Cat Urinary Problems: Signs, Causes, and What to Do

A male cat that is straining to urinate and producing little or no urine has a potential urinary blockage — this is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate veterinary care. Female cats develop urinary problems too, but complete blockage is far more common in males due to their narrower urethra.

## Signs of Urinary Problems in Cats

- Straining in the litter box for more than a few minutes with little or no urine produced
- Visiting the litter box very frequently (pollakiuria)
- Urinating outside the litter box — especially on cool surfaces (bath, sink, floor)
- Blood in the urine (red or pink tinge)
- Crying or vocalising while trying to urinate
- Licking the genitals excessively
- Lethargy and loss of appetite (in blockage cases)

## Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)

FLUTD is an umbrella term for multiple conditions affecting the bladder and urethra:

Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC)
The most common cause in cats under 10 years — inflammation with no bacterial infection. Strongly linked to stress. Cats in multi-cat households or with recent environmental changes are most affected.

Urinary Crystals and Bladder Stones
Struvite or calcium oxalate crystals form in the bladder and can block the urethra. Diet plays a significant role. Wet food (increased hydration) dramatically reduces crystal formation.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Less common in cats than in dogs, but more frequent in older cats and females. Symptoms resemble FIC but may include stronger-smelling urine.

Urethral Blockage (Male Cats)
The most dangerous complication. A plug of crystals, mucus, or inflammatory debris blocks the urethra completely. Within 24–48 hours this causes kidney failure and death. Signs: straining with no urine output, crying, restlessness, then sudden collapse.

## What Helps Prevent Recurrence

- Increase water intake — wet food or water fountains are highly effective
- Reduce stress — maintain consistent routines, provide enough litter trays (one per cat + one)
- Prescription urinary diets for cats with crystal history

Track litter box visits and urine output in Flovvi's daily log — catching changes early can prevent a full blockage.