Straining for Relief: Managing and Preventing Urethral Blockages in Cats

By Kay Hisano | Dated February 1, 2025

We can only imagine how uncomfortable and distressing it must feel to struggle or strain to urinate. Feline urethral blockage is a potentially life-threatening condition, primarily seen in male cats due to their narrower urethras.

Poor Ginger, an 8-year-old domestic longhair, recently visited our clinic with difficulty urinating. His owner noticed he was visiting the litter box frequently but was either straining or unable to produce urine. With Dr. Tahlia’s swift assessment of him, she found that Ginger’s bladder was enlarged and hard upon abdominal palpation—a classic sign of urethral blockage.

This issue occurs when the urethra becomes obstructed, preventing the cat from urinating, if left untreated, it can cause kidney failure or even bladder rupture.

After discussing options with Ginger’s owner, Dr. Tahlia recommended placing a urinary catheter under general anaesthesia to relieve the obstruction. This procedure is essential to clear the blockage and prevent further complications.

Once under anaesthesia, a sterile urinary catheter was carefully inserted to remove the obstruction and allow the bladder to empty. Ginger stayed with us for two days, during which Dr. Tahlia monitored his urine output and kept him comfortable with pain relief and supportive care.

We were all thrilled to see Ginger urinate on his own without any issues after the urinary catheter was removed. He went home with a course of pain relief and a prescription for a urinary diet. This special diet is crucial for reducing the risk of recurrence by promoting bladder health and minimizing the formation of crystals or stones.

Ginger’s story has a happy ending, but his case highlights the importance of early intervention. If your cat shows signs of difficulty urinating, don’t wait to seek veterinary care. With prompt treatment and appropriate management, cats like Ginger can recover well and return to their playful selves.

Here are pictures of Ginger a couple of days after discharge. No one would even guess he was hospitalized a couple of days ago!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you have questions about feline urethral blockage or want to learn more about urinary health, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to keep your furry family members happy and healthy!