If your cat repeatedly has problems urinating, your veterinarian may recommend your cat get a perineal urethrostomy. Here's everything you need to know about PU surgery in cats and how it could help get their urinary system back on track.
Why Would My Cat Need a Perineal Urethrostomy?
Urinary blockages are a fairly common problem in cats, especially among male cats. A blockage can be caused by a lower urinary tract disease that leads to inflammation and swelling in the urethra, the tube that allow urine to pass from the bladder to outside the body. Stones, mucus plugs or tumors in the urethra can also cause blockages. If a cat can't urinate, their bladder swells up with urine. Not only is this extremely painful, but cats with urinary blockages are at risk of life-threatening damage to their bladder, kidneys and the rest of the body.
Most times, urinary blockages can be managed through a combination of a balanced meal plan, medicine, stress reduction, increased water consumption and/or the insertion of an emergency catheter. If your cat consistently has urinary blockages that can't be managed medically, however, they may be a candidate for PU surgery.
What Is PU Surgery in Cats?
PU surgery involves surgically opening the urethra and making a new, wider opening for the cat to pee from. It's a fairly simple procedure that has been performed for many years and has a good success rate. The surgery is done under general anesthesia, usually with a local nerve block, meaning your cat will be completely asleep during the surgery and pain-free during and after the procedure.
Potential Complications
Even though PU surgery in cats is successfully performed every day, complications can happen. Potential complications after surgery include the narrowing of the urethrostomy site, urine leakage under the skin, bleeding, urinary tract infections and incontinence, which is why it is so important to have this procedure done by an experienced surgeon and properly care for your cat after the surgery.
Another important fact to consider is that your cat's urinary problems can be due to an underlying disease, such as feline lower urinary tract disease. If the underlying condition isn't addressed, your cat may continue to strain while urinating, have bloody urine and/or pee outside the litter box — even after PU surgery.
Alternative Treatments
Transpelvic urethrostomy (TPU) is an alternative to PU. However, because PU is so successful, TPU is less common.
Nonsurgical treatment requires you to work closely with your vet to try and resolve the underlying cause of your cat's urinary blockages and to monitor your cat closely for signs of urinary obstruction. Unless you're watching your cat 24 hours a day, however, this is nearly impossible. There are few alternatives for cats who repeatedly develop blockages.
Tasty Tips
Caring for a Cat After PU Surgery
To ensure your cat heals properly after their operation, follow these steps:
- Keep them indoors for several weeks following surgery.
- Monitor their surgical site daily for signs of infection. Mild swelling is normal, but major swelling, odor, heat, pain and colored discharge are all signs of infection and require a vet's attention.
- Make sure your cat urinates at least once daily. If they don't, call your vet.
- Have them wear an Elizabethan collar at all times until your vet says you can remove it. If your cat chews out the sutures, they may have to return to surgery.
- Give your cat all medicines as prescribed.
- Feed your cat canned food in addition to dry food to increase their water consumption. Your veterinarian may also recommend feeding your cat a therapeutic food that helps with your cats urinary health.
- If your vet sends you home with special litter, use it. Otherwise, if litter gets stuck to the surgical site, wipe it off with a moistened washcloth.
Most cats are fully recovered by the time they have their sutures removed — generally 10 to 14 days after the procedure. Sedation may be required to remove the sutures, so don't feed your cat before the appointment.
Most cats do very well with PU and go on to live long, healthy lives free of pain and obstruction. If PU is recommended for your cat, get all the facts you can and make sure you feel comfortable with your surgeon. Don't hesitate to ask questions — remember that you are your cat's main health advocate!
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for cats age 7+
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Cat Food
Highly digestible food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Chicken Dinner cat food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice cat food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful fur
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Rice Recipe Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Salmon Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced salmon to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Cat Food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Chicken Dinner Cat Food
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Tuna Dinner Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Spinach Casserole Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Healthy Cuisine Tender Chicken & Rice Medley
Delicious tender chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce with precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Stew
Supports kitten growth, digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Poached Salmon & Spinach Medley Cat Food
Delicious poached salmon paired with tender spinach in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe
Highly digestible food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée canned cat food provides nutrition for optimal digestive & skin health.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Beef Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of gourmet savory beef to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Urinary Hairball Control Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports the health of the whole urinary system with optimal levels of magnesium
Hill's Science Diet Adult Turkey & Liver Casserole Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Related articles
Why Do Cats Like Cardboard Boxes?
Learn the quirky reasons why cats like cardboard boxes, such as shelter and stress relief, as well as why they often prefer a box over their carrier.
Toxoplasmosis in Cats: Facts, Symptoms, Transmission & More
Toxoplasmosis in Cats: Facts, Symptoms & Transmission
How Much Should I Feed My Adult Cat?
Learn about the importance of feeding your adult cat the right amount of food at proper times, and find out what feeding method is best for your cat.
Food Allergies, Intolerance & Your Cat's Sensitive Stomach
Learn about how food allergies might be responsible for your cat's sensitive stomach & vomiting, and how trying a hypoallergenic cat food can help.
Cats & Slow Blinking: What Does it Mean?
Learn what your cat really means when she blinks slowly at you and why it's a gesture you can give her in return.
4 Ways to Help Your Cat Maintain an Ideal Weight
Follow these 4 easy steps to help your cat attain its ideal weight and maintain a healthy weight for life.
Recognizing Cat Obesity, Causes and Signs
Feline obesity puts cats at higher risk of several health concerns. Here's how to tell if you have an overweight cat so you can intervene early.
Adopting an Adult Cat: What You Need to Know
Understand how adopting an adult cat from a shelter is different than adopting a cat, and what to expect when you bring her home for the first time.
Just How Smart Are Cats?
Know the importance of understanding a cat's intelligence, mysterious and compelling nature, and cognitive abilities for building a lasting bond with your pet.
Helping Your Cat Recover from Serious Illness or Accidents
Illnesses, accidents and surgeries are an unfortunate consequence of life, even for cats. Understand how nutrition can play a role in your cat's recovery.
What's a Normal Cat Temperature? Tips for Checking Your Cat's Vitals
Learn tips for checking your cat's vital signs, including things like proper body temperature, and why it's a good way to monitor their health.
Mixing Cats and Holidays: Tips for a Safe Season
Learn fun ways to involve your cat in this holiday season, from preparing your house for holiday guests to participation in holiday traditions.
Preparing Your Nervous Cat for Large Gatherings at Home
Having a large group over? Learn some helpful ways to prepare your nervous cat and keep her from feeling overwhelmed by the amount of people and noise.
What Temperature Do Cats Like?
Cats love to be snug and cozy, but what temperature do they really like best? Learn about the optimum cat climate and how you can accommodate it.
Cats Think They're in Charge, Not You
Cats believe that they are in charge of you, not the other way around, and here are three behaviors that might just prove that it's true.
Allergic Dermatitis & Skin Conditions in Cats: Causes & Treatments
Discover some of the signs of feline skin conditions, how to help improve them, and when to consult your veterinarian about your cat's skin health.
Helpful Tips for Traveling with Your Cat
Get helpful tips and advice for traveling with your cat including by car, train, or air. Learn the safest ways for your cat to travel.
Understanding Lungworms in Cats: Symptoms, Treatment & More
Learn the key indicators that your cat could be dealing with lungworms, such as coughing fits, and how they are treated.
Caring for a Sick Kitten
Learn about common illnesses and health concerns among kittens, how you can spot their symptoms and steps you can take to prevent them from happening.
Cat Diabetes: Symptoms & Treatment
Learn how to recognize the signs of cat diabetes, how it can affect her health, and how treatments like insulin injections can help manage this disease.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.