Bladder problems in cats

Overview

The bladder is a membranous sac that serves as a storage tank for wastes and urine excreted by the kidneys. As the bladder becomes full, urine is passed out of the body. Inflammation, infection and urinary disorders can impede a cat's bladder from functioning correctly. The results can be painful and, in some cases, life-threatening.

Symptoms

• Frequent urination (often in unusual places)
• Bloody urine
• Dribbling urine
• Straining
• Frequent trips to the litter box
• Very small volumes of urine with each attempt at urination

Cystitis

Has your cat been urinating more often than usual? A bacterial infection could be causing inflammation of the bladder, which is referred to as cystitis. Cats suffering from cystitis may pass only a little bloody urine or they may exhibit frequent urination, straining, and constant licking under the tail.

If you suspect that your cat has cystitis, bring your cat to the veterinarian to have his urine checked. Infections can be treated with antibiotics, but veterinary attention is crucial. Should the condition worsen, your cat's bladder could become blocked.

Urinary calculi, or stones, can also cause cystitis because of their constant irritation to the bladder wall.  If your cat has stones in the bladder, they may be visible on an x-ray or through the use of an ultrasound.  Depending on the type of stone present, they may need to be surgically removed or they might be able to be dissolved through the feeding of a prescription diet. 

Urination problems

A cat should show no signs of discomfort when urinating. Crying out in pain or straining are signs of a serious problem. Infection may be the culprit, as can a buildup of debris or stones in the bladder. Minute crystals or sandy sludge can plug a cat's urethra. This particularly affects males, who have narrower urethras and is a life threatening condition. The cat may be able to pass only a little cloudy or bloody urine - or none at all. Medical attention is vital. A cat can die in less than two days if unable to pass urine. Urinary acidifiers, dietary changes and antibiotics may be prescribed. Severe blockage may require a urinary catheter or surgery to correct the problem.

Soiling in inappropriate places or dribbling urine can mean that your cat has lost bladder control. This may be the result of injury or infection, but it can also be a natural part of aging, and might occur when your elderly pet is excited, or simply when he gets up and down.

Incontinence

If your cat is suffering from incontinence set up a couple more litter boxes in your home. Make sure there is at least one on every floor. Dump solid waste daily and change the litter frequently. Many cats will refuse to use a box if it is not kept clean enough. In order to keep your geriatric cat near a litter box, you may consider confining your pet to a cattery cage when you are not at home or when asleep.