UTI problems

my cat is having trouble controlling and passing his urine. What can I do?

RESPONSE:

I’m sorry that I don’t have an easy answer for you. My suggestion is to get your cat to the vet as soon as you can because this could be a life threatening situation. I’ll try and outline briefly, a few of the possible reasons for this inability to urinate but getting your cat quick medical attention is of prime importance in most cases, especially if there is blockage.

In the meantime you can try to check whether or not there is blockage by actually feeling his belly for a distended bladder. It is about the size of a peach and about as hard and firm as a peach if there is obstruction. Normal bladders are usually soft like partly filled water balloons and non-obstructed (although inflamed) are usually small or empty. Most pet owners can’t make this decision without help from their vet so again; get your cat medical help. Within 24 hours the toxins have started to build. If the blockage persists 3-6 days, the toxin build up will result in death.

Your cat could have FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease) and the details are on that link. This is a serious situation where blockage prevents normal functions. This is less common in cats that have a canned food diet because of the moisture in the food that helps to dissolve many crystals... but it can still happen.

Urinary tract infection is also called bladder infection. The urinary tract consists of the kidneys, the tubes that carry urine to the bladder (ureters) and the urethra which is the conduit to take the urine out of the body. This area is where bacteria do not normally exist but occasionally an organism such as bacteria manages to gain entry and start a growth in the bladder and the infection develops. Symptoms that can happen are heavy water consumption, bloody urine, urinating frequently, inability to hold the urine, urinating only small amounts at a time…or no symptoms at all if there is little inflammation. Bladder infections are confined to the bladder so there is rarely any fever or appetite loss.

Bladder infections are usually treated with antibiotics for 10-14 days. Within 2 days the symptoms resolve quickly but the antibiotics should be continued to prevent another bout of infection. If the bladder infection spread to the kidney or if there is a bladder stone or a tumor…then it’s a more difficult situation and more reasons to see the vet soon.

Take your cat to the vet and good luck and best wishes to you both.

Click here to post comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Questions Invitation.

Having trouble finding what you need? Cat Health Index & Site Map

Do you have a question to ask?...Questions

Do you have a cat story to share?...Simply click here to go to that page!