How do you recognise the signs of urinary problems in your cat?
If your cat suffers from urinary problems, she may have various complaints. Some examples are:
- Incontinence: urinating next to the litter box or in the house
- Frequent urination in small amounts
- Urinating a lot and drinking a lot
- Pain and/or straining when urinating
- Slow or difficult urination
- Blood in the urine
- Passive urine loss
- Making sounds (meowing) when urinating
What are urinary problems and how do they develop?
Urinary tract disorders in cats occur regularly. A cat can have various urinary tract disorders. An important cause of urinary problems is bladder stones (or bladder sand).
How do bladder stones form?
The formation of bladder stones begins with the formation of crystals in the urine. Over time, these crystals can grow into stones. The most common types of bladder stones in cats are struvite and calcium oxalate.
What causes bladder stones?
- Minerals: Crystals are formed from various minerals in the urine. The mineral composition in your cat's food can directly influence this.
- Fluid intake: If your cat drinks little, the urine is more concentrated. Crystals can then form more easily.
- Body weight: Activity and frequency of urination. Bladder stones are more common in overweight cats. Overweight cats are often less active and have more frequent urinary problems.
- Acidity (pH): Urine with a high or low pH can influence the formation of crystals.
How do I know if my cat has bladder stones?
If your cat suffers from bladder stones, she may have various complaints, for example:
- Urinating next to the litter box
- Frequent urination in small amounts
- Pain and/or straining when urinating (also recognisable by meowing)
Blood in the urine. Bladder sand or small bladder stones can become stuck in the urethra. This is mainly seen in male cats and is an emergency! When in doubt, always contact your vet.
What can you do about it?
Treatment
Wondering if your cat has bladder stones? Contact your vet. They can perform a urine analysis or take X-rays. Treatment is tailored to the type of stones and symptoms. Your vet may prescribe a combination of medication and special dietary food.
What does food do?
Food can influence the formation of bladder sand in various ways. The composition of the food can raise or lower the pH of the urine. Your vet can advise the right food.
Drinking is important!
It is also important to stimulate your cat's water intake. Try a drinking fountain or place water bowls at various locations around the house. More tips here
About bladder infections
Good to know: in cats, bladder infections are often idiopathic, meaning the cause is unknown. The symptoms are the same: frequent urination in small amounts, pain when urinating, incontinence and blood in the urine.
The presence of a bladder infection and bladder stones can be related, but this is not always the case. For more information, contact your vet.
Urinary problems in cats: what can you do?
Urinary problems are common in cats. Here are tips for healthy urinary tracts in your cat.
Keep your cat at a healthy weight
Overweight cats suffer more often from bladder sand. Ask your vet for advice.
Drinking is important
Most cats are poor drinkers. This causes the urine to become concentrated, which can increase the risk of bladder sand formation. Here you can read tips to make your cat drink more.
Encourage your cat to move more
Less active cats have more frequent urinary problems. Challenge your cat to use her hunting instinct, for example by hiding kibble around the house or using toys.
Reduce stress in the environment
Cats are sensitive to stress and this can affect urinary problems. Make sure your cat has enough sheltered spots. If you suspect your cat is suffering from stress, contact your vet.
Give your cat wet food
Wet food provides extra fluid intake, which is important for urinary problems.
Read more about the benefits of wet food in this article.
Litter box management
Cats like to use a clean litter box in peace. Make sure you have enough litter boxes and place them in a quiet spot.
Food with an S/O Index
Some foods have an S/O Index. This dilutes the urine and contains a lower concentration of minerals that are the building blocks of bladder sand.
Ask your vet for advice on what you can do yourself with urinary problems.