2025 iCatCare consensus guidelines on the diagnosis and management of ...
The Guidelines set out a diagnostic approach to affected cats before focusing on the most common causes of LUTS: feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC), urolithiasis, urinary tract infection and urethral obstruction . The aim is to provide practitioners with practical information on these problematic conditions.
A cat experiencing a urethral obstruction usually behaves similarly to cats with LUTS of other causes, and may strain to urinate, make frequent attempts to urinate, and produce little, if any, urine. However, as time passes, an obstructed cat typically becomes much more distressed, often crying out in pain.
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease
Other causes of urethral obstruction (blockage) include small bladder stones becoming lodged in the urethra or severe muscle spasms. Anatomical defects - sometimes a defect in the lower urinary tract that a cat is born with may cause signs of disease.

This particular example perfectly highlights why Recurring Cat Urinary Tract Infection In Cats With Urethral Obstruction is so captivating.
Abstract Objectives Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) causes clinical signs such as stranguria, pollakiuria, haematuria, vocalisation and periuria, and is often associated with recurring episodes. The primary objective of this study was to survey the long-term course of cats presenting with FLUTD in terms of recurrence rate and mortality. Methods Data from cats that were presented ...
Urethral obstruction in cats
Urethral obstruction - otherwise known as a blocked bladder - is a problem that occurs almost exclusively in male cats and can be life-threatening. Urgent veterinary treatment is needed to 'unblock' the urethra and allow urine to pass. Commonly, the condition results from feline idiopathic cystitis or urinary stones (urolithiasis) and stress can play a role in its development.
What are Cat Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) True urinary tract infections in cats are rare. Instead, they often face feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), affecting the bladder or urethra. It's common, impacting 1-3% of cats annually, regardless of gender.

From urinary infections and blockages to stress-related urinary conditions in cats . Find out more about urinary problems in cats or feline lower urinary tract disease, including symptoms, treatments and prevention tips in our guide.
Diagnosing and Managing Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease
Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a general term used to describe conditions affecting the bladder or urethra of cats;1 it is not a syndrome or specific diagnosis. It has been reported that between 4.5% and 8% of cats presenting to veterinary practices or teaching hospitals have FLUTD.2,3 Causes of FLUTD include physical conditions and behavioral disorders resulting in ...
Aim of the article: This is the final article in a three-part series on urethral obstruction in cats . This article focuses on home management to prevent recurrent obstruction , and on addressing underlying feline idiopathic cystitis.