Understanding, preventing and treating urinary stones in cats

3 min readMay 5, 2021

Understanding, preventing and treating urinary stones in cats | SubArora

Urinary calculi are small stones that form in the urine and cause an obstruction in the urethra. A common disease in adult cats, urinary calculi must be treated as quickly as possible to avoid risking your cat’s life.

Only a veterinarian can diagnose and decide what to do. Medical procedures and treatment for cats will then be administered.

Deciphering the symptoms of the disease in cats

The first sign that should alert you is the cat’s difficulty in urinating. The cat will repeatedly try to get into position to urinate in the litter box, but without success. Sometimes a few drops can be emitted with difficulty. The meowing that accompanies this difficulty in urinating is characteristic. Sometimes a urinary tract infection develops in the bladder and is accompanied by blood in the urine.

The animal’s general condition is affected: it is in great pain, is down and no longer feeds. Vomiting may also occur. It is then necessary to consult without delay.

Treatment of the cat in the presence of a urinary stone

Once the diagnosis has been made, the cat must be treated as a matter of urgency. A urinary catheterisation can be carried out under anaesthetic to empty the bladder and evacuate any stones. Urinary acidifiers, painkillers and antibiotics may also be administered. The vet will prescribe dietary measures for your cat, which you should follow for several weeks. In some rare cases, surgery may be required to remove the stones. If you follow the treatment carefully, it will only take a few weeks for this to become a thing of the past.

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Special features, problems and care of the older cat

As a cat ages, it spends less time grooming itself. Owners must therefore take charge of their cat’s daily hygiene to avoid the development of certain diseases in older cats. Cat care then becomes a priority to ensure good health.

By observing your cat and giving it the right care, you can help it to age serenely.

Caring for your older cat

To limit the development of disease in your older cat, it’s important to monitor its diet. Checking the litter box can help prevent intestinal problems. To avoid vomiting due to hair ingestion, it is essential to gently brush your cat with a pneumatic brush. To avoid gum inflammation that could prevent your cat from eating properly, check the condition of its teeth regularly.

Also remember to clean its ears and eyes and trim its overgrown claws with an electric pet file.

Diseases in older cats

Unfortunately, careful cat care does not prevent the development of senior cat diseases. Kidney failure and joint problems are among the most common diseases. Old age wears out the joints and lesions develop. Special diets and supplements can help older cats to tolerate these conditions better.

Without any apparent signs, hypertension in cats is one of the conditions that surprises owners. It is often linked to hyperthyroidism. This will be revealed by an unusual weight loss in the cat. Careful monitoring and regular care will delay the onset of certain diseases.