The most common urinary disorder in cats is feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC), a diagnosis that is typically made after other possible conditions are eliminated. While the cause of FIC is unknown, stress is thought to be a significant factor.

And because FIC signs — such as urinating outside the litter box — frequently come back throughout a cat’s life, managing this condition requires lifelong care.

Struvite and calcium oxalate are common stone types in the urinary tract that can cause numerous and painful ailments for your cat.

For cats prone to stones, vets may recommend increased water intake and therapeutic nutrition to dissolve the current stone and help reduce the likelihood of future stone formation.

The urethra is a tube that carries urine from the bladder and out of the body. When struvite crystals in your cat’s urine combine with mucus, they can form a urethral plug.

If your cat is yowling or making frequent trips to the litter box or only urinating small amounts, a urethral obstruction may be the cause. Contact your vet immediately as this condition is a medical emergency and could be fatal if not treated.