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Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

Just thought I would share this with all the cat owners out there who don't know this or maybe I'm the only one who didn't. Cats are prone to urinary tract blockage or disease. It is caused by a blockage as small as a grain if sand size crystal or stone which form in the urinary tract and cause a blockage. Having an outside cat I was unaware of this and almost lost a beloved member of our family today. Not to mention spending more than my mortgage on vet bills to save him.

http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/fusfaqs.html

By Tami

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RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

Hi all: Well I can sure relate to a lot of you. Our poor old boy Cosmo withstood the unblocking surgery ($900 bucks), but just barely. Now he's got an eye infection and bad case of cat acne on his chin after switching to the CD wet food to prevent more blockages. Also we found out most of his teeth are gone and several infected ones need to come out. With his heart condition I can't see putting him through the stress of another operation, even if we could afford it which we can't.

My husband says feed him what the cat wants and at least let whatever time he has left not be miserable. But I'm torn as I could cause the blockage to come back and it was awful watching the pain he was in from the first time. I can't euthanize a cat that's still walking around and quite happy, but part of me says its insane to keep this up---forcing pills and antibiotics down his throat and into his eyes to let him live, what another year or so.

Post by ursulamarie

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

Add me to the list. 3 year old calico developed UB has only eaten Purina Cat Chow Complete and Indoor Formula.

Post by miamigroove1

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

My Cat, Harry just came back from the vet with a urinary blockage. He's really tired right now but hopefully, he'll be okay. I've been going over the posts and some vet sites. The problem seems to have its cause in the cat food. Wet foods seem to be better than dry ones--- even those for urinary problems. The best diets for urinary problems seem to be the ones that prevent diabetes, too. Here's an explanation from Lisa Pierson, DVM: www.catinfo.org

And here's a site that compares the nutritional composition of dry and wet foods:
http://www.geocities.com/jmpeerson/index.html

In brief, buy a cat food that's high water content, high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Or make the food yourself. Here's a site for homemade catfood:
http://www.healthyrecipesforpets.com/cat_treat_recipes.html

For those of us who need to stretch every dollar, here's a link for affordable pet care and for pet insurance which can be a great aid:
http://www.frugal-living-tips.com/affordable-pet-care.html
http://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/?u ... 000&gclid=CNKKuaudsZ0CFYKCzAodvDKk6Q

I hope these are as useful to you as they were for me. MP3000

Post by MP3000

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

Our kitty Piggles is 5 and had a UTI a couple weeks ago. My moms cat had a blockage and they prescribed him special food so I thought it was weird that they didn't prescribe us any. So I thought it might be the food that caused it so we switched from Friskies to Purina indoor formula and now hes back in the vet with a blockage-we rushed him there Sunday night and they got him unblocked and he was supposed to come home this morning but they called and said he had another blockage.

I'm really mad at myself for getting Purina cat food because I know that's what caused it. I think he is sensitive to their high dose of magnesium in their foods-and I'm also mad at the vet for not prescribing the food. I'm hoping and praying that he gets better within the next couple days and doesn't have any more blockages. I'm also very sorry for all of you that have lost your pets. I love PigglyWiggly and I can't imagine not having him anymore :(

Post by LuvPiggy

Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

Rushed Oedi to emergency Sunday night, they put in a catheter and $900 later had me transport him to the regular vet Monday am. He was improving but is now very sick, cant stand, cant pee. and he now must have surgery to live, another $1300 plus plus. Both vets said there is something happening as cats are dying from this. Chinese cat food again?

Post by Oedipus

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

I'm very afraid at the moment. I have a 3 year old orange tabby that I'm going to have to put down tomorrow due to lack of funds to pay for my cats procedure for a urinary blockage. He can't walk at all and is in so much pain that he is constantly crying. We have taken him to the vet before and they had said it was only a UTI and that if it was serious it would return relatively soon. It was almost a month ago and now he has become so bad with in the last 4days that I can no longer see him suffer. If there is any one out their that knows of ways or agencies that can help me please respond back. My cat Peanut is like my child and I just don't know what to do.
Mesha 22 RI

Post by MeshaG

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

My mom's cat was admitted to the vet on Monday, 4th May. we noticed on Saturday he was licking his bits and stupidly assumed it was spring fever even though he's been neutered. He possibly was licking a few days before, he seemed perfectly healthy on the morning. By the evening my mom thought he was a bit off but never phoned me. Sunday he went missing, we searched everywhere but no sign. Monday he came back, he was crying, not moving and there was blood/urine coming out of him, his belly was huge too :(

The vet admitted him straight away and by Tuesday afternoon had inserted a cathater and drained a load of blood/urine from him. He is on pain relief, fluid therapy and antibiotics. Today's update. 24 hours after getting the catheter inserted, shows he's still in crisis and the blood count in the kidneys is still very high. Vets are not giving us odds, the net is'nt really giving me odds either. What are our chances of bringing him home? How long can a cat live in crisis and still recover. I'm so scared we got him to the vet too late :'(

He is fed on Go-cat dry food :'(

Post by Donnamt

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

Can we file a class action lawsuit. I fed my cat Purina Indoor Formula and we had to put him down today after he had 3 blockages in 3 weeks. Vet expenses about $2000. He was so precious, but we just couldn't afford it anymore since the procedure is not guaranteed. I hate Purina for doing this to us.

Post by jmcgeor2

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

Hi, today was a very sad day in my household. My Male blue-point Siamese Cat, Julius, that we've had for 8 years had to be put to sleep do to complications after a Urinary Blockage unblocking. The Vet had quoted us at $1000 to $1200, when my Mom went to pick him up last Saturday afternoon, it was nearly $1500. He seem tired, but doing okay the first couple of days, then he went down hill fast.

The prescription diet that they swore he loved, he wouldn't touch it. I tried to give him his old food, and he wouldn't eat that either. We tried to feed him with a syringe, but he would just spit it up. We canceled the check-up appointment for this coming Monday, and went to another vet for a 2nd opinion today. He checked Julius out, and he was severely dehydrated again, and he found that he had a heart-murmur also, and when he took his temperature, it was below normal.

He wanted to treat Julius, but it would have cost us another $600-$700, and he wasn't sure if Julius would rebound or not. So we decided to end his suffering, it's not the 1st time we've had to make this decision, but Julius was very precious and special, he had a dog's personality, of greeting people when they came to the door. When you had a bad day, he knew what to do to cheer you up. He'd smack me on my head and meow in my ears if I slept through my alarm clock. There is a emptiness in our home now, that can never be filled.

I wish we had pet insurance, so that we could have treated him better. When and if I decide to own another cat, I'm going to adopt one from a shelter, and make sure I have pet insurance. I'm not going back to my original vet anymore, with my 2 dogs. They only cared about making a profit, not of Julius's well being. They are a small town outfit, that think's they are catering to the rich and famous in Hollywood. Oh and get this, they had tape recorded my phone conversations with them, and had sent printed out sheets to the new vet, who showed them to my Mom and I.

I'm no lawyer, but I do believe that recording me without my consent and knowledge is a very serious offense. I was in the room with him, and I let him know how much we loved him, and that he would never be forgotten. I just wanted to vent a bit, and share my experience, so hopefully others won't go through what we had to this past.

Post by SpazX

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

Unfortunately we found out when it was too late to save our Male neutered cat Piggy. He was about eleven years old. We were not aware of the symptoms of this at the time and when we brought him in to the vet he went into cardiac arrest about a half hour after we had arrived with him and he died. They were just getting started with the procedure when this happened. We miss him terribly. He was a sweet, loving, gentle 21 pound cat.

