Cats are notoriously private about their bathroom habits, but when something changes, it’s often a red flag. Whether it’s frequent trips to the litter box, crying during urination, or sudden accidents, urinary issues in cats should never be ignored. Animal Hospital of Fort Lauderdale wants cat owners to be able to recognize when your feline pet may be having an issue so that we can test and reveal the cause behind your cat’s discomfort.
Signs Your Cat May Have a Urinary Problem
The urinary system is a necessary part of your cat’s anatomy for eliminating waste and maintaining a proper balance of fluids and electrolytes. When something goes wrong, it can affect your cat’s comfort, behavior, and even their life expectancy. Urinary issues can be painful and, in some cases, life-threatening, especially in male cats prone to blockages.
Your cat may be suffering from a urinary problem if they are exhibiting symptoms like:
- Straining or vocalizing while urinating
- Frequent trips to the litter box with little to no urine output
- Urinating outside the litter box
- Blood in the urine
- Excessive licking of the genital area
- Lethargy or hiding
- Vomiting or refusal to eat (in severe cases)
Even one of these symptoms is reason enough to schedule a veterinary visit.
Urinary Conditions in Cats
Several medical issues can affect a cat’s urinary tract. These are only some of the urinary conditions that felines can face.
Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC)
Feline Idiopathic Cystitis involves inflammation of the bladder without an obvious cause. Stress is believed to be a major trigger in FIC, but this is still being researched.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Caused by bacteria, UTIs are more common in older female cats or those with other medical issues like diabetes or kidney disease. Symptoms overlap with other urinary conditions, so testing will be necessary.
Bladder Stones
Mineral formations that can irritate the bladder or even block the urethra, especially in male cats. Stones can recur and often require dietary changes or surgery.
Urethral Obstruction
A life-threatening emergency for cats where the urethra becomes blocked by crystals or mucus plugs. This condition requires immediate veterinary attention and sometimes hospitalization.
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease is a term that covers many different urinary symptoms and may be used when a specific condition cannot be pinpointed.
Why Use Feline Urinalysis?
A urinalysis is one of the most valuable veterinary diagnostics for urinary issues. Veterinarians may analyze your cat’s urine for pH levels, gravity, protein levels, glucose levels, and the presence of bacteria, white blood cells, and crystals. Combined with a physical exam and potentially imaging (like X-rays or ultrasound), urinalysis is used by vets to pinpoint the problem your cat is facing and create a treatment plan. Treatment for cat urinary issues can run the gamut depending on the condition, from antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications to urinary diets and increased water intake.
Testing and Treatment for Cat Urinary Issues in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Most cats recover quickly from urinary health conditions with the right care and early intervention. If your cat is showing symptoms, diagnostics like urinalysis are available to get to the root of the problem. Animal Hospital of Fort Lauderdale has testing and treatment for feline urinary issues in Fort Lauderdale, and for cats from neighboring areas like Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Oakland Park, and Wilton Manors. Concerned about your cat’s urinary health? Schedule a visit at our animal hospital.
