Companion Animal Welfare

Cat Bladder Stone Welfare and Prevention

Bladder stones cause significant pain and urinary obstruction in cats and have dietary and genetic risk factors that can be managed.

Key Facts

Struvite and calcium oxalate are the most common bladder stone types in cats
Struvite stones are often associated with infection and dissolve with appropriate dietary management
Calcium oxalate stones require surgical or lithotripsy removal
Increased water intake through wet food and water fountains reduces stone formation risk
Male cats are at higher risk of urethral obstruction from stones requiring emergency treatment

Welfare Considerations

Bladder stones cause chronic pain, urinary discomfort and potentially life-threatening obstruction. Dietary management reducing stone formation risk and ensuring adequate water intake are the most practical preventive measures for at-risk cats.

What You Can Do

Feed a predominantly wet diet to encourage higher water intake and dilute urine
Provide water fountains and multiple water sources to encourage adequate water consumption
Seek veterinary assessment for any cat showing signs of urinary discomfort or straining