How to Detect a Cat Urinary Tract Blockage

By Laura Ramirez

A cat urinary tract blockage forms when urine crystals and mucous plug the urethra, restricting or preventing bladder flow. Since male cats have a urethra that is not as wide as those of female cats, males are much more prone to this condition. In this article, you will learn how to detect a blockage and what to do if your suspect that this is what your cat is suffering from.

How to Detect a Blockage

The key is to look for changes in your cat's behavior which is the only way your kitty can tell you that something is wrong. Here are some of the symptoms you might notice:

• Increased number of trips to the litter box with little actual urination
  
• Signs of straining when urinating.
  
• Painful urination.
  
• Increasing lethargy.

If you notice any of these symptoms, take your cat to the vet immediately. Since the bladder cannot release stored toxins, there is a chance that it might rupture. If your cat is unusually lethargic, this can indicate that your pet is dehydrated and suffering from a loss of electrolytes.

What the Vet Will Do

Your vet will perform blood and urine tests to diagnose the problem. If your cat has a full bladder, it will be emptied. Your vet may need to do an ultrasound to check for bladder stones, put your cat on an intravenous feeding tube and administer antibiotics.

How to Promote Cat Urinary Health

Once your pet has had a blockage, there is a greater chance of recurrence. Since you have witnessed the suffering and pain of a cat urinary tract blockage, as a loving pet owner, no doubt you'll do everything in your power to prevent this from happening again.

Your vet may recommend special cat food designed to produce acidic urine to prevent the formation of crystals. Since overweight cats are more prone to blockages, your cat may also need to lose weight.

To ensure that your pet never has a cat urinary tract blockage again, focus on prevention. I recommend this course of action whether your cat has had bladder problems or not.

There is a supplement designed specifically to support cat urinary health that has ingredients that work like natural antibiotics to promote healthy urine flow, keep the bladder free of infection and soothe tissues by maintaining the proper pH. Best of all this supplement comes in granular form, so all you need to do is sprinkle some granules daily into your cat's mouth. The granules dissolve upon contact with the saliva.

Before giving your pet a natural remedy, make sure to do your research to ensure it has the highest quality ingredients and has been proven safe and effective.

Copyright 2008 by www.pet-ut-health.com

Laura Ramirez is a passionate researcher of natural remedies which heal urinary tract blockages and disorders and keep pets vibrant and healthy. To learn more about her findings, go to http://www.pet-ut-health.com.