Uti?

[jvmay1703]

An hour ago I noticed my cat squatting on the deck. Tiny urine after he walked off. Then he tried for a long time in the pine straw. Now I find him in the bathtub. Is this a uti? I haven’t experienced this before. Will take him first thing in the am to the vet.

 

[FeebysOwner]

Has he ever had a UTI before? Has he ever had urinary issues of any sort before? It could also be a form of cystitis. But, yes, best to get it checked out.

 

[jvmay1703]

Has he ever had a UTI before? Has he ever had urinary issues of any sort before? It could also be a form of cystitis. But, yes, best to get it checked out.

No, none of the above.

 

[FeebysOwner]

Let us know what happens at the vets.

 

[stephanietx]

This would definitely be a major red flag that something isn't right. I'm glad you've already made the decision to get him to the vet.

 

[silent meowlook]

Do you know how much urine he has produced over the last 12 hours? I would be very concerned that he is partially obstructed.

 

[jvmay1703]

Update
It was blockage and uti. They found no stones but a few crystals. Blood work looks good. No sign of kidney damage. Keeping him for three days. Should be ok once they see he is urinating ok. Will need special food. Glad I got him there early!

 

[FeebysOwner]

Yes, good thing you did!! What do they think the blockage was from? Swelling in the urethra, perhaps due to cystitis? I wouldn't have thought a few crystals would cause a blockage, unless there were enough and he was passing them that the lining of the urethra was so inflamed and irritated that it was swollen. What special food - for dissolving any remaining crystals and preventing future ones?

If it is cystitis, these articles might be helpful.
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (flutd) - TheCatSite
Feline Idiopathic Cystitis - How To Improve Your Cat's Quality Of Life - TheCatSite

 

[fionasmom]

Great that you made the decision to get him to the vet in time! Have a discussion with the vet about blockages. My Rikki, who is 3, had had two with no stones and very few crystals, along with hospital time. Find out about food, hydration, and stress.

 

[silent meowlook]

Feline urinary obstruction can be caused by many things or even nothing at all. Often it is a mucus plug.

 

[jvmay1703]

Thank you all for the suggestions as I didn’t really know what to ask.

 

[jvmay1703]

Update: cat pulled the cath out last night so they said oh he’s ready to come home. Then called me back after they went to check on him. He was straining again. $200 more to get a new cath back in. Will call me this afternoon. Aren’t cats under drugs when cath is in? How is he pulling it out?
not sure if anything can be done if he doesn’t stop pulling it out. Also, the bill is adding up. Any suggestions are appreciated on what to ask.

 

[FeebysOwner]

Find out what they did. As far as I know, cats are heavily sedated/anesthetized during catheter insertion and then it is sutured into place. They are also given something to help relax the urethral muscle, as well as pain meds, especially since most obstructions are painful.

Did the place you left your cat have staff on duty overnight? If not, find another place to take him too.

 

[fionasmom]

Rikki was catheterized twice, at two different hospitals...separate occurrences a year apart. He never pulled it out, however they managed him, and he is a cat who tolerates nothing.

If there is not overnight care, and with an attendant who can be useful, not just a night watchman, I would be concerned. I would ask them to clarify the care that he is receiving. If this is the only place where he can go, or bringing him elsewhere just does not work right now, there could be some limitations. But you have a right to know what is going on.

 

[jvmay1703]

I live in a small town so this is the best option right now. I love our vet. They saved him last year after having a neck wound from a cat fight. Seems they are watching him all day very closely. He did better today, cath is still in. Ate and drank but had diarrhea all day. There is still blood in urine. Will look in the morning and determine if he can go home. He’s not happy about the cone or being there, naturally. I’m concerned about taking him home too soon and ending up in an emergency situation. Thank you all!

 

[jvmay1703]

Update. Boo is home and seems to be doing well right now. Fingers crossed he doesn’t get blocked up again. They said if it happens again we need to do the special cat food forever. Seems like I should give him the food now not chancing it. That was quite an expensive three night stay but I’m glad that he is home this weekend.

 

[fionasmom]

Seems like I should give him the food now not chancing it

Rikki was recommended to eat a special diet after the first episode. He refuses it, but that is not your problem. Ask the vet about starting it now. It is probably a prescription diet which might be a little pricey and maybe they are trying to save you some money.

 

[jvmay1703]

Thank you. I’m going to try to feed him better food. Just hoping this doesn’t happen again.

 

[stephanietx]

Switch him to an all-wet or mostly wet diet and add in some water when you serve his food.