Urinary · Updated 2026-09-21

Feline lower urinary tract disease

A group of bladder and urethral conditions causing painful, frequent or blocked urination, especially in stressed indoor cats.

Emergency veterinary attentionCats

Veterinary examination relevant to feline lower urinary tract disease

Visual guide to warning signs including breathing difficulty, appetite loss, vomiting, mobility change, abnormal droppings and collapse — Changes in breathing, appetite, movement, digestion or alertness can need veterinary assessment. Collapse and breathing difficulty are emergencies.

Signs to watch for

Straining in the tray
Frequent small urinations
Blood in urine
Urinating outside the tray
Excessive genital grooming
Crying or hiding

Causes and risk factors

Stress-related bladder inflammation is most common; crystals, stones, infection and anatomical narrowing also contribute.

How veterinarians diagnose it

Examination, bladder palpation, urinalysis, imaging and blood tests distinguish inflammation, stones, infection and obstruction.

Treatment and management

Pain relief, fluids and stress reduction for inflammation; a blocked cat needs emergency catheterisation, fluids and correction of dangerous potassium levels.

Prevention

Increase water intake, offer wet food, add tray numbers and privacy, reduce household conflict and enrich the indoor environment.

Outlook

Inflammatory episodes usually settle within days but recur; treated obstruction has a good outlook, untreated blockage is fatal.