Post by Marbsmom

Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

I would like to start an organization to help people pay for vet bills and save cats lives. If anyone is seriously interested, let me know. Im serious about this. Im sure there are grants i can get to get started and then donations. I think it would be awesome for people to have a place to go if they seriously cant pay for vet bills.

Post By Ryan (Guest Post)

Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

I would like to start an organization to help people pay for vet bills and save cats lives. If anyone is seriously interested, let me know. Im serious about this. Im sure there are grants i can get to get started and then donations. I think it would be awesome for people to have a place to go if they seriously cant pay for vet bills.

Post By Ryan (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

Our cat Max (7yr. old male)was sitting on top of his favorite chair when I went to give him a pet and a kiss. He hissed and growled at me which is not like him at all. I left the room for a moment and when I came back, he was struggling to cross the room.

We took him to the vet (1:30 pm Sat.) and he had a hard time checking him out because Max was in so much pain. He said that he wanted to xray him but it had to wait until Monday since they were closing. he gave him some Antibiotics, some NSAID meds and some painkillers and sent us on our way. Needless to say I was still very worried but thought maybe he had just been in a fight with another cat- my husband thought maybe he had been "barely" hit by a car.

Today I went to check on him- we kept him isolated in my son's room and he was laying in the litter box. I decided that after church we would take him to the cat ER. By the time we took him he was like a rag doll. Imagine our surprise when we thought he was injured to find out that he had"blocked cat syndrome" and was/is near death. Max has been unblocked and is being given medicine to help clean his poisoned body.

I have had cats my whole life and have never heard of this or the dangers of the above mentioned foods. I am very angry with my vet and VERY pleased with the quick response of Animal 911 in Skokie. I just hope that it is not too late for Max. He will be discharged to a regular vet at 8AM tomorrow, I am worried after reading all of these other blogs that the problem recurs so frequently.

We feed our cats Dry Meow ix and Friskas dry for a treat and they also get those crunchy snacks called Temptations- which they LOVE. If the actual cat food is causing this- shame on the pet food makers. I will definitely ask the vet what the best food is for the kitties.

Our cats also like drinking from those plastic red cups. We leave them in a few places around the house for them. They do not like their regular water dish. Cats also like to drink for a dripping faucet- something to try of you are having a hard time getting your cat to drink water. I am hopeful that Max will make it. Thank you to all of you who contributed to this post. It has been very helpful and informative.

Post By Nancy (Guest Post)

Lost my cat today

I didn't read all of the posts, but wanted to comment. I have two cats, and one developed crystals at about age 2. They have both been on the C/D formula since then (now 7) and things have been fine. It was clear with little droplets and what appeared to be painful peeing at that time that something was wrong. The C/D food worked.

My cats are extremely people friendly - needy really. Pooh especially. Yesterday, He slept with me as normal. I was out much of the day and came home to find him sitting in the litter box - definitely not his style. I had to lift him out, and he stayed with me. I could tell something was wrong - and I did feel a hardness in his belly, and he would meow when I touched there. I decided to see how he progressed (it was early evening). He slept with me that evening.

I woke up and he was in the litter box again. I lifted him back to the bed - where he literally laid for the next two hours. I decided to take him to the pet ER. He was very lethargic and clearly not himself. They diagnosed it pretty quickly. Minimum, he needed 3 days in the hospital plus the clearage, blood tests etc. Minimum estimate was $1500. I just don't have that right now. I had him put to sleep this morning.

My post is to alert people to how quickly this progresses. Also, because I have two cats, I was not so able to answer questions about his peeing patterns, eating patterns, etc. My other cat is just fine, but now I'm sure that he will be lonely as these 7 year old cats have never spent a day apart.
I feel guilty that I just don't have that money right now to invest, and sad at how quickly this has come about.

Post By Buddy (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

I am very scared right now; the time and day is not good to go to the E-clinic. I don't even have the money to pay for this kind of surgery. So far, its just been right now; my male cat looks constipated, and I just called the vet only to have her tell me it could be a blockage, and he needs immediate emergency care. But I cannot go out right now! And my parents do not understand this IS a LIFE AND DEATH situation for my cat. I feel so powerless. I feel so unfortunate to have this happen to my cat. I am hoping it is not too serious right now, and I can take him tomorrow. Hmm, I know I am rambling, but I read all the comments on this page, and I just am really scared for my kitty. :(

Post By Amy (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

I am hoping to pick up my boy, Mikko, from the ER vet by tomorrow. He is a 9 yr old black point Siamese and an integral part of our family.
The bill is up to $1500 now. I'm not sure how I will pay but I figure they can't "repo" him once he is better, so what else could I do for a member of the family? This is the 2nd time he's had a complete blockage, and twice had partial blockage. I won't go into the details of each time. However please learn from my mistakes and from the things that I have done right.

Most of all, be vigilent if your cat exhibits signs of distress... you may see these as simply annoying and not realize there is a serious problem looming! The formation of crystals is most common in neutered males, as you can all glean from the other comments here. If you have a male, be ever more suspicious of the following symptoms if they develop in your cat...

1) Peeing around the house, especially when the urine has strong odor, dark color, or even the pink/red of blood.
2) Straining or " tail shivering" while urinating
3) Lots of licking under the tail
4) Either more listless or more restless than usual
5) Frequent in/out of the litter box
6) Attempting to urinate without producing much urine
7) Unusual irritability/aggressiveness
8) Crying and/or pacing around restlessly
9) Gradual or abrupt loss of appetite
10) A smell of urine on the cat himself

Especially watch for these signs within 1 to 3 weeks after any change of diet, or even changing to a different water dish. Some cats will refuse to drink from metal or plastic because of the slight taint those materials can flavor the water with.

I have tried most of the over-the-counter type foods that can be bought outside a vets office. They claim to be for "urinary tract health" - but beware this can mean different things! There are all sorts of less serious issues that these foods may help prevent. However, if you have a cat who develops crystals, and the older the cat becomes the more persistent this problem can become, these "over the counter" foods are often NOT going to prevent a panicked run to the vet due to another blockage.

The best preventative I found ARE the prescription diets you can only obtain through a veterinarian. -- Royal Canin SO & Hills Science Diet C/D. That is, unless you have the time and ability to formulate the raw/natural diets that you can create yourself. I know some who've had good luck with this but I don't have the time to prepare these meals myself on daily basis.

DO encourage plenty of fresh clean water in whatever way works for YOUR cat! You might have to do some trial & error here.

DO feed wet food with extra water (room temp or slightly warm seems to work best). You can supply dry food as a supplement (see above) but not as the primary diet.

DO NOT mix other foods in with your cat's urinary health diet because you think that he might like something 'different' once in a while.

DO give URIEASE treats, (if your cat will eat them) There are liquid supplements as well, just do a little research to find ones available to you that are effective & can be easily mixed with food. Try just a tiny amount at first & gradually increase to correct dosage as your cat gets used to the taste/smell.

CAUTION: If you vary from the above due to financial strain or other reasons- you will regret it! Don't try to cut corners because you AND your favorite lil friend will pay much more dearly in the long run. You, financially, and he with stress and pain and possibly his life.
If you should see the signs of blockage, this is NOT one of those things that can wait a day or two. Your cat WILL likely die if he is not treated within 12 hours or so. The sooner he can be treated, the better his chances are!! I nearly lost my Mikko the first time and my heart goes out to those of you who have lost your own.

