{"id":8920,"date":"2022-01-28T20:05:35","date_gmt":"2022-01-28T20:05:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tvn.tv-multi-theme.com.216-70-96-51.jvv2-rfnp.accessdomain.com\/?p=8920"},"modified":"2022-06-20T18:23:46","modified_gmt":"2022-06-20T18:23:46","slug":"why-does-my-cat-have-trouble-urinating","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarynurse.com\/urology-renal-medicine\/why-does-my-cat-have-trouble-urinating\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cWhy Does My Cat Have Trouble Urinating?\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"

Urinary problems are commonly seen in feline medicine. A client may ask, \u201cWhy does my cat have trouble urinating?\u201d in different situations, such as during an emergency visit or at an annual wellness visit. This question can be a result of their pet exhibiting abnormal behavior and should lead to detailed and specific follow-up questions from the veterinary nurse to paint a clear clinical picture for the veterinarian to make a definitive diagnosis. Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), diseases affecting the upper urinary tract, as well as renal and specific endocrine diseases should all be considered.<\/p>\n

As veterinary professionals, we are all here to help animals. In fact, that is usually the reason we joined this profession. For us to achieve that goal, we must find successful ways to communicate with clients. This is a difficult task at times; however, concentrating on patient needs will help make it easier. <\/span><\/p>\n

Simplifying what will be included in the visit and the client goals for that visit will put the hospital and the <\/span>client on the same page.1<\/sup> As veterinary nurses, we should always understand that the knowledge we possess about <\/span>veterinary medicine is not commonly known among the general public, and it is our job to educate clients.<\/span><\/p>\n

Veterinary nurses need to be knowledgeable about pathophysiology so that we can have conversations with clients about their pets. In the case of feline urination abnormalities, having a solid understanding of the causes, clinical signs, and signalment will allow us to effortlessly deliver information to clients.<\/span><\/p>\n

The following is useful information to consider communicating when a client asks about urination abnormalities and their cat.<\/span><\/p>\n

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease<\/h2>\n

Etiology, Signalment, and Signs<\/h3>\n

FLUTD<\/a> is a group of diseases that affect the urinary bladder or urethra of a feline patient. It is the responsibility of the veterinary team to determine the actual etiology. Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC), urolithiasis, urethral plugs, neoplasia, infection, and behavioral and anatomic abnormalities can all be the root causes of FLUTD. <\/span><\/p>\n

FIC<\/a> is a chronic, sterile, inflammatory disease that causes clinical signs similar to FLUTD. Common clinical signs such as inappropriate urination, pollakiuria, and abdominal pain are seen with FIC. This condition is seen mostly in younger cats.<\/span><\/p>\n

Specific aspects for educating clients who have cats with inappropriate urination include general knowledge of the disease. For instance, male cats are much more at risk of urethral obstruction than females because of their anatomy.2<\/sup> A female has a short, wide urethra that is less likely to become blocked. Causes of obstruction can be physical\u2014such as an anatomic malformation, neoplasia, urolith, dried red blood cells, or mucous plug\u2014or in patients with FIC, mechanical, such as a muscle spasm or edema.<\/span><\/p>\n

Specific clinical signs should be discussed with clients. When communicating with clients, it is important to keep health literacy in mind and present information in language they will understand. See the <\/span>glossary<\/span> for definitions of some of the common signs seen in cats with urination abnormalities. Knowing clinical signs associated with any disease can lead the veterinary nurse to ask more detailed questions about what is occurring at home regarding inappropriate urination and other clinical signs related to feline pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

Common clinical signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, depression, anorexia, dehydration, dysuria, pollakiuria, and anuria are seen with FIC or urethral obstruction. Commonly, cats will urinate outside the litter box or in other areas of the house, making it hard for their owners to determine if urine is being produced. Patients may also become painful or vocalize when attempting to urinate. These clinical signs can be seen with both urethral obstruction and FIC. <\/span><\/p>\n

The Importance of Environmental Enrichment<\/h3>\n

Stress is a major trigger for the onset of an episode and can be very frustrating for the client and veterinary team to treat. To help prevent episodes, behavioral and environmental enrichment changes should be made at home.3<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n

Environmental enrichment ensures that the environmental conditions maintain a pet\u2019s health, wellbeing, and natural behaviors, thus providing the pet with a fulfilled, healthy life. According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP<\/a>) Cat Friendly Homes, there are 5 different pillars of a healthy feline environment.4<\/sup> They consist of providing a safe place, multiple key environmental resources, the opportunity for natural behavior, positive and routine human interaction, and an environment that respects a cat\u2019s sense of smell.4<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n

When in an environment that does not allow a cat to express its natural behavior, medical illness and behavior issues can arise.5<\/sup> Common behavior issues involve inappropriate urination and are known to be a reason why cats are regularly surrendered to shelters or rehomed. These habits can be formed by the patient for medical reasons (such as FLUTD) or an aversion to the litter box.6<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n

When speaking to clients about these issues, it is important to review the home environment with regard to:<\/span><\/p>\n