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Bladder stones in cats
Quick answer
**Bladder stones (uroliths)** cause painful urination, blood in urine and straining in UK cats. Male cats can become blocked — unable to pass urine — which is life-threatening within hours. Diagnosis requires urinalysis and often X-rays or ultrasound; treatment depends on stone type.
Key takeaways
- Mineral crystals accumulate in urine and form stones. Diet, urine pH, dehydration, urinary tract infections and breed predisposition all contribute. Male cats are at higher risk of urethral blockage.
- Signs include straining to urinate, blood in urine, frequent small urinations, urinating outside the litter tray and licking the genital area. Male cats with blockage cannot pass urine — this is an emergency.
- Some struvite stones dissolve with prescription urinary diets over weeks to months. Calcium oxalate stones usually require surgical removal — they do not dissolve with diet alone.
The full guide
Causes, symptoms, treatment options and when to call your vet — in the complete plain-English guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What causes bladder stones in cats?
- Mineral crystals accumulate in urine and form stones. Diet, urine pH, dehydration, urinary tract infections and breed predisposition all contribute. Male cats are at higher risk of urethral blockage.
- How do I know if my cat has bladder stones?
- Signs include straining to urinate, blood in urine, frequent small urinations, urinating outside the litter tray and licking the genital area. Male cats with blockage cannot pass urine — this is an emergency.
- Can bladder stones be dissolved without surgery?
- Some struvite stones dissolve with prescription urinary diets over weeks to months. Calcium oxalate stones usually require surgical removal — they do not dissolve with diet alone.