Bladder infections are rare in cats, but our veterinarians often see cats suffering from uncomfortable symptoms caused by bladder stones. In this blog post, our vets in Hermitage will discuss the types, causes, symptoms, and treatments for bladder stones in cats.
What are bladder stones in cats?
Bladder stones (also called cystic calculi or uroliths) are rock-like formations of minerals that develop in the urinary bladder. There may be a large, single stone or a collection of stones that range in size from grains the size of sand to gravel.
There may be a combination of both large and small stones.
What causes bladder stones in cats?
Bladder stones are caused by excessive amounts of certain minerals in your cat's urine clumping together with other substances in the bladder. Bladder stones can be caused by various factors, including:
- Poor diet
- Dehydration
- Bladder or urinary tract infection
- Bladder inflammation caused by crystals
- Extremes in urine pH levels (too alkaline or too highly acidic)
- Breed predisposition
- Congenital liver shunt
- Medications or supplements
It is believed that overweight male cats may face an increased risk of developing stones.
Kinds of Bladder Stones in Cats
There are a number of different types of bladder stones seen in cats, but the two most common types are calcium oxalate and struvite stones.
Calcium Oxalate Stones
Calcium oxalate stones typically develop in cats with highly acidic urine. It is common to see calcium oxalate stones in cats with high urine and blood calcium levels and those suffering from chronic kidney disease. This type of bladder stone is most often seen in cats between 5 and 14 years of age.
Struvite Stones
Struvite stones are most common in cats with highly alkaline urine, which can result from a urinary tract infection, but this is not always the case. These bladder stones are often seen in cats who consume high amounts of magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, chloride, and fiber. Genetic factors may also influence a cat's risk of developing struvite stones. For example, Siamese cats appear predisposed to developing struvite stones.
What is the difference between bladder stones and a bladder infection?
Feline urinary tract issues can be complex, as they can have more than one cause and be brought on by infections, diet, inflammation, and behavioral issues.
Cats can get urinary tract infections when there is a bacterial infection in the bladder or urethra. Large stones can cause a partial or temporary obstruction at the neck of the bladder (where the bladder attaches to the urethra), while small stones can flow with urine to the narrow urethra, where they get lodged and cause a complete obstruction.
What are the signs of bladder stones or bladder infections in cats?
This is due in part to the irritation caused within the bladder due to the stones. Bladder stones can lead to a urinary obstruction in cats, which is a medical emergency. A urinary obstruction occurs when your cat's urethra becomes blocked with a stone and cannot pass urine.
If your cat is suffering from bladder stones that obstruct urine, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
- Frequent urination in small amounts of urine
- Blood in urine
- Vomiting
- Painful or difficult urination
- Urinating around the house, outside the litter box
- Repeated trips to the litter box
- Straining to urinate without producing urine
- Abdominal pain
- Yowling or crying while in the litter box
- Lack of energy
Although urinary tract issues are often seen in cats, they are more prone to felline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) than symptoms of bacterial bladder infections, which are relatively rare.
FLUTD refers to several clinical symptoms that can cause issues in your cat's urethra and bladder. It can cause the urethra to become obstructed or prevent your cat's bladder from emptying properly. Left untreated, FLUTD conditions can become fatal for cats.
If your cat is suffering from FLUTD, they may find urinating difficult, painful, or impossible. They may also urinate more often, or in inappropriate areas other than their litter box (occasionally on surfaces that are cool to the touch, such as a bathtub or tile floor).
How do you get rid of bladder stones in cats?
If you notice your cat struggling to urinate, you believe you may be seeing signs of a bladder infection your female cat, or they are displaying symptoms associated with urinary obstruction, contact your vet immediately or visit your nearest emergency animal hospital for urgent care.
The best treatment for your cat's bladder stones will depend upon the type of stones your cat has. Some types of bladder stones, including struvite stones, can often be dissolved with the help of a therapeutic diet and medications.
Calcium oxalate stones cannot be dissolved and are typically treated with cystotomy surgery to open the bladder and remove the stones. This surgery has an excellent success rate, and most cats recover quickly.
Preventing Bladder Stones in Cats
It may be possible to prevent your cat from developing bladder stones. If your cat is a breed that faces a higher risk of developing bladder stones, you may want to try the following:
- Feed your cat wet food to help them stay adequately hydrated. Proper hydration can help to continually flush crystals out of your cat's bladder and prevent a buildup.
- Talk to your vet before giving your cat any nutritional supplements, especially supplements containing calcium, vitamin C, or vitamin D.
- Ask your vet to recommend a food to help minimize your cat's likelihood of developing crystals that could lead to bladder stones.
- Ensure that your cat always has easy access to fresh, clean water.
- Ensure that your cat gets lots of play and exercise.
- Keep your cat's litter box clean to encourage your cat to urinate when necessary and not wait.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.