Urinary obstruction in cats
Also known as Urethral obstruction, Blocked cat.
A male cat’s urethra becomes blocked by a plug of crystals and mucus or by a stone, and he cannot urinate. Without treatment he can die within one or two days: it is one of the most typical feline emergencies.
If a male cat is not urinating or keeps trying without success, go now, even in the middle of the night.
- Is it urgent?
- Usually
- Spreads to other cats
- No
- Spreads to people
- No
- Typical cost in Spain
- Unblocking with hospitalisation, €600–1,500 (over €2,000 if there are complications); urethrostomy, €1,000–2,500.
Symptoms
- Goes in and out of the litter tray without passing urine
- Cries and licks his penis
- Vomiting
- Painful belly
- Listless and hiding
Causes
Idiopathic cystitis, struvite crystals or stones. More common in overweight neutered males that drink little.
How it is diagnosed
Palpation of a large, hard bladder, blood tests to check potassium and kidney function, and ultrasound.
Treatment
Sedation, unblocking with a urinary catheter and two to four days in hospital. If it keeps happening, perineal urethrostomy.
No doses, on purpose: any medicine must be prescribed by your vet for your cat.
Prognosis
Good if treated in time, with a risk of relapse in the following weeks.
Prevention
Wet food, plenty of water, weight control, less stress and a urinary diet if prescribed.
Breeds at higher risk
It is described more often in these breeds. That does not mean all of their cats will have it, nor that a moggy is free of it.
Frequently asked questions
What causes urinary obstruction?
Idiopathic cystitis, struvite crystals or stones. More common in overweight neutered males that drink little.
Can urinary obstruction be cured?
Good if treated in time, with a risk of relapse in the following weeks. Sedation, unblocking with a urinary catheter and two to four days in hospital. If it keeps happening, perineal urethrostomy.
How much does it cost to treat urinary obstruction?
As a guide for Spain in 2026: Unblocking with hospitalisation, €600–1,500 (over €2,000 if there are complications); urethrostomy, €1,000–2,500. Prices vary a lot between clinics and cities, and out-of-hours emergencies cost more.
Which breeds are most at risk?
It is described more often in Persian and Himalayan. That does not mean every cat of those breeds will have it, nor that a moggy is free of it.
More in kidneys and urinary tract
Educational content from Michipedia. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a vet: if you have any doubt about your cat's health, ask. Costs are a guide for Spain in 2026.