Cats with Urinary Blockage: Symptoms to Watch Out For

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While feline urinary obstruction can manifest differently depending on the underlying cause, there are several common symptoms that are typically observed:

1. Inability to Urinate:

When a cat is suffering from urinary obstruction, they will often frequent the litter box, adopting a posture as if they are trying to urinate, and may excessively dig in the litter. However, what you'll usually see is only a few drops of urine, if any at all. This can be quite distressing for both the cat and its owner.

2. Accidental Urination:

Unable to urinate properly in the litter box, cats may resort to urinating elsewhere, such as on beds, sofas, or floors. If you notice this behavior, it's important not to immediately scold your cat. Instead, pay close attention to their recent urination habits and frequency to determine if they might be suffering from urinary obstruction.

3. Painful Urination:

Urinary obstruction can be caused by urinary tract infections, cystitis, or urolithiasis, all of which can lead to varying degrees of pain during urination. This pain is often due to inflammation or crystals irritating the urethra. If you hear your cat yelping in pain while urinating, it could be a sign of a urinary system issue.

4. Abnormal Urination Posture:

Cats typically urinate with their front legs extended and back legs fully squatting, maintaining a straight back. If you notice your cat arching their back, tensing their muscles, and having rigid back legs while their head is slightly down, these could be signs of pain during urination.

5. Frequent Licking of the Urethra:

To alleviate pain, cats may repeatedly lick their urethra. In male cats, this can lead to symptoms like an exposed and inflamed penis. It's important to distinguish these symptoms from those related to mating behavior.

6. Smaller Litter Clumps:

Due to the reduced amount of urine, the litter clumps will naturally become smaller. For cats with urinary issues, using clumping litter that is easy to handle and has minimal dust can help you easily monitor their urine output.

7. Urine with Blood:

If your cat's urine contains blood, it indicates a severe case of urinary obstruction and requires immediate veterinary attention. If left untreated, the accumulation of toxins in the body can be lifethreatening.

For more information on the symptoms of feline urinary obstruction and treatment options, refer to "What to Do About Feline Urinary Obstruction? How to Treat It?" For other questions, feel free to consult an online veterinary expert.