I’m feeling pretty overwhelmed right now and could use some advice. My cat, Luna, has been having some issues recently—frequent urination, straining, and she seems really uncomfortable. I took her to the vet yesterday, and they did some X-rays and found out she has bladder stones. The vet suggested surgery, but I’m really worried about putting her through that, especially since she’s only 3 years old. I've read a bit online about dietary changes or dissolving the stones with specialized food, and I'd hate to rush into anything without exploring all options. Has anyone else dealt with this? What did you decide to do, and how did it turn out for your kitty? Luna’s been with me through so much, and I just want to make sure I’m doing the right thing for her. Any advice from those who’ve been in a similar situation would be really appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Hello! I'm glad you reached out to us with your concerns about your cat's bladder stones. Bladder stones, or uroliths, are solid masses that can form in a cat's bladder. They develop when minerals in the urine crystallize and coalesce. The common types of stones are struvite and calcium oxalate, each with different causes like diet, urinary pH imbalance, or genetics.
There are a few methods to manage and possibly dissolve these stones, particularly struvite stones. Ensuring your cat is well-hydrated is essential as it helps flush out crystals. You might want to consider increasing their water intake by adding water or wet food to their diet.
Signs that indicate a more serious issue include straining to urinate, blood in the urine, excessive licking of the urinary opening, or complete cessation of urination. If your cat displays any of these symptoms, they could be experiencing a urinary blockage, which requires immediate veterinary attention.
For a more tailored approach, I recommend booking a video consult with one of our vets on Dial A Vet. They can help you understand which type of stones your cat has and discuss the best daily care and treatment options to keep your cat feeling their best.
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