Post by Kyra9_96

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

My baby, Oscar, will be coming home tomorrow from his 3rd BLOCKAGE and I'm scared to see the bill on this one due to only 3 months ago, it was $400 and already on the first day we paid $200 and thats not counting what we've already paid before. The vet wanted to due to PU surgery at the cost of at least $1000 and we didn't have the money so i was planning on going there today, making the hardest most painful decision in my life but thankfully over the weekend he peed enough on his own without the catheter. so hopefully i can save up money after this bill tomorrow to get him this surgery. Pray for my Oscar as well as i will pray for everyone else. i have contacted all of this so called pet food companies as to the horrible products that are killing our pets or as i say, my children. Please contact thesecompanies as well as the BBB!

Thank you for the information. also learned to look for Bone meal, chicken or fish meal and also any By-product for all it is, is that is is CHEAPER for these RICH companies to just grind up the fish or chicken with THE BONES in the FOOD so please BEWARE OF THE FOOD AND LITTER YOU BUY FOR YOUR CAT just spend the extra money or you'll end up paying 100 times as much at the vets also I am looking into insurance for them as well.

Post By Enter your name. (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

I'm so sad right now. We just had to put our cat down due to a urinary blockage. I took him to the emergency vet because he wasn't really moving or sleeping, and then he threw up all over himself in the litterbox, but didn't clean himself up. So i knew he was really sick. The vet said the blockage was really bad since he was already to the point of vomiting. All in all, after getting our price quote for treatment, we were looking at at least $1000 to save him, and that was w the hope that the treatment actually worked. Anyways, I'm just a mess because it wasn't practical for us to spend that kind of money right now, and he was in so much pain, that we decided to put him to sleep. I think it's a shame how crazy pet costs have become these days.

Post By Sue (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

Just brought our precious cat home Coco from a 5 day stay in hospital. We were nervous wrecks. We have too male cats and never heard of urinary blockage. He is home now he is still urinating tiny spots here and
there but he is on meds and a special diet. We thought we were giving both our cats the best Natural Balance but i guess it wasn't good for them. We love our babies so much it was very hard to pay 1,500 dollars but he is worth it. We are now thinking about pet insurance.

Post By Paul C (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

My year-old beloved cat Winston is currently at our vet's after having emergency surgery last night to unblock his urethra. I've had several male cats in the past, and fancy myself to have extensive knowledge regarding feline health but to be honest, this one skipped past me! My daughter and I took Winston to an emergency clinic last Superbowl night, only to find out his bladder was the size of a baseball! Winston will be on fluids for the next few days, needing antibiotics and special food for the rest of his life to help prevent more crystals from forming on his bladder. The money I'm spending on his recovery is worth it...we LOVE WINSTON, and I hope my daughter isn't too bummed that we might not be able to visit family in California for her Spring Break as planned.

Post By A.W. in Atlanta (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

My cat Prince (2 yrs. old) has been in the Emergency clinic since Sunday night, January 25. I had taken him to the regular vet previously that day because I thought he hurt his legs or spine playing with the other cat. x-rays were taken and they said he might have premature arthritis, and to follow up in 1 week.

My cat was still acting really strange, but I didn't know what for. He wanted to be by himself, he didn't want anyone touching him. He even went and laid down in the litter box! Which is something he's never done. We finally decided to take him to the Emercency Clinic. Turns out he had a horrible blockage, and he was literally trying to find a place to die at my house! If we would have waiting any longer, he would have been dead.

So, he's still be in there This is the 3rd day so far, now he has a fever. I think I'm up to about $3,000.00 so far. I just tell myself if that was your child, you wouldn't care about the costs! So, good luck everyone, if you think something is wrong, follow your Gut! it's always right. My sympathy to everyone who lost their pet because of this

Post By Keni (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

My cat spice had a bladder blockage twice. The first time we were about to go to bed and my brother was petting spice and he just collapsed into his water we rushed him to the emergency room and they said it was ok he just had a bladder blockage. The second time me my brother sister and dad were in our room untill my sister came out and she saw spice peeing on our dog bed just a little spot and we new he had a bladder blockage. He still is in the emergency room he will be out tomorrow. Here are signs to tell your cat has a bladder blockage. They will vomit. Pee a little bit in a weird place. Have odd behavor. Not eating.

Post By Brooke (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

I'm so sorry to hear of all your poor cats that have had to be put down. I have a 17yr old cat that eats nothing but friskies wet food, special diet for UT health and still eats some of the regular food. He's been having a problem for a month now and has been taken to two different vets. First he had a UTI which was treated with 2 antibotic shots (10 day shots)which cleared that up. The cause was unknown.

We took him back a week and a half later to find out he had bad gas and was alittle constipated. He struggled and still is struggling in the box to poop, and all that comes out is little specks of wet poop. He went back to the vet Friday, a different one at that, and she did another Urinary track test which came back normal, she felt his colon and bladder and all were good she said. He's not constipated she claimed. She said she felt a few small pieces in him but that was all.

She gave him a bunch of fluids and said he'll pee and poop all day. He did pee that I saw 4 times Friday but still no poop. I'm confused. It's now Sunday morning (12/21/08) and he's still straining in the box to go and you can hear his passing gas, but nothing else but small wet specks.

He's eating/drinking and not crying or anything. I even called the vet yesterday that he saw Friday, and no return call yet! I've been adding water to his wet food just to give him more water so he doesn't become dehydrated. But with these 3 vet visits in the past month, we've already spent $600 and still he's having the same problem!

I do have three other cats that are dry food eaters only. And after reading all your post, I checked the bag of food that my cats have been on for years, and it's Purina Indoor formula. I dumped what was in their bowl into the trash and will make my other three eat wet food until I find a new dry food.

This purina indoor formula is loaded with corn meal which is so bad for cats. Cat's are meat eaters and need protein in their diet. What my husband and I figured we're going to do is start making our own cat food. We did a google search for "Cat Food Recipes" and there's alot, which are full of chicken and rice, which is good for cats and heck, it's cheaper to make your own than to buy it.

Take a look at some of the recipes and see how easy they are to make and how cheap also. But we found a list of cat food that is not good for cats and it had Meow Mix, Purina, IAM's, and a lot that the vets sell. Go to Petsmart or whatever pet store that;s close and look at their foods. They are expensive, but they aren't going to kill our cats! Or you can do what we're going to do, make our own.

And yes, somebody needs to fight this and contact the BBB ASAP! If anyone does and needs assistance, let me know please.
Prayers to all your kitties and are sick now from this poison they call cat food, as well as prayers to those lost due to this cat food, and to you the owners that have lost your babies. I know when my Cuddles goes, my 17 yr old, it's going to kill me!

I just hope whatever is wrong with him still, and has been for the past month, isn't serious. Again, three different vets and they all say he's healthy after doing blood test, x-rays, and urine test as well as looked at him and examined him. I pray he'll be okay.

Thanks everyone for sharing your sad stories. But I know your stories are going to save MANY cats lives once they find out how bad these cat foods are. Hugs and prayers to all your kitties, sick, gone and those still here with us. Keep our babies safe!

Fran
Chesapeake, VA.

Post By Fran (Guest Post)

Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

I hope BevNJ still checks in here.

I've had both of my Persians on dry Purina UR now for some time, even though the price is now approaching $60 a bag. BevNJ said she gave some canned food with gravy to supplement. I'm wondering which canned foods are safe to feed them? They don't really like the Purina UR canned that comes in just one flavor.

