Why Cant My Cat Pee? The Emergency Blocked Bladder

Your cat might be straining to pee and you're asking why can't my cat pee?  What's the matter and will it get better by itself?  They may have had cystitis in the past but is this just a repeat? You might think your your cat has a bladder infection?  Well a blocked bladder might be the cause and this is a true cat emergency!

This is a serious, life-threatening condition in male cats that needs to be treated quickly to improve the chance of a successful outcome. The signs can vary from a cat who is peeing a small amount of blood through to a cat who is very painful through to one who is collapsed.

A blocked bladder is most commonly a result of feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) which is also known as feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD). This is actually most often a result of stress. Bladder infection is actually very uncommon unlike in dogs and people. Other causes might be bladder stones or sludge which cause the bladder obstruction in cats.

A cat becomes blocked when inflammatory material in the bladder collects and forms a plug in a cats urethra. When the urethra is blocked, a cat cant pee and their urine is trapped in the bladder. It can develop very quickly and death may also be rapid if left untreated. If your cat really cant pee then you should contact your vet straight away, especially if they are male.

Symptoms of a blocked bladder can include:
frequent trips to the litter tray
spending more time squatting without producing any urine
red tinged urine / blood in your cats urine
crying or vocalising, especially when urinating (or attempting to)
increased agitation and restlessness
licking their back end frequently
pain when picked up under their abdomen
As the disease progresses, your cat may start to vomit, they may collapse, they may become comatosed and ultimately they will die.

Treatment of a blocked bladder involves passing a urinary catheter and then home management to increase drinking and water intake as well as reducing stress. This will reduce the risk of repeat episodes of cystitis in cats.

This is discussed in more detail in my video on cystitis in cats:    • Cat Cystitis: treatment, symptoms + h...  
as well as how to get cats to drink more water
and how to reduce stress in cats

Briefly though, some of the main cystitis home prevention strategies include:
resource management - litter trays, water and food bowls
providing a 3D space
securing the home - this might require a microchip cat flap - http://amzn.to/2CgDCP1
anti-stress medication such as the pheromone Feliway - http://amzn.to/2Cu9jBj
changing to a wet diet or adding water to the food and feeding a special prescription urinary diet that come in wet (http://amzn.to/2C0X3ad) and dry forms (http://amzn.to/2BZ0Vsr)
using a cat water fountain - http://amzn.to/2Cu5Tyf
add tuna juice to the water for flavour

Get your free copy of my weight and diet calculator to work out how much your cat should weigh, how much to feed them and how many treats they should get every day: https://ourpetshealth.com/weight-calc...

Our Pets Health - vet advice for a healthier, happier life
https://www.ourpetshealth.com

Disclaimers: all opinions are my own, sponsors are acknowledged. Links in description are typically affiliate links that let you help support the channel at no extra cost.
We are a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.

Music from Jukedeck - create your own at http://jukedeck.com

The information provided on the Our Pets Health YouTube channel is not a substitute for the examination, assessment and advice given in person by a suitably qualified veterinary surgeon. The information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute specific vet advice for any individual cat, dog or other animal of any species.
for more information head over to OurPetsHealth.com