If you’ve ever had a cat struggle to use the litter box, you know how worrying it can be. One of the most serious urinary issues we see is feline urethral obstruction, often called a “blocked cat.” This condition is painful, dangerous, and always an emergency—but with fast treatment and the right long-term plan, many cats recover well.
And for cats who experience repeated blockages, we’re excited to share that our clinic now offers perineal urethrostomy (PU) surgery, a procedure that can greatly reduce the chances of future obstructions.
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What Is a Urethral Obstruction?
A urethral obstruction happens when something blocks the tube that carries urine out of a cat’s body. Male cats are especially at risk because their urethra is narrow and can easily become clogged by:
Urinary crystals or stones
Mucus or inflammatory debris
Swelling of the urethra
Stress-related urinary disease
When a cat can’t urinate properly, the bladder fills and pressure builds quickly—so this condition needs immediate veterinary attention.
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Signs Your Cat Might Be Blocked
Call us right away if you notice:
Straining or crying in the litter box
Frequent but unproductive attempts to urinate
Blood in the urine
Restlessness or hiding
Excessive licking of the genital area
Vomiting or extreme lethargy
Even if you’re not sure, it’s safer to have your cat checked. Blockages can become life-threatening in a matter of hours.
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How Blocked Cats Are Treated
In most cases, we:
Administer sedation and gently unblock the urethra with a catheter, which stays in place for 24-72 hours
Flush the bladder to remove crystals and debris
Provide pain relief, fluids, and supportive care
Typically, referral to one of the local 24-hour emergency hospitals is necessary so your cat can be monitored around the clock while the urinary catheter is in place.
Many cats do well after this treatment. However, some unfortunately experience repeat blockages, which can be stressful for both cats and their families.
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Perineal Urethrostomy (PU): A Long-Term Option
For cats who repeatedly become blocked, perineal urethrostomy can offer a long-term solution. What is PU surgery?
PU surgery creates a slightly wider opening for urine to pass through by removing the narrowest part of the urethra. This significantly reduces the chance of future blockages. Benefits of PU surgery include:
Far fewer urinary obstructions
Less discomfort and stress for your cat
Fewer emergency visits
Overall improved quality of life
While PU doesn’t fix the underlying urinary disease, it makes blockages much less likely—and for many cats, it’s life-changing.
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What to Expect After Surgery
Most cats recover comfortably with:
Short-term pain medication
A protective cone to prevent licking
A clean, quiet space to heal
Follow-up checks with our team
We’ll also discuss diet, hydration, and stress reduction—important steps for maintaining long-term urinary health.
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We’re Here to Help
We’re proud to now offer perineal urethrostomy surgery at our hospital. If your cat has had repeated urinary blockages—or if you’re concerned about urinary symptoms—please reach out. Early care can prevent serious complications and keep your feline friend feeling safe, comfortable, and healthy.