Post by daniel518

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

My cat of the age of 6 just had an urinary blockage. I noticed him squatting a lot and he seemed not himself and in pain. I thought he was constipated. so I left it till the morning. The vet told me that the majority of male cats she gets come in with blockages has a diet of FRISKA dry food, which I had just started feeding him 5 months before hand! I had to pay 900 dollars to fix , but he was worth it. I now use royal cann urinary dry food which I flood with water for the both cats as well as the wet satchlets it comes in.

I have also purchased a special litter called health meter which changes to blue green or red if there is any sign of crystals kidney probs etc. here in Australia it costs about 16 dollars but I find it easy. My worry is that he will get it again!

Post By Jodee L (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

Please don't wait to take your cat to the vet!! Our beloved Tiny died this morning. He had been peeing in inappropriate places and licking himself a lot, but we thought he was getting better and procrastinated taking him to the vet. He was blocked and we didn't know it. I will never forgive myself.

Post By Trish (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

Oh my! My cat blocked for the first time about 5 weeks ago and at that time I had JUST started giving him Purina a couple of days beforehand. (As he had lost interest in his normal urinary prescription food) So I thought, a little bit of variety wouldn't do any harm - I had only given him the Purina for 2 or 3 days.

This is very disturbing. Based on previous posts, I fear this Purina food is placing our poor kitties in deadly situations. I would like to look further into this as I would hate for any other cat to go through what my poor kitty has been through.

Post By AM (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

Our 12 yr old male cat Ziggy had crystals 18 months ago. On Friday noticed him trying to pee anywhere but couldn't go. Took him to vets at 9am they catheterized him said he had a blockage(not crystals) on Sat morn they said he had pulled his catheter out they said he was perky. He hadn't peed by Mon morn so re catheterized him by 1pm he had died. I am heartbroken. They said it was his age. I am not so sure. Make sure your vet is doing all they can for your cat.

Post By Debs (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

I just had my precious cat Jack put down last night because of this condition (FUS). I too could not afford the expense and was told that it may return. I have also been feeding my cats Purina Indoor dry cat food and am so upset after reading these blogs to think that this food may have contributed to his death and others from the stories I've been reading. My heart goes out to all of you who have lost your beloved kitties to this disease, but grateful for the success stories.

Post By Shelly (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

My Hunter kitty, male is 8. He has been fighting struvite crystals for 6 years. Even some prescription foods did not work. So far it has been a year since his last crystal formation. We use Purina Prescription UR st/ox. Store brand urinary formulas were not successful either. I hate the Pur RX Ur st/ox because it is so expensive and makes him overweight, but it has worked the best so far. Lots of late night and one Christmas day vet adventures over the years, but he is so worth it!

Post By welkergirl2007 (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

I had to take my cat to the vet this morning for a partial block. I was shocked to read these post and see how many people feed their cats Purina indoor formula, our cats are on the same food. We switched their food a couple of months ago when the science diet food they were on became to expensive. My advice; pay for the more expensive brands they are better for your cat and you will be saving money in the long run to not have to pay the 800-1200 dollars to unblock your cat.

Post By jennifer (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

My 5 yr old male cat had a blockage this past summer. He survived but it was a tough few days waiting to see if he would make it.

As soon as I saw him try to pee on my dust mop I knew he was in trouble!! (I have 6 indoor cats and 1 indoor/outdoor cat, so it's hard to track their urinary "habits". I had seen it once before in another male cat I have....about 8 years ago.) It was a Saturday but luckily vet has a.m hours!! The 1st question my vet asked was "what food is he eating". I told him Meow Mix dry. My vet said worst brand you could be feeding a cat. I also told the vet the flavor was Seafood Medley...vet said even worse!! And this was the first time my cats had been fed another brand (I had been 100% using Special Kitty Urinary Tract). And my cat that was blocked had LOVED this Meow Mix Seafood Medley. So I guess I can attribute the blockage to the Meow Mix.

So now I feed all the cats dry Purina Veterinary Diet UR. Also purchased a drinking fountain. For my cat who had the blockage, I put him in a crate and give him canned UR & he doesn't come out of the crate until I see that he has urinated. Only way I can keep him separate to eat the canned UR & ck urine output. I supplement the UR with regular canned food (in gravy for extra moisture). I also had to crate him for a week after he got home to keep on eye on him. I then found out he rarely drinks water. So that was also part of the problem.

The UR food is more costly than regular food but I don't want to have another cat go through this.

Post by BevNJ

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

My 5 yr old male cat had a blockage this past summer. He survived but it was a tough few days waiting to see if he would make it.

As soon as I saw him try to pee on my dust mop I knew he was in trouble!! (I have 6 indoor cats and 1 indoor/outdoor cat, so it's hard to track their urinary "habits". I had seen it once before in another male cat I have....about 8 years ago.) It was a Saturday but luckily vet has a.m hours!! The 1st question my vet asked was "what food is he eating". I told him Meow Mix dry. My vet said worst brand you could be feeding a cat. I also told the vet the flavor was Seafood Medley...vet said even worse!! And this was the first time my cats had been fed another brand (I had been 100% using Special Kitty Urinary Tract). And my cat that was blocked had LOVED this Meow Mix Seafood Medley. So I guess I can attribute the blockage to the Meow Mix.

So now I feed all the cats dry Purina Veterinary Diet UR. Also purchased a drinking fountain. For my cat who had the blockage, I put him in a crate and give him canned UR & he doesn't come out of the crate until I see that he has urinated. Only way I can keep him separate to eat the canned UR & ck urine output. I supplement the UR with regular canned food (in gravy for extra moisture). I also had to crate him for a week after he got home to keep on eye on him. I then found out he rarely drinks water. So that was also part of the problem.

The UR food is more costly than regular food but I don't want to have another cat go through this.

Post by BevNJ

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

My 5 yr old male cat had a blockage this past summer. He survived but it was a tough few days waiting to see if he would make it.

As soon as I saw him try to pee on my dust mop I knew he was in trouble!! (I have 6 indoor cats and 1 indoor/outdoor cat, so it's hard to track their urinary "habits". I had seen it once before in another male cat I have....about 8 years ago.) It was a Saturday but luckily vet has a.m hours!! The 1st question my vet asked was "what food is he eating". I told him Meow Mix dry. My vet said worst brand you could be feeding a cat. I also told the vet the flavor was Seafood Medley...vet said even worse!! And this was the first time my cats had been fed another brand (I had been 100% using Special Kitty Urinary Tract). And my cat that was blocked had LOVED this Meow Mix Seafood Medley. So I guess I can attribute the blockage to the Meow Mix.

So now I feed all the cats dry Purina Veterinary Diet UR. Also purchased a drinking fountain. For my cat who had the blockage, I put him in a crate and give him canned UR & he doesn't come out of the crate until I see that he has urinated. Only way I can keep him separate to eat the canned UR & ck urine output. I supplement the UR with regular canned food (in gravy for extra moisture). I also had to crate him for a week after he got home to keep on eye on him. I then found out he rarely drinks water. So that was also part of the problem.

The UR food is more costly than regular food but I don't want to have another cat go through this.

Post by BevNJ

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

hey i just need some advice if u can give it it would be greatly appreciated, if not thanks for reading this. well my cat had been taken to the vet for fus last week, the vet fixed it and he is fine now but they said he could eat watever he wants but im scared they're not telling me the truth. the vet had said to put him on a special diet then when i pickd up my cat she said no i didnt need a diet jus give him watever he wants. but im gonna put him on a special diet anyway but thing is i dont know what to put him on. just regular uti dry food but what about wet food he loves wet food. can any of you help!

