If you’re a cat owner, you’ve likely heard the term “blocked cat” mentioned at some point. It’s a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that every cat parent should be aware of. In this post, we’ll break down what a blocked cat is, how to recognize the signs, and what to do if your furry friend is affected.
"...a blocked cat can quickly develop severe kidney damage, electrolyte imbalances, or even die within 24–48 hours..."
What Is a Blocked Cat?
A "blocked cat" refers to a cat suffering from a urethral obstruction. This happens when the tube (urethra) that carries urine from the bladder to the outside becomes partially or completely blocked. The condition is most common in male cats due to their narrower urethras.
Blockages are often caused by:
Urinary crystals or stones (small mineral deposits in the bladder).
Mucous plugs (a mixture of inflammatory debris and mucus).
Spasms or swelling of the urethra, often linked to stress or inflammation.
This blockage prevents the cat from urinating properly, leading to a dangerous buildup of toxins in the body.
Signs and Symptoms of a Blocked Cat
Recognizing the early signs of urethral obstruction can save your cat’s life. Symptoms may include:
Straining to urinate (may look like constipation).
Frequent trips to the litter box with little or no urine produced.
Previous episodes of urinating in unusual locations
Crying or vocalizing in pain while attempting to urinate.
Blood in the urine.
Lethargy or hiding.
Vomiting.
Loss of appetite.
If left untreated, a blocked cat can quickly develop severe kidney damage, electrolyte imbalances, or even die within 24–48 hours.
What to Do If You Suspect a Blockage
A blocked cat is a medical emergency. If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, follow these steps:
Contact Your Veterinarian Immediately
Explain your cat's symptoms and get them to the clinic as soon as possible.
Do Not Attempt to Treat at Home
Home remedies are ineffective and could delay critical care.
How Vets Treat Blocked Cats
Here at Pawvet, we see blocked cats frequently as one of our top emergencies. Once under our care, we will start:
Tests: we will perform initial blood tests to check kidney status
Stabilization: The vet may administer pain relief, or other medications to stabilize your cat.
Unblocking the Urethra: A catheter is inserted to relieve the obstruction and flush the bladder. This is normally performed under general anaesthetic.
Diagnostics: urinalysis and imaging (e.g., X-rays and ultrasound) are performed to rule out underlying causes of the blockage.
Hospitalization: Many cats require a hospital stay for monitoring, fluid therapy, and continued care.
We try to get patients back home to their families as soon as is safe to help them recover. They are sent home with medications to help them continue urinating. In severe or recurring cases, surgery may be recommended to prevent it from happening again.
Preventing Urethral Blockages
"It is important to think of the 'n+1 rule' for all multi-cat households"
While not all blockages are preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce your cat’s risk:
Feed a Proper Diet: Choose a diet that promotes urinary health, often recommended by your veterinarian. Some cats need to go on a specific urinary diet to limit crystal formation in the urine and balance the pH of the urine.
Encourage Hydration: Provide fresh water daily and consider using a cat fountain to entice drinking.
Manage Stress: Cats are sensitive creatures—keep their environment calm and predictable. It is important to think of the 'n+1 rule' for all multi-cat households. This means that for the number of cats you have, you have this number of resources plus an additional one. For example, a household of three cats will need a minimum of four litter trays and four drinking bowls, in different locations. This helps to reduce natural competition for resources.
Regular Vet Checkups: Early detection of urinary issues can prevent blockages.
Final Thoughts
Blocked cats require immediate attention, but with prompt care and preventative measures, many cats recover fully. If you ever suspect your cat is having trouble urinating, trust your instincts and seek veterinary care from your dedicated team at Pawvet.
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