Bladder Stones are an often undiagnosed problem in cats and kittens. The stones, which are formed of crystals, minerals, and organic materials naturally found in your cat's bladder, may be tiny or grow to reach several millimeters in size. Symptoms develop when the stones rub against the walls of the bladder, leading to irritation and inflammation. Larger stones may block your cat's urethra, causing difficult urination or even blocking urination completely. This situation requires immediate veterinarian attention.

Symptoms of bladder stones vary depending on the size and type of the stone present, but most stones cause one or more of the following symptoms: bloody urine, frequent urination, painful urination, genital licking, urine spraying, problems with urination, and inappropriate voiding. Not all cats exhibit all or any symptoms.


Causes of Bladder Stones:

While the cause of bladder stones is not always known, a number of conditions can lead to the formation of stones. Decreased water intake, urinary tract infections (especially if they’re recurrent), certain supplements and medications, and a nutritionally unbalanced diet all increase the risk of stone formation. Having a high urine concentration of certain minerals, such as ammonium and magnesium, can also increase the risk of bladder stones.

Some breeds are predisposed to stones and may develop stones even in the absence of other risk factors. Persian, Burmese, and Himalayan breeds are more likely to develop calcium oxalate stones, especially later in life.


Diagnosing and Treating Bladder Stones:

Large stones may be palpable through your cat's abdominal wall, but an ultrasound and urinalysis is necessary to diagnose stones in most cases. To help prevent a recurrence of stones, most veterinarians will attempt to determine the exact type of stone present by collecting and analyzing the stone.

Once the type of stone is determined, a treatment program is prescribed that may include dietary changes, increased water consumption, bladder flushing, lithotripsy, pet medications and/or surgical stone removal. Prevention involves developing and adhering to a special diet, increased exercise and water consumption, and control of any underlying health conditions that may be contributing to stone formation.

Provided no blockage of urine occurs, most stones are passed with mild or moderate discomfort and pose no long-term threats to health. Stone prevention is key to ensuring continued comfort and happiness for your cat. Encourage your cat to get plenty of water and exercise, switch to feeding small meals more often, and treat infections and other problems promptly to improve urinary tract health and prevent stone formation.