Is your cat suddenly acting strange in the litter box or even choosing a completely new spot for peeing? Bladder stones in cats might be the reason behind this odd behaviour. Unfortunately, they are not easy for owners to detect. Read on to find out everything you need to know about this topic.
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Adequate hydration is crucial for cats, as it supports urinary health and helps prevent bladder stones
Bladder stones (uroliths) are not uncommon in cats. Unfortunately, they can cause significant damage to both the bladder and the urinary organs. This can lead to infections or even life-threatening urinary blockages. When minerals like magnesium, phosphate or calcium become more concentrated in the urine, they gradually form larger and larger bladder stones over time.
You should take this condition seriously and see a vet if you notice any symptoms!
In most cases, the affected cats are middle-aged or older. Bladder stones often appear as part of FLUTD (feline lower urinary tract disease), a disease of the urinary tract.
Bladder stones originate in the bladder, the ureter or even the kidneys. Initially, tiny urine crystals (urinary gravel) form, which gradually clump together. Over time, they increase in size, reaching diameters of several centimetres. Genetic, nutritional and infectious factors affecting the pH of the urine are the main causes. The pH value determines the acidity, which in turn influences the precipitation of certain minerals.
As bladder stones differ significantly in their composition and formation, vets classify them into different types:
Since bladder stones develop in cats over a longer period, symptoms generally appear only after the stones reach a certain diameter or develop sharp edges. These irritate the sensitive mucous membrane, causing inflammation. This inflammation often travels up the urinary tract, causing bladder and kidney infections.
Furthermore, bladder stones may block the urinary tract (e.g., the urethra) leading to acute urinary blockage. This is potentially life-threatening and requires immediate treatment by a vet.
Typical symptoms of bladder stones and subsequent bladder infections in cats include:
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If the cat shows only mild symptoms, the diagnosis begins with a detailed owner interview (history). This is followed by a general clinical examination to determine the cat’s current health status and a specific examination of the urinary system.
In some cases, the vet may see signs of inflammation like redness and swelling of the external genitalia and possibly blood traces during the first examination. By palpation, they can also assess the bladder size, potential hardening or other abnormalities.
A urine sample can reveal any urine crystals, blood cells (red blood cells, inflammatory cells) or bacteria under the microscope. The pH value can also be determined.
If larger bladder stones (like struvite stones) are already present, they may be clearly visible in ultrasound or X-rays. A blood test is also essential. This helps assess kidney function and electrolyte balance. For example, the vet can detect a life-threatening increase in potassium concentration in the blood (hyperkalaemia), which can trigger cardiac arrhythmia.
If the cat can no longer urinate, it is an acute emergency. To prevent life-threatening kidney damage and bladder rupture, the cat’s circulation must be stabilised immediately with an infusion and a urinary catheter must be placed in the urethra.
The vet may employ the following therapeutic measures in case of bladder stones in cats:
The prognosis for bladder stones in cats depends on the number, size and composition. Small struvite stones can be dissolved with medication, unlike calcium oxalate stones, which are generally simpler to treat.
If the urinary tract is blocked and the kidneys are damaged, it is a life-threatening condition. The quicker the cat receives treatment, the better its chances of survival.
Unfortunately, you cannot completely prevent bladder stones in cats. However, in consultation with your vet, a long-term change to special dietetic food can be beneficial. Ensure your cat always takes in enough fluid.
Note: Choosing suitable dietetic food can support your cat’s natural body functions. However, please note that dietetic food cannot cure or prevent diseases. You should always discuss the appropriate diet for your cat with your vet. You can find special dietetic food at the zooplus online shop.
At the Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen I was extensively trained as a veterinarian and was able to gain experience in various fields such as small animal, large animal and exotic animal medicine as well as pharmacology, pathology and food hygiene. Since then, I have been working not only as a veterinary author, but also on my scientifically driven dissertation. My goal is to better protect animals from pathogenic bacterial organisms in the future. Besides my veterinary knowledge, I also share my own experiences as a happy dog owner and can thus understand and enlighten fears and problems as well as other important questions about animal health.
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