Kidney Stone Symptoms In Cats: What Owners Should Know

signs of kidney stones in cats

Kidney stones, or nephroliths, in cats are clusters of crystals or stones that develop in the kidneys or urinary tract. They are often not detected until diagnostic testing is done for other medical problems, as they rarely present symptoms. However, once they grow large, they can cause serious complications such as painful and difficult urination, frequent urinary tract infections, and vomiting. If a ureter becomes blocked by a kidney stone, it can lead to abdominal pain, depression, or even kidney damage. Therefore, it is important for cat owners to be aware of the signs of kidney stones and seek veterinary care if they suspect their cat may be affected.

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Blood in urine

Bladder stones are solid waste particles that form in a cat's urine when waste materials become concentrated inside the bladder. These are most commonly struvite or calcium oxalate, which are naturally occurring minerals in a cat's body. Bladder stones can also be composed of urate. They form when these minerals exceed a certain threshold of concentration in the urinary system, causing crystals to form, which then accumulate and grow into stones.

Bladder stones can cause internal bleeding and, in the worst cases, can slip into the urethra and block the flow of urine. This is a medical emergency and can be fatal if not treated immediately. Blockages are most common in male cats, as they have a very narrow urethra.

If you notice blood in your cat's urine, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. They will be able to diagnose the underlying cause of the hematuria and recommend an appropriate treatment.

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Vomiting

Signs of Kidney Stones in Cats: Vomiting

If your cat is vomiting, it could be a sign of kidney stones. While small kidney stones often don't present symptoms, larger stones can cause serious complications. If a ureter becomes blocked by a stone, it can cause vomiting, along with depression, or pain in the abdomen around the kidneys. This pain is particularly common when both ureters are suddenly and completely blocked, causing the kidneys to become enlarged.

The first signs of a blocked ureter are usually abdominal pain and malaise, followed by vomiting. If the blockage persists, your cat will likely become critically ill from the disrupted flow of urine. This is a life-threatening emergency that must be treated by a veterinarian immediately.

Complete urinary blockage can lead to toxin buildup within the body, resulting in depression, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, arrhythmias, coma, and even death within about 3 days. Urethral obstruction is a common complication of kidney stones, especially in male cats, and requires urgent veterinary attention.

To diagnose kidney stones, your veterinarian will need to perform a complete physical examination, including ultrasound imaging and urinalysis. They may also recommend abdominal X-rays to examine the size and shape of the kidneys and look for urinary stones.

If your cat is vomiting and you suspect kidney stones, it is important to contact your veterinarian right away. They will be able to provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend the best course of treatment to prevent any further complications.

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Recurrent urinary tract infections

One critical aspect of managing recurrent UTIs in cats is identifying and addressing any predisposing factors. For instance, underlying medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, bladder cancer, or immunosuppression can make cats more susceptible to UTIs. Additionally, anatomical issues like ectopic ureters or obesity, which hinders grooming and traps moisture and bacteria in the genital area, can also play a role. Obstruction in the urinary tract, such as kidney stones or bladder stones, can further increase the risk of UTIs.

To effectively treat and prevent recurrent UTIs in cats, it is essential to implement a comprehensive approach. This includes addressing any predisposing factors, such as providing proper diet and adequate water consumption, ensuring a clean litter box, and encouraging frequent urination. Antibiotics are the standard treatment for UTIs, but it is crucial to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection through culture and sensitivity tests. In some cases, pain medication and dietary changes may also be recommended by veterinarians.

It is worth noting that cranberry products, which are sometimes marketed for treating UTIs in cats, have not been proven effective and may lead to unwanted complications. Therefore, it is always best to consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

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Painful, difficult urination

Painful and difficult urination is a common sign of kidney stones in cats. This is known as dysuria. If your cat is experiencing pain when urinating, it may be a sign of kidney stones. Kidney stones can irritate the tender tissue lining the urinary tract, causing discomfort and pain. This can lead to straining and difficulty in passing urine.

Cats with kidney stones may also experience a decrease in the volume of urine produced. They may urinate more frequently but pass only a small amount of urine each time. This is because kidney stones can obstruct the flow of urine, making it difficult for your cat to completely empty its bladder.

If you notice any blood in your cat's urine, this may also be a sign of kidney stones. The stones can irritate the urinary tract and cause internal bleeding. Additionally, if your cat is frequently trying to urinate but only producing a small stream or a few drops, it could indicate the presence of kidney stones.

It is important to monitor your cat's urination habits and behaviour. If you suspect any signs of painful or difficult urination, it is crucial to consult your veterinarian right away. They will be able to perform the necessary tests, such as urinalysis and ultrasounds, to diagnose the presence of kidney stones and determine the best course of treatment.

To reduce the risk of kidney stones in your cat, it is recommended to ensure your cat always has access to fresh water and is properly hydrated. A diet rich in wet food is also advisable, as it can help increase fluid intake and dilute the urine, reducing the risk of stone formation.

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Abdominal discomfort

In some cases, abdominal pain may be the only sign of kidney stones in cats, especially when only one ureter is blocked. This pain can be difficult for veterinarians to detect, and if left untreated, the blocked kidney will ultimately be destroyed. Therefore, it is crucial to contact your veterinarian right away if you suspect any abdominal pain or changes in your cat's urination habits.

The abdominal discomfort associated with kidney stones can be severe and may require medical intervention. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the kidney stones. However, surgery carries the risk of infection and potential kidney damage, so it is only recommended when other treatment options are unsuccessful.

Veterinarians can occasionally detect kidney stones by pressing on the cat's abdomen during a physical examination. However, smaller stones may require diagnostic tests such as ultrasounds or X-rays for accurate detection.

Frequently asked questions

Signs that your cat may have kidney stones include blood in the urine (hematuria), abdominal discomfort, frequent urinary tract infections, and painful or difficult urination.

If you suspect your cat has kidney stones, you should contact your veterinarian right away. They may perform a number of tests, including a complete blood count, blood chemistry with electrolytes, urinalysis, urine culture, abdominal radiographs (X-rays), systemic blood pressure measurement, and abdominal ultrasound.

Treatment options for kidney stones in cats include medication, dietary changes, lithotripsy (a procedure that uses sound waves to break up stones), and in severe cases, surgery may be required to remove the kidney stones.

To prevent kidney stones in cats, it is recommended to ensure your cat always has access to fresh water and is properly hydrated. Keeping the litter box clean will also encourage more frequent urination, which can help prevent kidney stones. In some cases, dietary changes and supplements may be recommended by your veterinarian to reduce the risk of stone formation.

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