Back to Disease DictionaryKidney & Urinary
Urolithiasis in Cats
Formation of stones in the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. Struvite and calcium oxalate stones are most common in cats.
Vet Supervised
Symptoms
- Blood in urine
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty urinating
- Crying during urination
- Urinating outside litter box
Related Symptom Pages
Causes
- Diet (high mineral content)
- Insufficient water intake
- Abnormal urine pH
- Genetic predisposition
- Metabolic abnormalities
Diagnosis
1
Urinalysis
2
Abdominal X-rays
3
Abdominal ultrasound
4
Stone composition analysis
Treatment
- Dietary management (for dissolvable stones)
- Surgical removal
- Increased water intake
- Urine pH management
Prognosis
Good with treatment, but high recurrence rate requires ongoing dietary management and monitoring.
Severity: Medium
Prevention
- Increase wet food ratio
- Always provide fresh water
- Use appropriate therapeutic diets
- Regular urinalysis
Commonly Affected Breeds
Epidemiology
Age Range
Most common in middle-aged cats (4-10 years)
Prevalence
Accounts for approximately 20% of feline urinary disorders