Blocked Cat Explained. Veterinarian covers symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

*This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. If your pet is sick, take them to see your local veterinarian for the care they need* (Disclaimer)



Good Morning Everyone!


My name is Dan, and I am a veterinarian. Today I am covering a blocked cat. A blocked cat is when a cat can not urinate or go pee. A blocked cat is a medical emergency. When a cat is blocked they can not go pee or urinate. When a cat can not urinate or pee this leads to severe medical problems. The urine will back up in the urinary bladder and lead to electrolyte abnormalities. A cat can also experience azotemia from being blocked. This means that waste products that should be emptied from the body with the urine collect in the blood making the cat feel very sick.



A blocked cat will struggle to urinate. The blocked cat will strain to urinate in the litter box or they will urinate very little in the litter box. The pet owner may also notice blood in the urine from a stone or inflammation causing the blockage. Once the cat is completely blocked they will not be able to urinate anymore and this week lead to lethargy, abdominal pain, vomiting, not wanted to eat, and just a really sick cat.


All cats that have a urinary blockage need to see the veterinarian ASAP. Once at the vet hospital, the veterinarian will run some tests like x-ray, blood, and urine. The blocked cat will be unblocked with a urinary catheter. The cat will then be hydrated with an IV catheter. A blocked cat will need to stay at the veterinary clinic or hospital for a few days and night. The urine needs to change from being bloody to a nice clear color. Once it has been a few days and the veterinarian feels that the inflammation in the bladder is resolving, the urinary catheter will be removed. Once the cat is able to urinate on their own at the veterinary clinic, the kitty cat will be allowed to go home.


A veterinarian will prescribe various medications to help with recovery and keep the bladder healthy long term. A prescription veterinary diet is high recommended to help prevent the urinary blocked from coming back.