Post by anna1234

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

My cat was 6 1/2 years old when he died suddenly this weekend after 1 1/2 days of not eating, drinking, urinating, or having a bowel movement while I was out of town. My cat also ate Purina One Indoor and UTI formula. After reading your postings, I am so sad for mine as well as all of your losses. My heart goes out to you.

Post By Norm (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

Hi Everyone

First, let me say that I am so sad to read some of these posts! I know how much it would kill me to lose my cat.

Last night, about 3:00am Dutch, my 8 year old Tonk, started screaming and would not stop. I was annoyed because he is very vocal and sometimes goes on like this for no reason. I placed him in his room and closed the door. About 4:30 I heard his screaming getting louder and not like his typical cry. I open the door and he had vomited, had an accident, and was squatting trying to pee without success.

I rushed him to the vet and just returned home. My bill is alreay at $1500 and he may have to stay for two more days (but they think he will be ok). They said a few more hours and he would have been in big trouble.

Regarding the food, I am not convinced that it is related. Dutch has always only eaten the best food, Wellness Brand and Pet Promise (both whole muscle meat based dry food). He has never eaten wet food, does not eat people food, and has always been a big drinker of water

Not sure what caused it but I am happy I caught it

Post By Drew (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

I too recently had my 5yr old cat completely block. I determined at 5pm he was blocked. I called my VET and he was closing so I had to take the cat to another VET that was opened until 8pm. They couldn't unblock him and said I would have to bring him to the Emergency VET that is only open at night. They knocked the cat out and unpluged him with a catheter. He was watched overnight to make sure he had urine flow threw the catheter. We had to pick him up by 7:30am (because now the night VET is closing) with catheter in place and a cone around his neck so he wouldn't pull the cath out with is teeth. Now we were told to take him back to the day VET because he had to be watched for at least 24 hours. The day VET kept him overnight (if the pet is out of danger, they just leave the pets there alone). We picked out kitty up and he seems to be doing pretty good, I hope! Must change his diet also. All this for $ 985.00.

I was brokenhearted reading all the posts from people that had to put their pet down or just leave them be sick because of the expense. The costs are just ridulous! This is not even a surgery, it is a procedure. I paid for some things 3 times, like the office visit. Paid 2 times for IV fluids. The poor sick cat in and out of the carrier and his painful bladder grabbed at repeatedly. I'm going to find a animal hospital that is 24 hours (might cost more, but then maybe it won't considering how services had to be repeated) for the comfort of my pet and myself. If they close at 6 or 8 oclock, they are clinics, not hospitals. Sorry I'm rambling on but I was just so disgusted with the whole process and I thought the costs were ridiculous. I'm keeping a close eye on my kitty and changing his diet and hoping for the best. Good Luck to everyone and your furry family members.

Post By Carol (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

My cat is back from a four day, 1200 dollar, stay in the hospital because of fus. It's been quite an ordeal, and although he is home, he isn't better. We asked the vet about the food because all that I read on this page, and he told us that it isn't the food. It is the cat. He said that about 5% of the cats in the world have a sensitivity to magnesium, an element used to preserve the food. Purina products happen to have a very high content of magnesium which causes the blockages. He likened it to a lactose intolerant person- it isn't the milk that is bad, but the way the person processes the milk. It can be present forever, or it can suddenly develop. So, we need to be vigilant about the magnesium content in the foods that we serve our pets. This adventure has surely taught me a lot. I hope that the information helped.

Post By Bobbie Jo (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

I feed my cats Purina Indoor Formula as well, and think one of my cats has a blockage. He doesn't act like it hurts, and his behavior is totally normal, but the past few days has been going in and out of the litter box and peeing just going a tablespoon at a time. After reading all of your comments about sudden deaths, I am taking him to the vet tomorrow. I called Purina and they claimed to know nothing about all the urinary problems the food causes, but said they will send me coupons for free high protein food.

Post By Laura (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

So, today we had to take our cat to the hospital for FUS. It's going to cost about 1000 to fix him- if the vet can- and a few days in the hospital away from home. The earliest we are looking at getting him home is Thursday evening.

I wonder if anyone brought their complaints to the BBB about Purina One pet foods, and what were the results? I would like to make a complaint, but don't know how to do it.

Post By Bobbie Jo (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

I just lost my 3 year old Russian blue mix to a blockage. They wanted 650 to unblock him and I just didn't have the money. I was devastated. I couldn't help feeling it was my fault and I could have prevented it and I could have but i didn't have the knowledge so I guess I can't really beat myself up anymore. I just have to learn from my mistakes and move on. So I've just gotten a new little kitty and I'm going to do this right. What I'm leading to is the information I've gotten from a very wonderful vet and some wonderful websites. And this is what I got. Cats are meat eaters, whole grains and proteins from plants are very bad for them which all dry cat foods have even those special uti foods your vet sells you. I was told that the PH balance is a link to the problem but not the cause. I was told the best thing for my cat is wet food and raw meat and lots of water. I was also told cats have a low thirst drive and need to get most of there water from there food. I believe this is the best thing for my cat and I'm not going through this again thanks for allowing me to share and I hope people benefit from this and never have to make the same mistakes.

Post By Devon (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

Today I found out that my cat also has FUS. It is heart breaking watching and waiting. Reading your posts helped me realize that there must be a connection between the FUS and the food we feed. We also use the Purina One brand of food. Thinking that we were doing the right thing, and now it turns out to be a huge, expensive mistake! Have any of you been successful with your reports to the BBB? Has anyone contacted Purina and made a complaint? I can't believe that this hasn't been in the newspapers yet.

Post By Bobbie Jo (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

I was feeding my cat Indoor formula as well. We're doing the catheter procedure as we speak. I hope this isn't another manufacturer error that's injuring pets!

Post By Mama of Marley (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

Are you freakin' kidding me???? I just got my 4 yr old cat, Wilder, out of the vet ($1200) because of urinary blockage!! He was growling while trying to use the litter box and his bladder looked like a tennis ball on the x-ray. He is fine now, however I read the other posts about Purina One-Indoor formula below - can you believe that that is the same food all 3 of my cats have been eating the past month?? I am definitely taking this to the Better Business Bureau - this is insane. If this had happened a month or so ago, I would not have been able to afford this bill. This is outrageous - I'm telling all of my friends whow own cats about this. In all of my life, we've always owned male cats, and NOT ONE of them had EVER blocked like Wilder. I can't help but see the relationship between food and vet bill.

Post By arudd31 (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

My condolences to those who lost their pets. That's tough. I'm taking Major to the vet today because he has recurring blood in his urine. My husband says we just cannot afford the astronomical vet bills if we have to do surgery. I'm very nervous about todays outcome. The information that each of you have posted is greatly appreciated. I feel so much more informed and prepared for todays visit. Thanks again, JK.

