Cat can't pee? Causes and when to bring your cat to the vet

Noticeing that your cat cannot pee is understandably worrying.

Veterinarians call this a “blocked cat”, and it is often seen at animal hospitals, especially emergency clinics.

When urine is unable to leave the body, waste products begin to be built up. This can lead to kidney failure and dangerous electrolyte deviations.

Urine blockages or obstacles in cats are medical emergency situations that must be treated by a veterinarian immediately. This condition can be fatal if not treated.

If you notice any signs of a possible urine blockage in your cat, call a veterinarian directly.

Why don't pee cats?

Cats that cannot pee have something that blocks the urethra, which is the small tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. When urine cannot pass, it is built up in the bladder and causes significant pain and inflammation (swelling).

The inability to urinate is most common in male cats because of their long and narrow urethra. However, it is possible to see this issue in female cats as well.

Problems with urination in cats are generally due to an underlying issue that must be diagnosed by a veterinarian so that the right treatment can be given.

Common causes of a cat not peeing

Some of the most common reasons why cats cannot pee are:

• Mucus. This is the main cause of urethral obstacles in male cats. These plugs consist of mucus, urine crystals and inflammatory cells that get stuck in the urethra and block the urine from leaving the bladder.

• Spinal disease. If some nerves or muscles that control the bladder and urethral functions are damaged due to back problems, a cat cannot be urinated.

• Cancer. Although rare, cancer can develop within the urethra and lead to an inability to urinate.

Is a cat not peeing an emergency?

A cat that does not pee is a medical emergency.

It must be treated by a veterinarian quickly for best results. Kidney errors and death can occur within just a few days if they are not treated.

Pet parents should look for symptoms to find out if their cat has a urinary problem.

Cats that cannot urinate can vocalize highly, often lick their gender region or visit the litter box repeatedly. All blood in the litter should be noted.

This condition can cause pain and discomfort, so cats can also be restless or even begin to bump. Your cat can also be lethargic and/or vomit.

When to call your veterinarian about a cat not peeing

If a pet parent notices that their cat does not look, they should call the veterinarian immediately for guidance.

Do not delay to seek veterinary advice if there is concern for your cat's inability to urinate.

How veterinarians diagnose a cat not peeing

A veterinarian would start with a complete physical examination.

A blocked cat will have a very full bladder that is easily tangible (can be felt by touch). The veterinarian will also listen to the cat's heart to find some deviations in speed or rhythm that may have developed due to electrolyteobalances from urine blockage.

Additional tests that will be done if a urine blockage is suspected include:

• Blood work. A small blood test will be taken to control kidney function, electrolytes, signs of infection and pH levels.

• Urinallysis. A urine sample will be taken using a needle or catheter to check for inflammation or infection, crystals, abnormal pH levels and concentration.

• Image. X -rays (X -rays) or ultrasound can show an enlarged bladder and the potential underlying cause of obstacles, such as stones or a mass. Image is also a good way to find deviations within the kidneys.

Treatment for a cat not peeing

Treatment for urinary tract blocks in cats stabilizes the cat and relieves the obstacle. Initial treatment for a cat urine blockage is done at the veterinary hospital so that a diagnosis for the underlying cause can be made and it can be treated correctly.

Hospital admissions are usually recommended during treatment.

Several common treatments for fine canal barriers include:

• IV fluids. An IV catheter is placed in the cat's vein, and fluid therapy is given to rehydrate CAT and restore electrolytes. Additional medicines, such as sodium bicarbonate or dextrose, can be added to the IV fluids to restore electrolytes.

• Muscle relaxants. Drugs, such as prazosin, can be given to relax the urethra muscle and allow urine to pass through.

• Urinkatheterization. During soothing or general anesthesia, a urinary catheter is carefully placed inside the cat's urethra to loosen the obstacle and empty the urine. The catheter is kept in place for several days while inflammation within the urethra is decreasing to prevent repenting.

• Cystocentes. For some cats, especially those who are very ill, can soothely be uncertain. Therefore, the bladder can be drained with a small needle that is gently pointed through the cat's abdomen instead.

• Surgery. If a cat's urine blockage is recurring, surgically changing the urethra can prevent future events. In addition, surgery may be needed to remove a mass or a stone that blocks the urethra.

When a cat is ready to go home, a veterinarian is likely to prescribe any of the following medications:

• Antibiotics. If a bladder infection is diagnosed, antibiotics, such as Clavamox, will be needed to clear the infection. IV -antibiotics can be started while the cat is hospitalized.

• Diet change. Some cats can benefit from switching to a veterin session, such as Royal Canin Urinary SO. These diets are specially formulated to dissolve urinary crystals and prevent urinary stones.

Prevention of the inability to urinate in cats

Long -term handling of stress is important to reduce future episodes of urine obstacles in cats, as stress is a main contributor for both the cat's lower urinary tract disease and cystitis.

Pet parents can help cats reduce their stress levels by providing lots of enrichment, such as cat toys and cat trees.

You should always have a litter box than the number of cats in your household. Place the litter boxes in quiet areas without heavy foot traffic.

Increased water intake can prevent concentrated urine which can lead to a higher risk of blockages. Offering wet food or implementing a water well for drinking can be helpful.