Blocked Cats: Life-Saving Care for Urinary Blockages
A urinary blockage in cats is a serious and potentially life-threatening emergency. Male cats, in particular, are at higher risk due to their narrow urethras, which can easily become obstructed by crystals, stones, or mucus plugs. At LifeCare Pet Hospital, we’re here to provide immediate, expert care to relieve blockages and help your feline companion recover fully.
What Is a Urinary Blockage?
A urinary blockage occurs when something obstructs the flow of urine through your cat’s urethra. This condition can lead to a buildup of toxins in the bloodstream, causing severe pain, kidney damage, or even death if untreated.
Signs Your Cat May Be Blocked
If your cat shows any of these symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately:
- Straining in the Litter Box: Unsuccessful or painful attempts to urinate.
- Frequent Visits to the Litter Box: Repeated attempts without producing urine.
- Bloody Urine: Visible blood or discoloration in urine.
- Crying or Vocalizing: Signs of pain or discomfort.
- Lethargy and Vomiting: Loss of energy and appetite, often accompanied by vomiting.
- Distended Abdomen: A swollen or tender belly.
A urinary blockage is an emergency—call us right away if you notice these signs.
How We Diagnose and Treat Urinary Blockages
At LifeCare Pet Hospital, we use a combination of diagnostics and treatments to relieve blockages and address the underlying causes.
Emergency Unblocking Procedure
Unblocking your cat’s urethra is our first priority:
- Stabilization: If your cat is in distress, we’ll provide intravenous fluids, pain relief, and other supportive care to stabilize their condition.
- Catheter Placement: Using a sterile catheter, we gently flush the urethra to remove the obstruction and restore normal urine flow.
- Monitoring: After unblocking, your cat will remain under close observation to ensure proper recovery and detect any recurring issues.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
In some cases, cats experience repeated blockages despite unblocking procedures. For these cats, perineal urethrostomy (PU) surgery may be recommended. This life-saving procedure involves creating a new, wider opening for the urethra to reduce the risk of future blockages.
Perineal Urethrostomy (PU) Surgery
Here’s what to expect from PU surgery at LifeCare Pet Hospital:
- Pre-Surgical Preparation:
Comprehensive diagnostics, including bloodwork and imaging, to assess your cat’s overall health.
A personalized anesthesia plan to ensure your cat’s safety and comfort.
- The Procedure:
During PU surgery, our skilled surgeon removes the narrow portion of the urethra and reconstructs it to create a wider opening.
This reduces the likelihood of blockages caused by crystals, stones, or inflammation.
- Post-Surgical Recovery:
Your cat will stay in our recovery area for close monitoring and supportive care.
We’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions, including pain management, diet adjustments, and activity restrictions to ensure a smooth recovery.
Preventing Urinary Blockages
While PU surgery is highly effective, prevention is always the best medicine. To reduce the risk of blockages:
- Encourage Hydration: Ensure your cat has access to fresh water at all times. Wet food can also help increase moisture intake.
- Special Diets: Prescription diets designed for urinary health can help dissolve crystals and prevent stone formation.
- Regular Check-Ups: Routine veterinary visits allow us to monitor your cat’s urinary health and catch any issues early.
Why Choose LifeCare Pet Hospital?
- Emergency Expertise: Our team is experienced in managing feline urinary emergencies with skill and compassion.
- Advanced Surgical Care: We specialize in performing PU surgery with precision and care to ensure your cat’s long-term well-being.
- Comprehensive Support: From diagnostics to recovery, we’re here to guide you through every step of your cat’s treatment.
Contact Us Immediately If Your Cat Is Showing Signs of a Urinary Blockage
A blocked cat is a medical emergency—don’t wait. Call LifeCare Pet Hospital or visit us right away. With prompt and expert care, we can save your cat’s life and help them thrive again.