Signs of Bladder or Urinary Tract Stones in Cats
When you notice your cat frequently running to the litter box, squatting for a long time but unable to urinate, it could be a sign that stones are lodged in the bladder or urethra. At the same time, if your cat appears to be straining very hard to urinate and only produces a drop or two, this is cause for concern.
Additionally, if your cat vocalizes or cries out while urinating, it may indicate pain. More severe symptoms include blood in the urine and an abnormally high frequency of licking around the urethral opening—both common signs of urinary stones.
Another symptom to watch for is if your cat stops urinating in the litter box and instead urinates elsewhere. This might be due to a dislike of the litter box. Cats are associative animals, and if urinating in their usual litter box becomes painful, they may associate the pain with the box itself and avoid it. However, this behavior often signals that the stones have become serious enough to cause painful urination.
If you observe any of these signs, it's important to consult a veterinarian promptly to diagnose and treat your cat's condition.
Understanding Urinary Stones in Cats and Dogs
Urinary stones are formed when individual mineral crystals slowly combine to create small stone-like formations. In fact, mineral crystals are present in the urine of every healthy cat. The key issue is whether these crystals remain in the bladder or urethra for too long, allowing them to form into stones.
Cats and dogs that drink plenty of water and produce sufficient urine usually do not experience crystal buildup because the crystals are flushed out during urination before they can accumulate. The main cause of stone formation is an excessive amount of minerals in their food. However, an even more important factor is the animal's urine volume and the acidity or alkalinity (pH) of their urine, which are the primary reasons stones develop.
Understanding Cats' Water Intake and Urinary Health
For cats, voluntarily drinking plenty of water is nearly impossible. However, insufficient water intake leads to reduced urine volume and overly concentrated urine. When this concentrated urine remains in the bladder and urethra for extended periods, it gradually increases the risk of developing urinary stones.
If the cat owner primarily feeds dry food, the chance of the cat developing urinary stones significantly increases. Normally, a cat's urine should be slightly acidic, with a pH level between 6 and 6.5. But if a cat consumes excessive amounts of plant-based protein over a long period, this can cause their urine to become alkaline (pH > 7), which makes them more prone to forming alkaline urinary stones.
In recent years, many pet food manufacturers have tried to prevent alkaline stones by reducing magnesium content and adding urine acidifiers to the food. However, long-term consumption of these acidifying diets can make the urine too acidic (pH < 6), which in turn increases the risk of acidic urinary stones.
Understanding Cat Urinary Health and the Risks of Stones
Certain factors that cause the pH of urine to rise, or lead to crystals and stones scratching the bladder or urethra, can trigger bacterial infections. Consequently, symptoms of bacterial infection often accompany urinary stones in cats.
Additionally, as cats get older, their activity levels tend to decrease, leading to weight gain and a reduction in urination frequency. This means urine stays in the body longer, increasing the likelihood of stone formation. For this reason, cats aged seven or older are more prone to developing urinary stones, and pet owners should be especially vigilant during this stage of their cat's life.
Finally, cats prefer to eat in quiet places, and similarly, the placement of their water bowls and litter boxes is crucial. If the water bowl is placed in a hallway or near a doorway, it can reduce the amount of water the cat drinks. Moreover, sharing litter boxes can cause cats to hold their urine, which may contribute to urinary problems.
Life-Threatening Danger if Your Cat Doesn't Urinate for a Day!
Urinary obstruction refers to difficulty urinating or the inability to urinate at all. When a cat cannot urinate, this blockage can lead to kidney failure. Kidney failure can occur rapidly and may cause your cat's death within 24 to 48 hours.
Therefore, if you notice any symptoms of urinary obstruction in your cat, it is crucial to act quickly and take them to a veterinary hospital immediately for catheterization and treatment.
