At Jacksonville Community Pet Clinic, we commonly see cats who are experiencing abnormal urination. Unfortunately, the problem can become fairly severe before their pet owner notices they are having an issue. This especially rings true for outdoor and indoor/outdoor cats.
Sometimes your cat will give you clues, such as making loud vocalizations while using the litter box. This is common if it is painful to evacuate their bladder. You might also notice blood in their urine and frequent trips to the litter box. If you see either of these signs, our vets can run several tests to diagnose the issue correctly. Here’s a rundown of the most probable causes of your cat’s distress.
Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (Or Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease)
Also known as FIC, Feline idiopathic cystitis is one of the most common and frustrating urinary issues in cats. While it’s not fully understood why it happens, we do know that environmental stress can be a factor. Cats suffering from FIC tend to vocalize in the box, have blood in their urine, and often only urinate very small amounts. Once we determine this is the issue, we put the cat on a course of pain, anti-spasmodic medications, and sometimes an anti-inflammatory.
Some cats with FIC may only have a few episodes, while others may have chronic episodes that can be challenging to manage. It’s important to provide the healthiest environment for your cat This includes ensuring they don’t become dehydrated by providing plenty of fresh water fountains to encourage them to drink. Also, provide mental stimulation (perches, scratching posts, toys, or hiding areas) to help limit episodes.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
UTIs are one of the most common ailments we treat in cats. Kitties that stop using the litter box or have accidents around the house are common symptoms of UTIs. They are more common in females than males and present the same symptoms as FIC. It is important to see a veterinarian to obtain a urine sample to properly diagnose a UTI. We may also recommend a urine culture, dependent on the cat’s medical history or previous UTIs. A urinary culture allows veterinarians to identify the best antibiotic to treat the pet with.
Urinary Crystals
Finding crystals in cat urine is a by-product of changes in the pH of the urine. Cats with urinary crystals also show signs of straining, vocalizing, blood in urine, and small drops of urine. A urine sample is required to diagnose urinary crystals and determine the urine’s pH. There are several prescription diets available to help dissolve different types of crystals. We have found Hills Canine Prescription Diet to be a good option. For most cats, dissolving the crystals will stop the clinical signs associated with this condition.
Urolithiasis (Bladder Stones)
Occasionally, cats with lower urinary tract signs will also have bladder stones. These stones irritate the bladder wall, causing pain and bleeding with urination. Bladder stones are generally diagnosed with an X-ray or ultrasound. Rarely, stones can be radiolucent, which means they do not show up well on X-rays alone and therefore require an ultrasound. The best treatment for bladder stones is surgical removal (although, in some cases, stones can dissolve with special dietary therapy). The stones are sent out to a lab for analysis to determine what the best preventive diet will be for the pet moving forward.
Urethral Obstruction
All of these urinary conditions have the potential to cause urethral obstruction. A urethral obstruction is a life-threatening emergency and needs to be treated immediately. Urethral obstructions are primarily suffered by male cats due to their long, narrow urethra. Cats with a urethral obstruction typically vocalize in the box, strain to urinate, and stop producing urine. The bladder of obstructed cats becomes very full and painful, and the kidneys become unable to excrete toxins from the body. The buildup of toxins can make obstructed cats very sick, and their kidneys can suffer irreversible damage. If your cat is showing signs of a possible obstruction, it should be seen by one of our vets immediately.
Diabetes
Diabetes is often diagnosed after the pet owner notices that their kitty is producing a larger amount of urine in large clumps. This is often seen in middle-aged overweight kitties that are mainly on a dry food diet. Cats with diabetes drink a lot of water and usually urinate in large clumps.
Kidney Disease
This is seen most commonly in middle-aged and older kitties. Often these cats have a picky appetite, may have lost some weight, and may even have some episodes of vomiting or diarrhea. The urine tends to be clear and odorless and is produced in large clumps.
When to See a Vet
If you notice too much or too little urine in the box, your cat howls while trying to pee, or you notice blood in their urine, it’s time to take your kitty to the vet. We can run tests to determine the cause and help your kitty get on the road to recovery.
