Cat urinary problems

A portosystemic shunt (PSS) occurs in cats when abnormal blood flow from the digestive and ancillary organs bypasses the liver. Blood from the digestive and enzyme-secreting organs normally flows through into the liver where toxins are processed before being eliminated by the kidneys.

Leptospirosis in cats is a bacterial disease spread through the urine of infected animals. Leptospirosis is most often contracted by exposure to contaminated water or soil via mucous membranes or breaks in the skin.

Hyperparathyroidism is a rare endocrine condition in cats that results from excessive levels of parathyroid hormone. Significantly elevated parathyroid hormone levels lead to symptoms like vomiting, excessive thirst, frequent urination, weakness, limping, and seizures.

Bacterial lower urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur when a bacterial infection arises in the urethra or bladder. UTIs commonly develop in association with a number of other conditions in cats such as urinary stones, constipation, megacolon, or other urinary tract diseases.

Straining to urinate (stranguria) in cats is a serious symptom indicating some degree of disruption of urine flow. Cats may enter the litter box frequently, posturing to urinate, with visible pushing, and may cry out. 

Pollakiuria refers to frequent urination of small amounts. It is a common symptom of conditions affecting the lower urinary tract, including urinary stones, bladder inflammation, urinary obstructions, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Persistent heat is a rare symptom in cats where the hormonal regulation of the reproductive cycle is disrupted, causing the cat to be in estrus (heat) for an abnormally prolonged period. 

Urinary tract cancer is an extremely rare condition in cats, with no known risk factors. Can develop in the bladder, kidneys, ureters (tube connecting kidneys to bladder), urethra (tube where urine is expelled from the body), and prostate gland (in males).

Urinary incontinence is the involuntary release of urine. An affected cat may dribble urine or void a large amount, while seemingly unaware. Voiding urine is clearly involuntary if it occurs while the cat is sleeping or walking and not crouched in the usual posture for elimination.

Feline lower urinary tract diseases (FLUTD) lead to inflammation of some or all of the feline lower urinary tract (bladder, urethra).

Chronic kidney disease is the irreversible loss of kidney function over a period of a minimum of 1-3 months. This disease is permanent, progressive, and fatal but quality of life may be enhanced with treatment

Congenital kidney disorders are present at birth, and include conditions such as kidney hypoplasia, undeveloped kidneys, polycystic kidneys, and kidney cysts.

Urinary tract stones (uroliths) are clusters of minerals excreted in urine. They may be localized to any region of the tract, including the bladder and kidneys.

Diabetes insipidus (DI) is a rare disease in cats that should not be confused with diabetes mellitus, or sugar diabetes. DI results from a failure of normal antidiuretic hormone (ADH) signaling

Blood in the urine is a common symptom in cats and it can have a multitude of causes which vary from mild to deadly if left untreated

In feline diabetes, the body’s cells do not respond to insulin, the major hormone that regulates cellular absorption of blood sugar