Introduction
If your Cat in Brampton is straining to urinate or not passing urine, this is a medical emergency known as a urinary blockage.
At McQueen Animal Hospital in Brampton, we provide emergency care veterinary services and treat this condition regularly—and it can become fatal within 24–48 hours if not treated immediately.
What Is a Blocked Cat?
A blocked cat (male cat urinary obstruction) occurs when the urethra becomes blocked, preventing urine from leaving the body.
Male cats are especially at risk due to their narrow urethra.
Common causes include:
• Urinary crystals or stones
• Mucus plugs
• Bladder inflammation (FIC)
• Urinary crystals or stones
• Mucus plugs
• Bladder inflammation (FIC)
Why Is This Dangerous?
When urine cannot pass:
• The bladder becomes overfilled
• Kidney values (BUN and creatinine) become elevated due to back pressure
• Potassium (hyperkalemia) rises and can affect the heart
• The bladder becomes overfilled
• Kidney values (BUN and creatinine) become elevated due to back pressure
• Potassium (hyperkalemia) rises and can affect the heart
If left untreated, your Cat in Brampton may face:
• Bladder rupture
• Severe toxin buildup
• Collapse and life-threatening complications requiring urgent emergency care veterinary attention
• Bladder rupture
• Severe toxin buildup
• Collapse and life-threatening complications requiring urgent emergency care veterinary attention
Signs of Blockage
• Straining in litter box
• Frequent attempts with little/no urine
• Crying while urinating
• Licking genital area
• Vomiting or lethargy
• Frequent attempts with little/no urine
• Crying while urinating
• Licking genital area
• Vomiting or lethargy
If you notice these symptoms in your Cat in Brampton, immediate emergency care veterinary support is critical.
Treatment
• Emergency stabilization
• Sedation/anesthesia
• Urinary catheter placement
• Bladder flushing
• IV fluids (1–3 days hospitalization)
• Sedation/anesthesia
• Urinary catheter placement
• Bladder flushing
• IV fluids (1–3 days hospitalization)
In recurrent cases, advanced Pet Surgery such as perineal urethrostomy may be required to prevent future blockages.
Time Matters
Early treatment improves survival and reduces complications.
Delayed treatment increases risk of bladder rupture, cardiac issues, and death—making fast emergency care veterinary intervention essential for any Cat in Brampton.
Prevention
• Increase water intake
• Reduce stress
• Use urinary diets if advised
• Keep litter boxes clean
• Monitor urination habits
• Stay up to date with routine vaccination and wellness checks to maintain overall health
• Reduce stress
• Use urinary diets if advised
• Keep litter boxes clean
• Monitor urination habits
• Stay up to date with routine vaccination and wellness checks to maintain overall health
Emergency Contact
If your Cat in Brampton is not urinating:
Call McQueen Animal Hospital immediately: 905-455-7387
Connect with us:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mcqueenanimalhospital/

