Animal Welfare Professionals

Hi!

I am seeing a lot of blocked cats being surrendered to the shelter. What are some signs and symptoms a cat will block? What are some home remedies for initial stage and when is it time to go to the emergency vet? I want folks to be aware of this as I see is a common trend. I have rescued 4 cats from the timestamp at the local shelter and al of their conditions were blockage - this involved expression at the shelter - and special urinary or constipation diet. 

#AccesstoCare
#PetSupportServices*

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[Kimberly] [Grieser]
[Founder and President]
[Stray Kitty Rescue]
[Philadelphia] [PA][https://www.petfinder.com/member/us/pa/philadelphia/stray-kitty-rescue-pa1220/][https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089161606329]
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Hi Kimberly,

A blocked cat is a cat that is unable to urinate because there is a blockage in their urethra. If the problem is poop, its not called a blockage, it's called constipation or obstipation.  The signs that you'll see when a cat is starting to block or has blocked are:

• frequent trips to the litter box
• Nothing coming out or just small amounts
• Blood in urine
• crying, yowling
• squatting to pee outside of litter box and nothing coming out or just drops
• licking their private parts

In terms of prevention, keeping them hydrated is important - make sure they have fresh water in multiple locations around the home.  Sometimes this condition can be related to stress, so doing everything you can to reduce stress and enrich their life is good. Here's a website that people might find useful: https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/healthcare/male-cat-urinary-blockage?lightboxfired=true#

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Sheila Segurson, DVM, DACVB
Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist
Director of Shelter Solutions
Maddie's Fund
Pleasanton CA
9258608284
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