Petcancer

5 Warning Signs of Bladder Stones in Cats

Have you ever noticed your cat spending an unusually long time in the litter box, or acting strangely while trying to relieve themselves? That's not just quirky behavior -- your cat could be developing bladder stones.

Straining for an Unusually Long Time

Your cat strains as if trying to urinate, but nothing comes out, or only a few drops dribble out. Frequent trips in and out of the litter box that seem unusual.

Crying Out in Pain While Urinating

Groaning or appearing to be in distress while trying to relieve themselves means the urinary tract is already in pain.

Change in Urine Color

Urine that is very dark, cloudy, or has "blood mixed in" (pink/red) is a sign of severe inflammation -- bring your cat to the vet immediately.

Irritation, Frequently Licking the Genital Area

Your cat feels uncomfortable and tries to clean the area more often than usual because of internal irritation.

Urinating in the Wrong Places

A cat that used to always use the litter box suddenly can't hold it, or leaves urine in different spots around the house, because they can't control their bladder muscles due to the stones interfering.

The Most Dangerous Point to Watch For

If a pet is completely unable to urinate for more than 24 hours, the stone may cause a complete blockage, risking acute kidney failure and rapid death.

Don't wait until it's too late. If you notice even 1 of these 5 signs, we recommend bringing your cat in to see a veterinarian for an X-ray/ultrasound or a thorough examination right away.