Companion Animals

Cat Feline Bladder Stone Management

Bladder stones cause significant pain and urinary tract obstruction in cats, requiring accurate diagnosis and appropriate medical or surgical management.

Key Facts

Struvite and calcium oxalate are the two most common stone types in cats
Struvite stones often dissolve with dietary management; oxalate stones require surgical removal
Cats with bladder stones show straining, bloody urine, and inappropriate elimination
Urethral obstruction from stones is a life-threatening emergency in male cats
Dietary management and increased water intake prevent recurrence of struvite stones

Welfare Considerations

Cats with bladder stones experience significant pain and urinary discomfort. Urethral obstruction causes extreme suffering and death within days without emergency treatment.

What You Can Do

Seek veterinary assessment for any cat showing signs of urinary tract disease
Provide fresh water and wet food to maintain urine dilution and reduce stone risk
Follow dietary recommendations strictly for cats with a history of bladder stones