Post by jkmajor

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

I had to take my 9 year old male cat Panthor into the vet because he had gotten so weak over just 2 days that he was almost comatose and I didn't realize he hadn't been urinating since he only goes outdoors to potty. They realized it was a blockage and catheterized him, but since it was labor day weekend and already that Friday, I had to take him over to the much more expensive 24-hour vet. They kept the catheter in for 2 days, were giving him fluids but he wasn't eating. He got a lot stronger, acting more normal, but when they took out the cathater he wouldn't urinate and he still wouldn't eat after 4 days. They realized his bladder had probably torn and was leaking into his abdomen, they wanted to re-insert the catheter and schedule surgery to repair the bladder. I had to put him down because I didn't have another $1000+ to spend after I already have $1500 in bills just for the past few days hospitalization, tests, meds, etc. I feel just terrible, he was such a loving and sweet cat but I just didn't have the money and the emergency vet doesn't do payments and I already maxed out my Care Credit card. The vet was concerned about lasting kidney damage and that was still not determined. I still don't know if I did the right thing or if I should have found a way to pay for everything he would have needed. Or maybe it would have just happened again, I don't know. But I do feed my cats (I still have 3) Purina Complete (blue bag) plus Friskees wet and after reading these posts I think I am going to switch. I will put my other male cat on a UT wet food and switch the dry food for all of them, paying close attention to the magnesium and fish meal ingredients. It may cost more but it will be well worth it if I never have to go through this with another cat ever again.

Post By Toby (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

Hi there! First of all, I am SO sorry to hear about your loss! That is so heartbreaking to hear your kitty passed away! I just rushed my male cat into the emergency last night for blockage (he didn't pee for a day and I noticed last night he tried and nothing came out. Then his back legs went limp - if this every happens to anyone's cat, bring them in the emergency immediately!) Boo Bear has a catheter in him for 2 days and we will have to change his diet. Fortunately we caught it before any kidney damage. Again, I am so sorry to hear about your loss, but thank you for posting up with priceless information for others!

Post By Nancy Campbell (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

Six years ago my bj at age 4 years got blocked. Straining crying and cranky. My vet took one look at him and put him out and cleared the blockage.$9Oo. Next morning took out the tube and twenty minutes later bj blocked up again.[$550].

Three months later again blocked ($600). Never never again will i allow this to happen to another one of the males i own inside or out.My heart couldn't handle it. Cd, bowls here, bowls there, water everywhere. And litter boxes cleaned, washed scooped and changed. Females can also block up so keep an eye on all of them.

Post By ANNA (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

Blockages are caused by urine that is PH imbalanced. I would recommend that anyone with a male cat feed a urinary tract formula food. They are made to have balance the PH and help keep crystals from forming. Crystals form, roll around in the bladder, become like grains of sand, roll around some more and turn into stones (kind of like a snowball accumulating the more it rolls). Also, your vet may sell a tablet called DLM. Basically, you smash up one tablet a day and put it into a teaspoon of canned food. Easy solutions for such a HUGE problem in male cats. Best of luck to everyone w/male cats.

Post By Carie (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

I have had two bouts with this disease in my many many years of owning cats; one made it ($1200) and the other, sadly was being cared for while I was away and they thought he was just missing me. By the time I got home and realized what was happening, it was too late. This was over 8 years ago. I finally found out then that fish meal in dry food is what causes the blockages.

Since then, I read the ingredients on all dry food meticulously and never buy any with fish meal, no matter how small the concentration. I have not had an issue since then. I believe that manufacturers know of this possibility but are just not saying anything. If you look at the Purina One Urinary Tract dry food, it has no fish meal. I stick with Chicken based foods.

I am a Rescue Agency volunteer and have had, over the years, many many male cats. I have 8 in my household right now. Hope this info helps some of you avoid a very painful episode for your cat and heartache for you.

Post By Elizabeth (Guest Post)

HELP!

I noticed last Saturday that my 2 year old orange tabby, Tucker, was squatting throughout the house and meowing loudly. I knew something was really wrong so I called our vet only to find out they were only open until noon that day. They referred us to the emergency vet so of course we took him there.

Turns out, he was severely blocked. They released the blockage and wanted to keep him overnight for a grand total of $1300. There was no way we could afford that so we asked for a second alternative. They agreed to relive him, flush him and feed him fluids and then released him to us that night.

Monday morning, Tucker was doing the same thing again so I took him into the regular vet only to find out he was blocked again. They kept him overnight and fed him fluids, removed the blockage and flushed him again. Wednesday, we were able to pick him up.

But now, it's Saturday night and he's still not urinated more than an M&M size and isn't drinking very much or eating. We have him on some pain medication and antibiotics to help with possible infections, but he's quite insistent on licking himself and after trying to urinate, he's meowing and growling.

We talked to the vet and the vet said he may still be in a lot of pain do to the catheter being in him previously, but I'm worried about another blockage. I have 3 different water bowls set up throughout the house and 3 different food bowls as well hoping that he will eat or drink something.

How long does this usually go on? We can't afford to keep getting him unblocked if this keeps up and I don't want to have to put him down...my heart won't be able to take it. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

Post By Stacey (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

Today my sister and I had to put our cat down. The vet said that he had a blockage in his bladder due to his diet, we feed him purina cat chow. My cat was mostly a outdoor cat so we did not notice that he was not using the bathroom properly. I would advise everyone to keep a close eye on your cat.
This is the hardest thing that i have ever had to go through, and I hope no one else has to go through this either.

Post By ashley (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

I had just lost my cat Slick on July 30 2008 due to blockage in his bladder. He was only 4 years old:(I fed him Purina Cat Chow Indoor Formula. He was urinating for days and I called the vet and they said to give him water, which was stupid cause he was drinking plenty of water and eating normally until the night I came home and found him past out in his litter box.

I rushed him to the emergency vet and they told me he had crystals in his bladder and his bladder was so large the poisons of his urine was killing him and that's why he was so weak. They wanted $1,000 up front to run tests on him. They wouldn't bill me later or anything and they let him sit there and get weaker rather than try to save his life. I knew nobody who had that kind of money and still to put him down they wanted $65. My brother's girlfriend paid them their money and I wanted to give Slick the time he deserved with his family so my sister came there with Slick's brother Bob and my dog Lady to say goodbye. I think they both knew they would never see him alive again.

I feel that Slick's death was not handled humanely by the vet who wanted their money only and not to save his life. He was such a beautiful energetic cat with a lot of life to give and his life was cut short due to the vet not trying and Purina making a terrible product that I feel in my heart killed him. He was as healthy as can be and now he's gone leaving a big whole in my heart. I would like to contact the BBB as well but don't know how to go about it. Can someone help me?

I don't want another cat have to died because people don't do their jobs correctly and sell a bad products for sweet animals that just want to live life and love:) I will tell you this; I will never go to that vet again and I will NEVER buy another PURINA product again! To all of you that read this, if you have another cat/dog at home make sure to never feed this product to them EVER!
Thanks for listening.

RIP Slick May 27,2004-July 30,2008

Post By Jamie (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

Jenny you need to take your cat the vet asap, it could be bladder blockage

Post By Enter your name. (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

I absolutely cannot believe this!!! I just took my baby in yesterday with the same problem! Luckily, I caught it really early and my vet said that he will be OK. I fed my sweetie, Mr. Boops, the Purina Cat Chow Indoor Formula in the green bag. Please, if you know someone with a cat or are reading this, let everyone know! I am going to investigate the Better Business Bureau and see about protesting the Purina company. We have GOT to do something to save them!

Post By Erin (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

Just wanted to throw in my two cents. We just brought home our 4 yr. old male kitty from the emergency vet clinic, after spending four nights there. He had been straining weeks ago. After vet visits (no sign of blockage, infection or crystals) he seemed ok. Then he suddenly was straining again, but still was not blocked or infected. However, 24 hours later he was vomiting, sick, straining and now blocked. He's back from the emergency clinic now, but he's still straining. The vet says this is normal after the catheterization and all he's been through. I just wanted you all to know how quickly it can escalate and that straining may still occur. We also had recently bought Meow Mix.

