What symptoms did Stitch have?

  • He was urinating in weird places around the house.
  • He urinated frequently but in small amounts.
  • He meowed while urinating.
  • He seemed uncomfortable and no longer wanted to play or seek attention

At first, I thought, "The litter box is too dirty," as he sometimes refuses to use it if he considers it too dirty. After cleaning the
litter box, I thought the problem was solved. Unfortunately, that was not the case, as Stitch continued to urinate in odd places over the following days. As soon as I noticed this, I called the veterinarian. They asked me to collect urine for a urine analysis, suspecting (like me) that it might be a urinary tract infection. Unfortunately, it turned out to be bladder stones, and it was a bit more serious than we expected.

Don't let bladder stones come between you and your cat - work together for a healthy future.

But what are Bladder Stones exactly & what are the causes

Bladder stones are a condition in which crystals or stones form in a cat's bladder. These crystals often consist of minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus. It starts with small crystals in the urine, but over time, these crystals can merge into stones. These stones can block a cat's urinary tract, leading to painful and potentially life-threatening situations.

The causes of Bladder Stones:

  • Diet: The type of diet can play a significant role in the formation of bladder
    stones. A diet rich in minerals such as magnesium and calcium (the minerals
    that form bladder stones) increases the risk of bladder stones.
  • Hydration: Cats that do not drink enough water are at a greater risk. A low-fluid
    environment makes it easier for minerals to form crystals.
  • Stress: Cats are sensitive animals and can become stressed easily. Prolonged stress can
    affect a cat's immune system and health, increasing the risk of bladder stones.
  • Age: Older and male cats, in particular, have a higher risk of
    developing bladder stones.
  • Breed: Some cat breeds have a genetic predisposition to develop bladder stones,
    including the Persian cat and the Siamese.
Bad news for Stitch

Because Stitch's bladder was already so obstructed, it was decided that he needed to be admitted to the veterinary clinic. There, he received a catheter, antibiotics, and painkillers. Fortunately, he recovered well and was able to go home the next day.

The veterinarian provided us with several things to help reduce the
bladder stones. I received special food, antibiotics, and pain relief
medication.

How can my cat get rid of bladder stones?

  • Medical treatment: The veterinarian can prescribe medication to relieve the symptoms of bladder stones and treat any infections. Depending on the type of bladder stones, medication may be prescribed to dissolve the crystals.
  • Dietary adjustment: Modifying the diet is an essential part of treating bladder stones. It's good to purchase food specially formulated to prevent bladder crystals, which is often low in minerals that contribute to crystal formation.
  • Sufficient hydration: Proper hydration helps to dilute the urine and promotes a healthy urinary system. Ensure that your cat drinks plenty of water, and using a drinking fountain can encourage water intake. Wet food also contributes to increased fluid intake. If your cat doesn't drink much water, consider adding some water to their dry food in the morning or evening.
  • Stress reduction: If stress plays a role in your cat's bladder stone formation, it's important to identify and reduce the stress factors, creating a calm and safe environment for your cat.
  • Regular check-ups: During treatment, it's necessary to submit urine samples regularly to the veterinarian. They can monitor progress and ensure that the bladder stones remain under control. Follow the veterinarian's recommendations carefully and administer any prescribed medication accurately.

All’s well that ends well

Fortunately, Stitch is doing much better now. I can see that the antibiotics and painkillers are working well. Since the main cause for Stitch was insufficient water intake, I followed the veterinarian's advice and bought a drinking fountain, and he's already drinking much more water!

He has a follow-up appointment with the veterinarian this week, and I expect that he is already much better.

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