How Long Can a Cat Live With a Urinary Blockage? When the urethra is obstructed, urine backs up in the bladder and toxins build in the blood. Without treatment to remove the blockage, cats can die
in three to six days
.
Can a cat survive a blockage?
Complete obstruction can cause death of the cat in 3–6 days
. A cat with a urethral obstruction will have a large, painful bladder that is easily felt in the back half of the belly unless the bladder has ruptured.
How can I help my blocked cat?
If your cat has urinary blockage, they should be hospitalized immediately for emergency treatment. The veterinary staff may place an
intravenous catheter
to deliver fluids and medicine to your cat. Your cat will then be sedated and a urinary catheter will be placed to relieve the obstruction and empty their bladder.
How do you treat a cat with a urinary blockage?
Increasing water intake decreases formation of crystals by diluting the urine. Feeding a
canned wet food diet
and encouraging water intake by having multiple water dishes throughout the house often helps. Your veterinarian may recommend a diet specially formulated for cats with urinary tract disease.
What causes a cat to become blocked?
Urinary blockages (also called urinary obstructions) are usually caused by
plugs of proteinaceous sludge, crystals and/or small stones that become lodged within a cat’s urethra
—the tube leading from the urinary bladder to the outside of the body.
What happens if a cat can’t pee?
Call an Emergency Vet Right Away if Your Cat’s Having Urinating Problems or if They Can’t Pee. There are a plethora of reasons your cat might have problems urinating. The most common is a
UTI
. Cystitis and kidney stones or blockages can cause problems as well.
How do you unblock a cat’s bladder at home?
Slip your dominant
(squeezing) hand under the cat’s belly
and slightly closer to the rear than right below the ribs. Place your other hand along the animal’s side so you can gently hold and/or lift the cat. When the animal has settled into position, feel the abdomen, slightly higher than the leg sockets.
How much does it cost to unblock a cat?
How much does cat and dog intestinal blockage surgery cost? The cost of blockage surgery depends upon the pet’s specific situation, but can range
from $800 to more than $7,000
2
, and often includes the exam, surgery, anesthesia, operating room use, hospitalization, medications and checkups.
What to expect after cat is unblocked?
Occasionally a cat is brought in soon after blocking and achieves an
excellent urinary stream immediately
after unblocking. These cats may be able to proceed with treatment without having to spend a few days in the hospital or without having to have the catheter sewn into place.
Should I put my cat down for urinary blockage?
If you think your cat may be experiencing a urinary blockage, take him
to the vet immediately
. Do not wait; this is a life-threatening situation. The doctor will need to relieve the obstruction quickly.
What do you feed a cat with urinary blockage?
Canned food
— Canned diets contain more water than dry varieties, and feeding wet food is an easy way to incorporate more water into your cat’s daily diet. Flavored water — Adding tuna juice or sodium-free chicken broth can tempt your cat to spend more time at her water bowl.
Can cats recover from urinary blockage?
Urethral blockages are common in cats, particularly amongst males, and have the potential to be a life-threatening emergency. However, with prompt identification of the symptoms and professional intervention by your vet,
it’s possible for your male feline to make a full recovery
.
How do I stop my male cat from having urinary blockage?
The best way to prevent your cat from blocking is by
feeding a wet-food-only, specialized prescription diet specifically for urinary issues
. Additionally, limiting the amount of stress your cat is exposed to at home and encouraging water intake by adding a pet fountain or other source of additional water intake.
How do you tell if a cat’s bladder is blocked?
- Frequent visits to the litter tray producing little or no urine.
- Straining to pee (as if they are constipated)
- Crying-out when trying to pee.
- Excessive licking around their back end.
- Blood in their urine.
- Eating less or off food completely.
- A painful, tense tummy.
- Vomiting.
What symptoms do cats that are blocked have?
- Straining to urinate.
- Frequent small urinations.
- Blood in the urine.
- Painful urination.
- Inappropriate urination (somewhere other than the litter box)
- Straining without urination (urinary obstruction)
- Crying, restlessness, or hiding because of discomfort.
- Loss of appetite.
How long can a cat not pee?
In advanced cases, where the urine flow has been stopped for
more than 24 hours
, they can become systemically ill from retained toxins and start vomiting, or become very weak and lethargic. Death usually happens within 48 hours, and it’s not a pleasant way to go.
