If your cat is showing signs of a urinary blockage, take it to the vet asap.

It is naturally upsetting when your cat is in a  dire situation . A urinary blockage in cats is one of those dire circumstances, and can cause death to the cat in 3-6 days. If you suspect that your cat might have a urinary blockage, here is what you should do.

Recognize the symptoms of urinary blockage in cats. Males between 1-10 years of age are more likely to experience a blockage because the urethra, the tube through which urine passes, is longer than that of the female cat’s. The narrowness and length of the passage make it easy for urine crystals, mucous, bladder stones, blood clots, and more to get stuck. 

If your cat has an obstruction, he may repeatedly strain to urinate with little to no results, urinate outside of the litter box, have bloody urine, cry and howl, lose his appetite, and grow lethargic. 

Find a vet who can take care of the situation as soon as possible. A few hours, let alone a few days, can make a big difference. Your vet may insert a catheter into the urinary tract in order to relieve the blockage while your cat is sedated. In some cases, like total obstruction, your vet may need to perform surgery to remove bladder stones or other matter from the urethra. In the case of reoccurring blockages, your cat may need surgery to widen the urethra. This solution successfully keeps the urethra from getting blocked again.

Caring for your cat after surgery is fairly straightforward. Your cat will likely be right as rain afterward, although there may still be traces of discoloration in the urine. If your cat is tempted to bother the area after surgery, he can wear an Elizabethan collar until the site is fully healed. Since blockages may quickly occur again after the first incident, keep a close eye on your cat to watch out for recurrences.  

Your veterinarian may also prescribe some  lifestyle changes for your cat. Urinary blockage in cats can result from household stress and diet. Make sure your cat has  all he needs to be entertained, such as climbing posts, toys, and window perches. If your cat only eats dry food, talk with your vet about feeding him a portion of wet food as well. One of the ultimate prescriptions for preventing obstructions is for your cat to drink more water. 

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At 24/7 Local Veterinarian, our veterinary professionals strive to provide your pet with the very best of veterinary care. We believe that the best care for your pet should be provided by experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable veterinary professionals. With two Maryland locations in both Baltimore and Pasadena, we are always ready to welcome your pet as a new patient! Give us a call today at (833) 220-1880! For more information, as well as updates on veterinary news and topics, visit us on  Facebook ,  Twitter ,  LinkedIn , or Pinterest!