Your cat’s urinary health: This info could save a life!
We aren’t vets, just unfortunately experienced with these situations and have consulted many vets about prevention and treatment. Please contact your vet with any concerns! Read through this for a basic idea of this common problem.
Why do I need to worry about my cat’s PEE?!!
Because urinary issues are very common in cats. If left untreated, your kitty could die. If your cat’s urethra becomes blocked, he will die within days.
How do I know if my cat has a pee problem?
Be observant. Take note of the amount of urine in his box. If it is less than normal, or none at all, you should be concerned. If you catch him in the litter box, try to listen for urine (yes I know this is gross, but it’s a good way to tell).
Cats with painful urination will often pee outside of the box. Don’t be mad at your kitty, this means he is distressed and associating his litter box with pain. Also, a very obvious sign is blood in the urine.
If your cat is acting unusual, lethargic, or hiding he might be seriously ill. Call your vet for advice if you’re unsure!
What do I do if I think my cat is blocked?
If your cat can’t pass urine, he needs immediate help! Call a vet ASAP because this is a real emergency.
What can I do to prevent this?
HYDRATION!
Although there are other factors such as stress, vets recommend getting as much water into your kitty as you can. Giving them wet food really helps. Naturally, cats would get most of their water from their prey. They do drink water from a bowl, but usually aren’t well hydrated by that alone*.
Giving them canned food helps keep them hydrated. You can even add a little water to their canned food! If your cat refuses wet food, try out different brands or add water to their dry food at least. Yes, dry food is more economical and convenient, but wet food is about 75% water, while dry is only 5-10%.
With more water in your kitty, their urine will be less concentrated and less likely to form crystals. How to encourage your cat to drink more.
Making sure they are as comfortable as possible can also help. Take a look at The indoor Cat initiative to make sure all of their needs are met.
*If you notice your cat drinking a lot, this could be a sign of another illness, such as diabetes.
Any cat can develop crystals or infections, but male cats are the ones that are really at risk for becoming blocked. Prevention is more cost effective than treatment! Unfortunately this is a very common among kitties!
Links and sources:
HOW TO DEAL WITH YOUR EXPENSIVE VET BILLS.
ENCOURAGING YOUR CAT TO DRINK MORE
CAT URINARY TRACT HEALTH
THE INDOOR PET INITIATIVE
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