Bladder Stones in Cats

If your cat is showing signs of pain when attempting to use the litter box and is lethargic or urinating outside the litter box, they may have bladder stones. In this post, our Thornton vets talk about the different types of bladder stones in cats, how they form and how they affect the health of your cat.

Bladder Stones in Cats: The Common Causes

Bladder stones in cats are caused by an accumulation of minerals within the urine which clump together forming the 'stone'. So what are the underlying causes of bladder stones in cats? Some of the factors include:

It is believed that overweight male cats may face an increased risk of developing stones. 

What are the different types of bladder stones in cats?

Did you know that there are actually two types of bladder stones that can affect cats? These types are known as calcium oxalate stones and struvite stones.

Calcium Oxalate Stones

Calcium oxalate stones typically develop in cats with urine that is highly acidic. It is also common to see calcium oxalate stones in cats with high urine and blood calcium levels and in cats suffering from chronic kidney disease.

These stones are most often seen in cats that are between  5 and 14 years of age.

Struvite stones

Struvite stones are most common in cats with highly alkaline urine which can be the result of a urinary tract infection but this is not always the case. These bladder stones are often seen in cats who consume high amounts of magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, chloride and fiber.

A genetic factor may also influence a cat's risk of developing struvite stones since Siamese cats appear to be predisposed to developing struvite stones.

Signs & Symptoms of Bladder Stones in Cats

Bladder stones and bladder infections in cats have similar symptoms, this is due in part to the irritation caused within the bladder due to the stones. The signs of bladder stones in female cats are also fairly similar to those you would see in a male cat. Some of the typical signs of bladder stones in cats are:

• Frequent urination in small amounts of urine
• Blood in urine
• Painful or difficult urination
• Urinating outside the litter box
• Straining to urinate without producing urine
• Abdominal pain
• Lack of energy

Bladder stones can lead to a urinary obstruction in cats which is considered a medical emergency.  A urinary obstruction occurs when your cat's urethra becomes blocked with a stone and your cat is unable to pass urine. Signs of urinary obstruction include: 

• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Repeated trips to the litter box
• Yowling or crying while in the litter box
• Straining to urinate without producing urine

How are bladder stones in cats treated?

The best treatment for your cat's bladder stones will depend upon the type of stones that your cat has. Some types of bladder stones, including struvite stones, can often be dissolved with the help of a therapeutic diet and medications.

Calcium oxalate stones cannot be dissolved and are typically treated with cystotomy surgery to open the bladder and remove the stones. This surgery has an excellent success rate and most cats recover from surgery very quickly. 

How can you help prevent bladder stones from forming in your cat?

It may be possible to prevent your cat from developing bladder stones. If your cat is a breed that faces a higher risk of developing bladder stones you may want to try the following:

• Feed your cat wet food to help ensure that they are adequately hydrated. Good hydration can help to continually flush crystals out of your cat's bladder and prevent a buildup.
• Speak to your vet before giving your cat any nutritional supplements, particularly supplements containing calcium, vitamin C or vitamin D.
• Ask your vet to recommend a food to help minimize your cat's likelihood of developing crystals that could lead to bladder stones.
• Ensure that your cat always has easy access to fresh clean water.
• Make sure that your cat gets plenty of exercise.
• Keep your cat's litter box clean to encourage your cat to urinate when they need to and not wait.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.