At Peterborough West Animal Hospital, your neighborhood veterinary clinic in Cavan Monaghan, ON, we understand that nothing throws a kitty parent into panic mode quite like finding a surprise puddle outside the litter box—or watching your feline friend strain to urinate. Cat urinary problems are not only frustrating; they can be life-threatening. Whether the issue is a simple urinary tract infection (UTI) or a serious urinary blockage, knowing what to look for and when to call your vet could save your cat’s life.

In this post, we’ll explore common signs of UTI in cats, how to recognize bladder and kidney issues, and what you can do to support your cat’s urinary health at every stage of life.

Why Cats Are Prone to Urinary Issues

Feline urinary systems are sensitive, especially in adult indoor cats and those with low water intake. Stress, diet, and even litter box hygiene can affect a cat’s urinary tract. And because cats are masters of disguise when it comes to pain or discomfort, issues can escalate quickly without early detection.

Some of the most common cat urinary problems we treat at our vet clinic include:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  
• Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)
  
• Urinary crystals or stones
  
• Urethral blockages
  
• Kidney infections or disease
  
• Bladder inflammation (cystitis)
  

Each of these conditions has unique causes, symptoms, and treatments. That’s why it’s crucial to bring your cat to our veterinarians at the first sign of trouble.

Signs of UTI in Cats

UTIs in cats may be caused by a variety of things, including bacteria, inflammation, or underlying medical conditions like diabetes. While they are more common in older cats and females, any cat can develop a urinary tract infection. Recognizing the signs of UTI in cats can lead to faster treatment and less discomfort.

Look for:

• Frequent trips to the litter box
  
• Straining or crying during urination
  
• Blood in the urine
  
• Urinating in unusual places (like the tub or laundry)
  
• Licking the genital area excessively
  
• Strong-smelling urine
  

These red flags should be treated as an emergency, and they are! Our animal hospital can perform a simple urinalysis to confirm the presence of infection and recommend antibiotics or dietary changes as needed.

What Is FLUTD?

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) is a general term for urinary issues that don’t have a clear bacterial cause. Stress, diet, dehydration, obesity, and inflammation are a few common triggers. FLUTD is often seen in cats under stress—yes, even that small furniture rearrangement or noisy visitor can throw your feline companion into a tailspin.

Symptoms mimic UTIs and include:

• Frequent urination
  
• Straining with little output
  
• Urinating outside the litter box
  
• Excessive grooming
  
• Irritability or hiding
  

At Peterborough West Animal Hospital, our vets use urine testing, bloodwork, and imaging to rule out other causes and develop a supportive care plan.

Urethral Blockages

Male cats are especially at risk for urethral obstruction, a life-threatening condition where crystals, mucus, or swelling prevent urine from exiting the body. This can happen suddenly and requires immediate emergency care.

How to tell if your cat has bladder issues that might indicate a blockage:

• Repeatedly entering the litter box but not urinating
  
• Straining with no output
  
• Crying in pain
  
• Vomiting or lethargy
  
• A hard, swollen abdomen
  

If you suspect a blockage, or notice any of the symptoms listed in this blog, do not wait. Call our vet near me or the nearest emergency clinic immediately. Untreated blockages can lead to kidney failure or death within 24–48 hours.

Supporting Feline Urinary Health

The good news? Many urinary issues are preventable or manageable with proactive care. Our pet clinic recommends the following to promote healthy feline urination:

• Hydration – Feed wet food or add broth to meals to increase water intake
  
• Clean litter boxes – Scoop daily and clean boxes weekly
  
• Multiple litter boxes – One per cat, plus one extra
  
• Stress reduction – Keep a calm home environment
  
• Proper diet – Ask your vet for recommendations
  
• Weight management – Obesity increases the risk of urinary problems
  
• Routine wellness exams – Catch changes early with regular checkups
  

Our veterinarians can recommend lifestyle changes and nutritional products specifically tailored to your cat’s needs.

Fun fact: Cats naturally have a low thirst drive. That’s why many don’t drink enough and rely on food for moisture. Keeping her hydrated is one of the best ways to protect her urinary health.

Diagnosing Urinary Issues at the Vet Clinic

When you bring your cat to Peterborough West Animal Hospital for urinary symptoms, our vets will start with a full physical exam. Diagnostics may include:

• Urinalysis to check for blood, crystals, or bacteria
  
• Urine culture for stubborn or recurrent infections
  
• X-rays or ultrasound to look for stones or abnormalities
  
• Bloodwork to assess kidney function
  

These tools help us accurately diagnose the issue and create a treatment plan that gets your cat feeling better fast. Your vet will discuss specifics with you once a diagnosis has been made. Treatment may include surgical options, medicine, or other options.

In cases of urethral blockage, immediate catheterization and hospitalization may be necessary to relieve the obstruction and stabilize your cat.

When to Call the Vet

Don’t wait to see if things improve on their own. Cat urinary problems can escalate quickly. Contact Peterborough West Animal Hospital right away if you notice:

• Straining or crying in the litter box
  
• Frequent urination with little output
  
• Blood in urine
  
• Accidents in unusual places
  
• Behavior changes related to urination
  
• Lethargy or vomiting
  

Prompt care ensures a better outcome and minimizes your cat’s discomfort. Contact your vet immediately if you spot any warning signs. 

Visit Our Veterinary Clinic in Cavan Monaghan, ON

At Peterborough West Animal Hospital, your experienced veterinary clinic in Cavan Monaghan, ON, we take cat urinary problems seriously. Our skilled vets are here to provide prompt diagnosis, compassionate treatment, and long-term support to keep your feline companion comfortable and healthy.

If your cat is showing signs of discomfort or changes in litter box behavior, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment today and let us help you get her back on track.

This blog is for informational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment specific to your cat’s needs.