Bladder Stones in Cats: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee

You're cuddled up with your beloved feline friend, enjoying a peaceful evening together when suddenly, you notice something seems off. Your cat is making more frequent trips to the litter box and just doesn't seem their usual happy self. What could be wrong? It could be bladder stones, a common but concerning issue that can affect cats of all ages and breeds.

Read on to find out more about bladder stones in cats, including symptoms, causes, treatment options, prevention strategies and the importance of seeking veterinary care.

What Are Bladder Stones in Cats?

Bladder stones, also known as uroliths, are rock-like deposits formed from minerals and organic material in the urinary tract. These stones can vary in size and composition, with the most common types in cats being struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate) and calcium oxalate.¹ Struvite stones can occur in cats with urine that's high in alkali, which is sometimes the result of a urinary tract infection, but not always. These stones can also be seen in cats with a diet that's high in magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, chloride and fiber.² These types of stones have reportedly become less common due to dietary adjustments made by commercial cat food manufacturers. However, this topic is debated by animal care experts. Though the exact cause of calcium oxalate stones is unknown,³ risk factors such as obesity have been identified, and cases are on the rise.⁴

Recognizing Symptoms of Bladder Stones in Cats

Common signs of bladder stones in cats include:

Frequent urination

Cats with bladder stones may exhibit increased frequency in urination as they attempt to pass the stones or alleviate discomfort. So, you may notice your cat making more trips to the litter box than usual.

Straining to urinate

Bladder stones can cause irritation and obstruction in the urinary tract, leading to difficulty and discomfort during urination. Your cat may strain to urinate, spending an extended amount of time in the litter box with little to no urine being passed. Be vigilant, as this is a serious symptom and is always an emergency in male cats.

Blood in the urine

Hematuria, or blood in the urine, is a common sign of bladder stones in cats. The presence of blood may give the urine a pink, red or brownish tint, indicating inflammation or injury to the urinary tract caused by the abrasive nature of the stones.

Toilet accidents outside the litter box

Cats experiencing discomfort or urgency due to bladder stones may urinate outside the litter box in unusual places. Keep an eye out for instances of your cat urinating on carpets, furniture or other household surfaces.

Excessive licking

Cats may exhibit increased grooming behavior, particularly around the genital area, in response to discomfort or irritation caused by bladder stones. Excessive licking may indicate inflammation or sensitivity in the urinary tract.

Crying or vocalizing

Some cats may vocalize or cry out in pain while attempting to urinate, especially if they are experiencing significant discomfort due to bladder stones. These vocalizations may range from soft whimpers to loud cries, signaling distress during urination.⁵

If you notice any of these signs, take your cat for a checkup with their veterinarian right away to avoid possible complications. Male cats have a narrow urethra that's prone to becoming completely blocked if there is inflammation or a stone preventing urine from passing. Bladder rupture and death can occur in as few as 24 to 48 hours, so always treat this as an emergency.

Causes of Bladder Stones in Cats

Several factors contribute to the formation of bladder stones in cats, including:

• Dietary imbalances: Your cat's favorite food can influence their urinary health. Diets high in certain minerals, such as magnesium, phosphorus and calcium, can promote the formation of bladder stones. Additionally, diets with inadequate moisture content may contribute to concentrated urine, which increases the risk of stone formation.⁶

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Bacterial infections can lead to changes in urine pH and composition, increasing minerals and organic materials that may then form stones.²

• Genetic predispositions: Some cats may be genetically prone to developing bladder stones. Certain breeds, such as Burmese, Himalayan and Persian cats, are more prone to certain types of stones, such as calcium oxalate stones. Genetic factors can influence urine pH levels, mineral metabolism and the structure of the urinary tract, increasing the likelihood of stone formation.⁵

• Gender: Male cats are more prone to developing urethral obstruction due to their narrower urethral diameter, especially in cases of struvite stones. However, they are not more prone to urinary infections than female cats.⁷

• Environmental influences: Stress and dehydration can impact urinary health and contribute to the formation of bladder stones. Changes in the household environment—like the introduction of new pets or disruptions in routine—can increase cortisol levels and alter urinary habits, potentially leading to urinary tract issues.⁸

Treatment Options

Your cat's veterinarian can diagnose bladder stones by completing a physical examination, urinalysis or by using imaging techniques. Treatment options depend on the type and size of the stones. Medical management may involve dietary changes and medications to dissolve stones, while surgical intervention may be necessary for larger or obstructive stones.

At-Home Prevention Strategies

Pet owners can take these proactive steps to prevent uncomfortable bladder stones from bothering their cats:

• Ensure access to plentiful fresh water.
• Feed low-magnesium, urinary-friendly diets recommended by your vet.
• Provide play, exercise and mental stimulation to reduce stress and maintain a lean body condition.
• Create a calm atmosphere with environmental enrichment.
• Schedule regular veterinary checkups for early detection and preventive care.

When To Seek Veterinary Care

Bladder stones can be very uncomfortable. So, for your cat's health and happiness, get expert veterinary advice if they're experiencing symptoms—especially if symptoms could indicate a more serious condition, such as urinary obstruction, which is a medical emergency.⁹

Pets Best Is Here To Help

Bladder stones are a significant concern for cat owners. But by being aware of your cat's habits and employing some simple proactive steps, you can help keep your cat healthy and mitigate the risks. Understanding the symptoms, causes, treatment options and prevention strategies are essential for maintaining the urinary health of your cat. With a little TLC and the right knowledge, you can keep your kitty purring happily for years to come.

Routine veterinary visits play a key role in the early detection and management of cat urinary issues. Pets Best policyholders can call our 24/7 Pet Helpline anytime of day or night to access a wealth of veterinary expert knowledge.

Sources/Citations

1. “Bladder and Kidney Stones," Cornell Feline Health Center, https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/bladder-and-kidney-stones, accessed March 14, 2024.
2. “What causes bladder stones in cats, and how can they be treated?" (12/2021), Spring House Animal Hospital, https://www.springhouseanimalhospital.com/site/blog/2021/12/15/bladder-stones-cat, accessed March 14, 2024.
3. “Calcium oxalate bladder stones in cats," Courtney Barnes and Catherine Barnette, VCA Animal Hospitals, https://vcacanada.com/know-your-pet/oxalate-bladder-stones-in-cats, accessed March 14, 2024.
4. “Discovering Your Cat Has A Bladder Stone," (8/2020), Mar Vista Animal Medical Center, https://www.marvistavet.com/calcium-oxalate-stones-feline.pml, accessed March 14, 2024.
5. “Bladder Stones in Cats," WebMD, (12/2022) https://www.webmd.com/pets/cats/bladder-stones-cats, accessed March 14, 2024.
6. “Bladder Stones in Cats," (10/2021), Deer Park Animal Hospital, https://www.deerparkvet.com/site/blog/2021/10/30/bladder-stones-cats, accessed March 14, 2024.
7. “Myth #7: "Male Cats Are Prone To Bladder Infections," Uniquely Cats Veterinary Center, https://www.uniquelycats.com/myth/item.html/n/43, accessed March 14, 2024.
8. “Does stress cause Cystitis in cats?" Sarah-Jane Molier (11/2021), Pet Active Life, https://www.petactivelife.com/does-stress-cause-cystitis-in-cats/, accessed March 14, 2024.
9. “Urinary Tract Blockage in Cats," Veronica Higgs (02/2023), PetMD, https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/urinary-tract-blockage-cats, accessed March 14, 2024.