06/05/2025
Meet Oliver!
Oliver is a very handsome 5-year-old male cat whose recent experience highlights the importance of knowing when something isn’t quite right with your pet. His owners noticed that he wasn’t acting like himself. He was straining in the litterbox, going in and out frequently, and even vomiting. During a routine check-up for another pet, they mentioned Oliver’s behavior to their primary veterinarian, who immediately recognized the potential seriousness of the situation. They were advised that if Oliver wasn’t urinating, he needed to be taken to a veterinary hospital right away.
Thankfully, they acted quickly and brought him straight to Ina Road Animal Hospital. Upon arrival, our team triaged Oliver and brought him into treatment to stabilize him. It was confirmed that he was experiencing a urinary blockage, a potentially life-threatening condition most commonly in male cats. These blockages are often caused by urinary crystals, stones, mucus plugs, or inflammation, and they can lead to kidney failure or even death if not treated promptly.
Our experienced veterinary technicians placed an IV catheter so that pain medication and sedation medications can be administered. Dr. James was then able to place a urinary catheter to relieve the obstruction and collect a urine sample for testing. Once Oliver was stable, we performed X-rays and discovered bladder stones, confirming the source of the blockage. This meant Oliver would need a surgical procedure called a cystotomy to remove the stones from his bladder.
Oliver was hospitalized with us and received round-the-clock care. Our overnight technician monitored his progress closely, ensuring the urinary catheter remained in place and that he was continuing to pass urine while receiving fluids and medication. The next day, he underwent surgery, which went very well. After a few more days of recovery, Oliver was able to urinate on his own and was finally cleared to go home.
Even though Oliver’s owners are attentive and caring, like many cat parents, they weren’t familiar with the symptoms of a urinary blockage or how serious it could become. Because they spoke up and asked questions, they were able to get Oliver the urgent care he needed.
We often hear similar stories, which is why we want to help other pet owners recognize the warning signs. If your male cat is showing any of the symptoms listed below, it may be a sign of a urinary blockage that requires immediate veterinary attention.
>Straining to urinate (which can be mistaken as constipation)
>Making frequent and unproductive trips to the litterbox
>Excessively grooming the ge***al area
>Acting lethargic or withdrawn
>Showing signs of vomiting or appetite loss
To help reduce the risk of urinary issues, we recommend encouraging hydration (wet food can help), feeding a balanced diet that supports urinary health, reducing environmental stress, and scheduling regular veterinary check-ups.
Oliver’s story had a happy ending, and we’re so glad he’s back home with his family. We hope that by sharing his experience, we can help others recognize the signs and take action quickly when their pets need it most.
If you ever have questions or concerns about your pet’s urinary health, our team at Ina Road Animal Hospital is always here to help.