Diseases of the urinary tract in cats
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Diseases affecting the lower part of the urinary system often interfere with the normal emptying of the bladder, and can even lead to the death of the urethra, the tubular organ that connects the bladder to the external environment. Very often, the cause is lower urinary tract disease in cats. Urological syndrome of cats (USC), as was previously called the disease of the lower urinary tract in cats, is not just one disease, but a number of clinical symptoms that may have more than one possible cause. Symptoms of lower urinary tract infection in cats include frequent and painful urination, bloody urine, and frequent urinary eruptions. The key to treating the disease of the lower urinary tract in cats is to determine the root cause. It can be stones in the bladder, plugging the urinary tract, infection or cancer. If the cause of these symptoms can not be determined, it is believed that the cat has inflammation of the bladder (cystitis).
To learn about diseases of the upper urinary tract in cats, read an article on kidney disease.
What causes diseases of the lower urinary tract in cats?
- Accumulation of stones, crystals or sand in the bladder or urethra
- Urethral plug (accumulation of urine sediment)
- Inflammation or infection of the bladder
- Incontinence due to excessive intake of water or a weak bladder
- Damage or swelling in the urinary tract
- Stress
- Diseases of the spinal cord
- Congenital pathology
What diseases can lead to lower urinary tract disease?
Endocrine diseases, such as hyperthyroidism and diabetes, can cause diseases of the lower urinary tract in cats.
Which cats are prone to lower urinary tract diseases?
Disease of the lower urinary tract in cats is rarely diagnosed in animals under one year. The average age is usually four years. In general, males are more prone to clogging the urethra, because their urethra is narrower.
How can I tell if a cat has a lower urinary tract disease?
The following symptoms may indicate that the cat has problems with the urinary tract:
- Inability to urinate or pass a small amount of urine
- Bloody or cloudy urine
- Loss of bladder control, dripping of urine
- Increasing the frequency of urination or visiting the tray
- Stress and / or cry from pain while trying to urinate
- Extended seat in the tray
- Fear / avoiding the tray and puddles in the wrong places
- Constant licking of the urinary hole
- Strong smell of ammonia in the urine
- Drowsiness
- Vomiting
- Increase in water consumption
- Solid inflated belly
What if I think that the cat has a lower urinary tract disease?
Call the vet immediately, especially if your cat strains to urinate, or screams in pain. Perhaps, urgent medical aid is necessary!
How is the lower urinary tract diagnosed?
To diagnose the disease of the lower urinary tract, the veterinarian should conduct a full medical examination, make a clinical analysis of urine and, possibly, urine culture, a blood test, radiography and ultrasound.
How are diseases of the lower part of the urinary tract treated?
Since urinary tract diseases in cats are so diverse and potentially serious in nature, the first step is to immediately contact the veterinarian for help. Depending on the forecast, the following can be recommended:
- Antibiotics or other drugs
- Changes in diet
- Increase in water consumption
- Urinary oxidizing agents
- Pushing out small stones through the urethra
- Surgical operation to remove stones from the bladder or tumor or to correct congenital pathology
- Urinary catheter or surgical operation to remove clogging of the urethra in males
- Infusion therapy
What can happen if you do not treat diseases of the lower urinary tract in cats?
Untreated diseases of the urinary tract can lead to partial or complete blockage of the urethra, so that the cat can not urinate. This condition is dangerous, as it can very quickly lead to kidney failure and / or rupture of the bladder, and can be fatal if clogging is not removed.
[