Preventing Unneutered Male Cat Urinary Issues: Essentia

Firstly, cats have narrower urethras, which means we can often detect urinary tract issues in them early by observing signs such as difficulty urinating, red urine, or frequent trips to the litter box.

How to Detect Urinary Tract Issues in Unneutered Male Cats Early On?

（一）Darkening of the Testicles

There are three possible reasons for a cat's testicles to darken:

1. Pigment deposition, which is often hereditary. You can determine this by asking about the color of the father's scrotum.

2. The cat may have scrotal inflammation, which can be treated by applying erythromycin ointment to the testicles and ensuring the cat wears a collar to prevent it from licking the ointment. The color should return to normal after a while.

3. It might just be dirty. Simply give the testicles a thorough wash during bath time. This is a common issue that can't be cured, but regular cleaning can prevent it from getting too dirty.

（二）Prostate Disease in Cats

Prostate enlargement is more common in older male cats, and young cats rarely suffer from this condition. In severe cases, surgery may be required to treat it, as it can lead to other complications. Therefore, cat owners with older cats need to be particularly vigilant.

Cats with urinary tract or prostate diseases experience severe pain during urination due to the difficulty in excretion. If they feel uncomfortable, they may avoid using the litter box. So, if you notice any abnormalities in your cat's urination or defecation, it's crucial to take them to the vet immediately to prevent the condition from worsening and potentially threatening the cat's life.

（三）Difficulty in Urination and Defecation

Difficulty in urination is a common problem in cats, especially in males. This is mainly due to the narrower urethra in males compared to females. Common issues like urethritis, urinary stones, prostatitis, and benign prostatic hyperplasia can lead to difficulty in urination. Also, observe if your cat frequently can't urinate or defecate. Promptly informing the vet can help quickly diagnose the disease.

（四）Urethritis or Urinary Stones

Cats with urethritis or urinary stones may have difficulty urinating due to blockages caused by stones or inflammation. In male cats with prostatitis, this can lead to difficulty in defecation. In severe cases, the bladder may also be affected, causing difficulty in urination. This can be accompanied by symptoms like fever, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

（五）Urinary Tract Diseases During Heat

Male cats typically start to show signs of heat around 68 months of age, such as constant calling, especially at night. In urban areas, this can significantly disrupt both the cat and its neighbors' sleep. Additionally, male cats may urinate anywhere during heat, not for排泄 purposes but to leave their scent for female cats to find them.

（六）Testicle and Epididymis Inflammation

Shortterm inflammation of the testicle or epididymis can be caused by trauma, infection, or torsion (testicular torsion). Inflammation can also be accompanied by infections in other organs, although these cases are rare in cats, except for trauma.

（七）Frequent Urination

Be cautious if you notice your cat frequently visiting the litter box but can't urinate or only produces a few drops. If your cat's urination frequency and state are abnormal, it could be a sign of illness.

（八）Red Urine

Red urine, also known as hematuria, occurs when blood from the kidneys, bladder, or urethra enters the urine. The color can range from bright red to dark red, depending on the severity of the condition. Other causes of bleeding can include poisoning, falls, or fights.

How to Prevent Urinary Tract Issues in Unneutered Male Cats

（一）Provide Fresh Drinking Water Daily

Change your cat's drinking water regularly to keep it fresh. Don't let the water sit in the bowl for too long. If possible, provide your cat with an automatic water fountain, as flowing water can stimulate them to drink more and ensure the water stays fresh, reducing the risk of urinary tract diseases.

（二）Keep the Litter Box Clean

Even if you're busy, don't neglect cleaning the litter box. Clean it thoroughly at least once a week and scoop it at least 23 times a day. Ensure the litter is always sufficient, and keep the litter box clean. Also, regularly clean your cat's bottom to maintain hygiene.

（三）Provide Adequate Exercise and Diet

Cats may be lazy, but it's important to play with them and ensure they get enough exercise. You can use a laser pointer to encourage your cat to move. Provide a balanced diet and include cat grass to prevent bladder stones. Using Green Cross urinary tablets can also help maintain your cat's health.

（四）Neuter the Male Cat

Spaying or neutering your cat is a common practice among cat owners. It not only reduces the risk of urinary tract diseases but also prevents fights with other cats during heat. Neutered cats also tend to live longer. So, don't forget to neuter your cat after it reaches 6 months of age. Urinary tract diseases can be very painful for cats, so prevention is crucial.

If you notice any signs of difficulty urinating, red urine, or frequent trips to the litter box, take your cat to the vet immediately. Don't attempt to selfmedicate, as this could delay the best treatment opportunity.