Our Los Angeles vets often see cats suffering from uncomfortable symptoms related to bladder stones, but how do they develop and how can they be treated? Today we look at the types, causes, symptoms, and treatments for bladder stones in cats.
What causes bladder stones in cats?
Bladder stones can form when excess amounts of certain minerals in your cat's urine clump together with other substances in the bladder. Bladder stones can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:
- Poor diet
- Dehydration
- Bladder or urinary tract infection
- Bladder inflammation caused by crystals
- Extremes in urine pH levels (too alkaline or acidic)
- Breed predisposition
- Congenital liver shunt
- Medications or supplements
It is believed that overweight male cats may face an increased risk of developing stones. And while being overweight doesn't seem to carry as high a risk of signs of bladder infection in female cats, it's still a good idea to keep your female cat's weight under control too.
Are there different types of bladder stones in cats?
Yes, there are several different types of bladder stones seen in cats, the 2 most common are calcium oxalate and struvite stones.
Calcium Oxalate Stones
Calcium oxalate stones are most commonly found in cats with highly acidic urine. Calcium oxalate stones are also common in cats with high urine and blood calcium levels, as well as in cats with chronic kidney disease.
These stones are most often seen in cats that are between 5 and 14 years of age.
Struvite stones
Struvite stones are most common in cats who have highly alkaline urine, which can be caused by a urinary tract infection but is not always the case. These bladder stones are common in cats who eat a lot of magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, chloride, and fiber.
A genetic factor may also influence a cat's risk of developing struvite stones since Siamese cats appear to be predisposed to developing struvite stones.
What are the signs of bladder stones in cats?
Symptoms of bladder stones are much the same as the symptoms of a bladder infection in cats, this is due in part to the irritation caused within the bladder due to the stones. If your cat is suffering from bladder stones you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
- Frequent urination in small amounts of urine
- Blood in urine
- Painful or difficult urination
- Urinating outside the litter box
- Straining to urinate without producing urine
- Abdominal pain
- Lack of energy
Bladder stones can lead to a urinary obstruction in cats which is considered a medical emergency! A urinary obstruction occurs when your cat's urethra becomes blocked with a stone and your cat is unable to pass urine. Signs of urinary obstruction include:
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Repeated trips to the litter box
- Yowling or crying while in the litter box
- Straining to urinate without producing urine
If you notice your cat straining to urinate or any of the other symptoms associated with a urinary obstruction contact your vet immediately or visit your nearest emergency animals hospital for urgent care.
How are bladder stones in cats treated?
The best treatment for your cat's bladder stones will be determined by the type of stones. Some bladder stones, such as struvite stones, can often be dissolved with 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 from surgery very quickly.
Can bladder stones be prevented?
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 ensure that they are adequately hydrated. Good hydration can help to continually flush crystals out of your cat's bladder and prevent a buildup.
- Speak to your vet before giving your cat any nutritional supplements, particularly 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.
- Make sure that your cat gets plenty of exercise.
- Keep your cat's litter box clean to encourage your cat to urinate when they need to 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.