cry out in pain while urinating in the litter box. Some cats may be too uncomfortable to use the litter box and instead urinate on the floor or bed. If you find your cat urinating in an inappropriate place, take a moment to observe whether it is experiencing difficulty urinating.

The cat's urination difficulties may resemble constipation, with an arched back. Due to the pain, the cat may frequently lick around its genitals or tail base, and may not allow you to touch it. Some cats may hide away.

As the condition progresses to complete blockage, urine cannot be expelled, leading to the accumulation of waste products such as urea nitrogen, creatinine, and potassium in the blood. The cat may experience vomiting, loss of appetite, and extreme drowsiness, indicating that toxins have built up to a dangerous level in the body due to the urethral blockage.

Section 3: How to Diagnose Feline Urological Obstruction

When you notice the aforementioned symptoms in your cat, it is reasonable to suspect FUS. By palpating the cat's bladder, you can quickly determine if your cat is obstructed and whether immediate veterinary care is necessary.

Have your cat stand on a table, locate the bladder (near the tail, on the abdomen), and gently press:

A normal bladder should be the size of an orange and feel like a waterfilled balloon.

When the urethra is blocked, the bladder will feel hard and firm, resembling a peach. The cat will likely feel pain when pressed.

A healthy bladder is small and nearly undetectable when empty, and soft when full. If you feel a bladder that is as hard as a peach, it indicates an obstruction, and you should seek veterinary care for catheterization immediately!

It is essential to take urinary abnormalities in cats very seriously and act promptly. FUS is a race against time; do not delay in seeking valuable treatment opportunities.

Tip: To learn more about the treatment of Feline Urological Obstruction, click here to read Cat Urinary Obstruction: Symptoms and Solutions.