How to Know if a Cat Has Urinary Tract Disease

Urinary Tract Disease can strike your cat suddenly, causing few symptoms. If the disease causes total urinary blockage, it can be deadly within days.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Listen to your feline. Meowing excessively means something is wrong and you need to keep a close eye on your cat to figure out what it is.
2. Pay attention to your cat when it is grooming. Licking of its urinary opening usually indicates irritation in your cat's urinary system.
3. Watch your cat when it is urinating. If the cat is straining or crying while trying to urinate, urinating in unusual places, or if you notice blood in its urine, these signs could indicate urinary tract disease.
4. Note any usual signs of illness, such as lack of appetite, dehydration, vomiting or depression. These can also be indicators of Urinary Tract Disease.
5. Check your cat's belly to see if he has a distended bladder, which should be a few inches in diameter and fairly firm. A distended bladder indicates urinary blockage. A normal bladder should be more squishy like a water balloon.

Tips & Warnings

• Urinary blockage is more common in male cats because of their smaller urethras.
• If your cat has a distended bladder, it must be treated by a veterinarian immediately. Urinary blockage will result in a buildup of toxins in your cat's body and your cat will die in a matter of days if left untreated.
• If your cat shows any symptoms of Urinary Tract Disease, you should talk to your veterinarian immediately about scheduling an appointment.