A litter box-trained cat can no longer control their bladder.Obesity, medical issues, and old age are some of the reasons why this condition is known as urinary incontinence.If your cat is prone to bladder issues or infections, they can develop urinary incontinence.If your cat has symptoms of urinary incontinence, you should see your vet.You can take care of your cat at home if you want to.
Step 1: Allow your vet to do a physical exam.
If your cat shows symptoms of urinary incontinence, including an inability to urinate, bloody or cloudy urine, a loss of bladder control, or straining or crying out in pain when urinating, you should take them to the vet immediately.Your cat will get the right treatment if you get your vet to diagnose the issue.Your vet will look at your cat's abdominal area during a physical exam.Several tests may be run to determine the cause of your cat's bladder problems.A urinalysis is where your vet will test your cat's urine forbacteria as well as red or white blood cells.An x-ray of your cat's abdominal area can be used to check for bladder stones.The bladder is easier to see in x-rays if your cat is injected with a special dye.
Step 2: Discuss your cat's diagnosis.
Your vet will be able to tell you which one your cat is dealing with, and there are several possible causes of urinary incontinence in cats.Discuss your cat's diagnosis with the vet to understand why they are having issues with their bladder.Diabetes may cause your cat to drink a lot of water, which can cause urinary incontinence.They might try to use the litter box but fail.A urinary tract infections will cause your cat to try to urinate but will not work.Get your cat to the vet if you think they have a problem.Some cats are prone to bladder stones, which can cause straining when they try to urinate, blood in their urine, and a tender abdominal area.Older cats can become senile and forget to urinate.It is more difficult for senior cats to control their bladder because of their weakened muscles.Cats who are overweight will have a hard time controlling their bladder.If you can't see their ribs, your cat may be overweight.
Step 3: You can find out your cat's treatment options.
Your vet will give you treatment options for your cat.Home care and medication may be required for your cat to recover.If your cat's situation is dire, your vet may suggest surgery.Your vet will prescribe medication if your cat has diabetes.Antibiotics will be prescribed by your vet if your cat has a UTI.If your cat has bladder stones, your vet may recommend surgery.You may have to change your cat's diet.
Step 4: Provide your cat with the necessary medication.
It's important that your cat gets the medication prescribed to them by the vet.Make sure your cat consumes the medication by following your vet's instructions.If your vet prescribes medication in pill or capsule form, place it in the center of a small ball of canned cat food or a piece of cheese.Try to get your cat to swallow the small ball with the medication whole, as they may not want to eat it if they bite into it and it leaves a bad taste in their mouth.If you want to avoid getting bit by your cat, you should place the medication directly in the cat's mouth.To do this, hold your cat's head from the top with your non-dominant hand.If they tilt their head back, their jaw will open.Put the medication back on your cat's tongue with your dominant hand.Blow in their face or stroke their head in order to get them to swallow the medication.
Step 5: Your cat's diet needs to be adjusted.
If your cat has diabetes or is obese, your vet may recommend that you change their diet.If you adjust your cat's diet, they will not be at risk of other health issues.A change in diet can help your cat control their bladder.If you have access to fresh water on a regular basis, your cat will be able to drink the water and flush out their bladder.
Step 6: Your cat has a litter box.
Keep your cat's litter box clean and dry to encourage them to go to the bathroom.If you try to clean the litter box more, your cat will be more comfortable urinating in the box.If your cat is old and senile, you may place several litter boxes around your home to make it easier for him to go to the bathroom.If your cat forgets where the litter box is, you can lead them to it.If your cat has an accident on the way to the litter box, you may keep it in a room with hardwood, tile, or linoleum floors so that it is easier to clean up.
Step 7: Put your cat in a bathing suit.
If your cat can't go to the bathroom in their litter box, your vet may recommend that you use diapers.If your cat is sick, you may need to put them in diapers.Accidents can be prevented on your furniture or carpet.
Step 8: You should schedule a follow up appointment with your vet.
If your cat has bladder issues, you should schedule a follow up appointment with your vet.If the treatment is working, your vet may do another urinalysis.If your cat is unresponsive to treatment, your vet may run additional tests to identify other causes of incontinence.
Step 9: There are obstructions in your cat's bladder.
If your cat has bladder stones, your vet may recommend surgery to remove them.The surgery can be expensive, but it will relieve your cat's pain.cystotomy is the surgery to remove bladder stones.It is done by cutting through your cat's belly and removing stones from his bladder.Cats who develop bladder stones have a high risk of getting them again.Changes to your cat's diet may be recommended by your vet to prevent bladder stones from coming back.
Step 10: Your doctor can fix your cat's urinary tract.
If your cat has damage to their urinary tract, your vet may suggest surgery to repair it.If your cat has a damaged urinary tract, the surgery may be necessary.
Step 11: Help your cat recover from surgery.
After surgery, your cat may need some tender loving care.Cats can heal if you limit their activity.A small room in your home is a good place to keep your cat.If you give your cat a bath, the incision area may get wet.To make sure the incision area heals properly, try to examine it often.If you have a pet cone, your cat won't lick or pick at the incision area.