Types

• Several types of feline urinary tract problems exist: feline idiopathic cystitis, urinary stones, urethral obstructions and incontinence.
  
  

Causes

• Stress often causes feline idiopathic cystitis, while ingesting too much calcium oxalate or magnesium leads to urinary stones. Stones and plugs--a material composed of cells, protein and minerals--cause urethral obstructions. Birth defects, age and diseases such as feline leukemia can cause incontinence.
  
  

Symptoms

• Symptoms of feline urinary problems include bloody urine, straining to urinate, frequent attempts to urinate and painful urination that results in distressed meowing.
  
  

Treatment

• Treating feline idiopathic cystitis involves providing a stress-free environment for your cat. A cat with urinary stones may need a special diet, a bladder flushing or surgery. An obstruction requires catheterization, while incontinence may require surgery or medications.
  
  

Warning

• Urethral obstructions keep the kidneys from filtering toxins from your cat's blood. Without immediate veterinary attention, a cat with an obstruction will die.