Post By christine (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

My cat came into my room today meowing and hes usually a quiet cat. He was also restless. Besides that, you wouldn't have noticed anything was wrong. I had a feeling he was sick so my mother and I took him to the vets and found out he had a urinary track blockage. I haven't heard from the vets yet, and I'm so scared. I hope my baby is okay. =(

Post By chelsea (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

My 3 year old male cat BUBBA had a UTI last year that was cured by meds. This past week he showed signs of another and instead of bringing him in we tried feeding him food that would help with the UTI. The next morning he was throwing up. I figured it was from the new food because we had never changed his food before. After a few hours of him getting sick I took him into the Vet who felt his bladder and told me it was as hard as a rock. He had a blockage and that was causing him to get sick. At that point he was too damaged and it was too expensive to try to cure him, we had to put him down. They wanted $700-$1000 to try to do surgery when the Vet let us know it was a bad case of blockage and that he felt would be difficult to do. I guess in some cases they even have to remove part of the penis to clear the blockage. I didn't want to put him through all that. We are lost and lonely without him but after reading some posts about how blockage can reaccur in most cats I know it was better to not have him go through all the pain. My advice is to read the lables on your cat food and make sure that there is not a lot of magnesium. We used Purina - Complete Care (blue bag) high in magnesium, which we had no idea made it worse. I would also advise you to take your cat in ASAP when he is showing signs of a UTI. Good luck to all you owners who may have to make the same decision I did. It is hard, but it is better for the cat.

Post By Missing Bubba (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

I can't believe it....I just read your post about Wholesome Goodness by Meow Mix. Our cat was rushed to the hospital yesterday and was almost comatose by the time we got him there. They didn't think he would make it. Thankfully, he's doing much better and hopefully coming home tomorrow. We also had picked up a bag of this so-called "healthy cat food" for the same reason; the store was out of his favorite and we thought it sounded not only good but also healthy for him. Instead, he almost died and we have a $2000 bill for everything that went into saving his life. Puff's 10 years old and has never had a health problem until now. I think it's time for a recall by Meow Mix and a class action suit. Save your empty bags and your veterinary bills.....it's time for the pet food companies to provide genuinely, healthy, quality food for our pets.

Post By Puff's family (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

Please everyone let the word out. "Meow Mix Wholesome Goodness" is like poison for cats! It only took one bag for both of my cats to end up in the hospital for four nights.
GRAINS ARE DANGEROUS for cats! And right on the label they advertise "wholesome grains like rice and barley". It's ludicrous!

The store was out of my cats usual food, so I gave this a shot. Only later realizing it's lethal potential from the vet, after they were sent in for emergency care! They had blockage due to crystals, severe infection, as well as traumatizing kidney damage.

It's only the 2nd night since they've been home and already they have to go back! I can't stand thinking about however many more thousands of people that will go through this, having no idea they are putting they're cats life in danger. I should also add that they are both only 6 years old.

Post By Hope (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

You wont believe this! My two year old healthy male cat just had this blockage today $1800.00. He was screaming in pain and I took him to the vet just earlier. The only thing we did is give him Purina indoor cat since he was out of his old food! Now I see others have had this issue to! WHY IS THIS FOOD NOT BEING RECALLED! My kitty is still in the hospital and I am praying he is okay. I just cant believe this! If this happened to humans it would be all over the news and something would be done about this ASAP. I am contacting the FDA, we all should as well.

Post By Jessica (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

I feel awful about not knowing what i just did to my poor Fuzzer. About 16 years ago he had FUS and we put him on Hills CD. I also used Science diet for years. About 3 years ago he developed Diabetes and was taken off this and put on Purina DM. About 3 days ago I fed him some Purina indoor because I ran out before getting back to the vet. Now he is gone. He had another bout of FUS right after his 17th birthday and they could not unplug him! Please everyone do not feed this to your cat! I wish I had only known. I am heartbroken..

Post By cass (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

My kitty boy Murry Butters, has had this blockage twice under my care. I rescued him from a filthy desperate situation 3 years ago, as an adult. It's been a rough road. I feed him Iams original in the orange bag, and mix friskys special diet wet food in with the dry. The wet food is supposed to help maintain urinary ph. I too am on a fixed income, and cannot afford the high priced RX foods from the vets office, so I'm trying to do what I can through placing bowls of clean fresh water in the places I know he likes to hang out in and always keeping the litter clean and dry. Also over feeding I've heard can aggravate the problem. The thing I have trouble dealing with, is the possibility of loosing my baby Murry early. He's my best friend. So far so good!

Post By jen (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

I've had 3 male cats that blocked with the crystals in the urine. I lost the first two with the problem. The vets would just unplug them and send me home with them. The 3rd time, I went to a different vet that had an assistant that had about 13 cats of her own. This time the cat was hospitalized for 3 days and not returned to me until he was stabilized. They then explained the importance of the cat's diet in controlling this problem.

I have fed only Hill's Feline CD or Purina UR, both prescription diets, since to all my cats (current population is 4 males and 11 females) and have not had the plugged up male problem. My last problem was about 12 years ago and that male is still a healthy 15 yr old today. The prescription diets are expensive, but my personal experience has been that they are worth every penny in prevention as they are high quality foods and I have very few health issues given the number of animals I care for.
I do have a female with reoccurring bacterial infections of the urinary tract, a different problem, and this feed does not prevent her problems from coming back. She is a crippled manx with birth defects in the hindquarters which may contribute to her problems.

Post By lmm (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

I have 2 male cats that get uti about every 2 years,never had to do surgury they just gave me medications,well about 3 weeks ago my female cat went in for the same thing,i told them what thety did for my male cats and that should work for her,the vet wanted to do exrays and then blood work and the operation and when i told her no just give me the medication she made me feel like a bad mother,anyways good news in about 2 days the cat was peeing just fine and she is back to normal,now i know that she will get again but they told me that if you get them right in that helps and that operation is only the last resort,kinda funny how one tells you one thing and then the other tells you sometthing eles.

Post by jaspermom

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

FYI, we've switched foods a couple weeks ago to Purina Indoor...same problem...our male cat's been twice to stay at the vet in 10 days = $1700. Wish I'd seen these posts before....vet is recommending Hill's CD canned food only for a while (maybe a little of Hills Cd dry later) as cats are carnivores, ancestral to the desert, and need a wet diet. Also, says our current canned Fancy Feast is tasty "crack" for kitties with no real nutrition. I sure hope this food change works and we have no more issues. I like my cats and don't like to see them suffering!

Post By Lauren (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

My cat had stones in his bladder aout 2 years ago. We took him to Banfield (Petsmart) and they atually removed the stones for us and put him on a prescribed diet. 2 years later the same problem happened last night. I knew what it was right away since it has happened before. I took him to Emergency Care since it was a Sunday and my regular vet was closed. They inserted a catheter and released the blockage. That 1 night in emergency care was about $900.00.

Today, I took him to my regular vet and they said he should have surgery due to the fact that he had this same issue 2 years ago. I think they call it "P U" surgery but they are actually turning him into a girl. I guess the opening to the male cats penis is very small and narrow and that leads to the blockage. So, he is having surgery tomorrow so we won't have this problem anymore. The surgery is about $1,700.00 through Banfield in Petsmart.

It is a lot of money but there is nothing I wouldn't do for that cat.

If your cat is crying in pain and trying to go to the restroom try to take him to the vet ASAP. The blockage is very painful for them. Many vets offer insurance plans to reduce the costs.

