How to Unclog a Cat's Urinary Tract

Once you notice that your cat has a urinary tract blockage, it's crucial to seek veterinary attention as soon as possible for urinary drainage. After the urinary drainage, painkillers and urinary tract medications that promote urination, such as diuretics, should be administered. If the cat's stones are large or the urinary tract blockage is severe, surgery may be required to remove the stones.

Causes of Difficulty in Urination

Difficulty in urination may be caused by urinary tract obstruction, but it could also be due to other reasons. Generally, there are two possible causes for cats experiencing difficulty in urination: urethral obstruction, such as urethral stones, bladder stones, kidney stones, or foreign objects in the urethra that prevent urination. Urethral inflammation, such as cystitis or nephritis, which can cause difficulty in urination, pain during urination, and even hematuria.

Recovery After Catheterization

The recovery time for cats after catheterization still depends on the severity of the disease. The most common disease that requires catheterization is spontaneous cystitis, which can lead to cats stopping urination and even acute kidney failure. Recovery usually takes one to two weeks, and during this period, symptoms such as frequent urination may occur. This is a normal manifestation of the disease, so cat owners should not be overly concerned.

Treatment for Urinary Stones

The type of stone determines the medication used, and the treatment varies depending on the stone type. The cause of stone formation is unknown and may be related to physical fitness. It is recommended to switch to prescription diets for the urinary or renal system. Most importantly, if urinary retention occurs, seek medical attention promptly. Therefore, if you have a male cat, it's essential to learn how to palpate the bladder.