Post By Jennifer (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

My cat is on his third bout of urinary blockage. I had to take him to a 24 hour vet. clinic last night because I know it can be fatal and the thought of losing him scared me. (so does the vet bill!!) It really amazes me how such a large size cat can be blocked so easily and quickly. I wish there was a sure fire solution for it. For all of you that have pets with this problem, I feel for you. I guess I will have to pay off my credit card once again. Have to make sacrifices sometimes, I guess!

Post By Felicia (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

If you feed your cat Science Diet from the time you bring it home, FUS should be a non-issue. I know it's too late for those pets mentioned in the posts, but remember this for future pets.

Post by shishi

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

We are heartbroken at our home. OUR DET DIED TODAY BECAUSE I HAD TO PUT MIM DOWN AT THE VETS. WE FED HIM PURINA INDOOR CAT FOOD. WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT THIS.

Editor's Note: So sorry for your loss. It's always hard to lose a pet. If this was on a recall list you may be able to do something but if your pet was old, there may be nothing you can do.

Post By Mary (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

I wish the stupid cat food makers would quit loading the cats food with fiber and vegetable content. I just lost Jaders to this issue. Cats need protein. To all of you out there, I am sorry for your loss, and just know we will see our furry friends again one day.

Post By Heather (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

Please, please be careful of Purina Indoor Cat Chow. It is the one that comes in the green bag.
After 3 weeks of giving this food to my cat, his urinary tract blocked. I never knew anything about this, but apparently that particular food has a very high amount of magnesium in it, and that's what blocked poor Wiley's tract.
He is fine now, I have switched his food and paid the 1300 dollar vet bill....
I have spoken with several veterinarians who have told me that Purina Indoor Cat Chow has been the cause of many urinary blockages, sometimes resulting in deaths of cats.
Please be careful.

Post By Tara (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

I work at an animal hospital and my male cat got blocked. Also he had never had a UTI infection before he got blocked. I had the surgery two days later for him. As most of you know, getting blocked can be fatal for a cat. The surgery was two months ago... he is on his special Diet with no treats. But he is still showing signs of a UTI. He has been on all the meds and so forth and nothing is helping. Luckily though with the surgery I do not have to worry about him getting blocked again. But I do have to worry about Kidney problems in the future. So I hope this helps people that think surgery will fix it.

Post By Tricia (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

Although It is not something everyone can do but if you are up to it and your cat lets you try this, you have to try to unblock them manually. My vet said they try this first. My cat objected a bit, but let me do it. When they are so far along that they cannot move, they usually are to weak to object, but they do still try to expell the stones. Because the cost of unblocking a cat has gone ski high in price, I took the chance to help him. DO NOT PRESS ON HIS BLADDER, but you can try to work the stones out by manipulating his penis from deep in between the back legs. Locate as deeply as you can, where the urethra is and gently kneed the penis towards the prostate (that is where they usually block and the stone cannot make it past this round little ball). I would rather try this then watch my guy pass away in front of me, as I have experienced twice now... not because I did not bring him to the vet first time around, but because he reblocked as soon as he was home and being a weekend the costs tripled. Please do not go hacking away at the poor kitty, but try to gently help him out... get a feel for what you are doing, and if he crys out, that can be expected. Persist a little until you feel it is actually YOU that is hurting him and not the stone. Remember, some stones may be too big to pass and this could be hard on both of you. When he unblocks you will know,,, make sure your face is not in the way and accept the mess that follows. There will be a lot of urine and some blood along with white stuff that looks a geletanous looking substance, that are actually the stones and they dry up after they are expelled. Good Luck and remember we sometimes suffer a lot when we have to heal so, a little courage may help kitty live a while longer. They do have to have special food, if not expect them to reblock. Some vet may object to this posting, but they have made this operation out of reach for a lot of people so I decided to that my chances, with a time limit of course. Sunday nights are usually the night I have the problem, and if I see he is failing, I will bring him to the vet to say goodbye, when I do not have the extra money. ( I take care of many cats so my decisions are dictated by cost). If you have only one cat, you may want to have the vet try first.

Post By pfj (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

My cat went to the vet and got surgery. He is back to the same situation even after me giving him the special food and changing his liter box often and also giving fresh water everyday. Right now Im giving him pain medician given by the vet from the operation. What next????

Post By tee (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

Poppy is eight years old. She's been off her food on and off but being an outside cat, I haven't been able to study her faeces. I have noticed, however that when I've seen her trying to 'go' she walks away and doesn't cover anything up, so I assume she hasn't done anything? She keeps meowing all the time - normally a very quiet cat, so when she disppeared for a day and then I found her outside just lying on the ground and very lethargic, I took her to the vet last night. He said she wasn't constipated but was obviously in pain so he gave her a pain killer and then said that she needed an x-ray but was in the middle of moving premises and was not 'geard up' to do it then and there. I took her home and she just spent the whole night lying on the floor (not wrapped up around herself as normal). This morning I saw her tryig to clean her bottom and she just didn't want to stand up. I've called another vet (on a Sunday morning) and he is finishing off his 'holiday' (I live in Cyprus) and won't be back until lunch time today. From my description of her symptoms he mentioned urinary blockage or stones and that she should definitely have an x-ray. I've always had problems getting her in her cat box so took the opportunity of putting her in when she least suspected it, but that's 8.30 am so she'll have to be in there for at least 4 hours. I've put water in there with her although she doesn't seem to be iterested. She doesn't seem to be in any pain as she's not crying out and I'm praying that once I get her to the x-ray we'll know more. Keep fingers crossed for us please. Jenny

Post By Jenny (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

Although these posts are old, I'll weigh in. I am a pet groomer by trade and have had cats and dogs all my life. I was unaware this was such a common problem. Yes, I've seen the foods for "urinary tract health" but never considered them for mine. Right now I have a 3 year old male at the vet getting all sorts of tests and treatment. Minimal estimate without surgery $400. Not really in the budget but a necessity all the same. Simba is an indoor/outdoor cat and I have 6 others only 2 of whom are female. Like many others I buy my cat food at wal-mart, (their own line "special kitty" but have recently supplemented with Purina "indoor cat" formula.) I was not really considering the food as a source as I have 2 "anti-cat" neighbors who have threatened to harm or kill all of the neighborhood cats, not just mine. It's good to know they may be innocent but either way it doesn't help Simba. I will definitely be more vigilant in the future.

Post By Phyllis (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

I just went in to the vet and i just found out that my cat has this and i was wondering if anyone can help me cure my cat because i cant afford to pay 1500 dollars to help him please help me

thanks dave

Post By david porter. (Guest Post)

Unrinary Tracr Infection in cats

My cat used to have this problem, and she kept getting the infections. I took her to specialists, and paid alot of money, only to discover on my own that it was a Christmas Cactus that was causing it. I found the teeth marks in the leaves, too the plant away and she has not had another one since. Hope this helps someone!

Post By Jill (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

My male cat was continuosly getting urinary tract infections and I spent several thousand dollars on his vet bills. I tried the special food and it did not help at all. I read a magazine article that said stress could cause the infection in nervous cats. Rufus was definately a nervous cat so I thought that might be the problem, but the article offered no solution. After a little brainstorming, I decided to try sprinkling Chamomile tea leaves on his food. He quit having tract infections, so it must have worked. Sadly, his kidneys had been so damaged from all the previous infections that he died 3 years later from kidney damage. Ask your vet if he or she thinks this could be an option for your cat. My aunt had a cat who was prone to urinary tract infections and he had some kind of surgery. It cost a fortune, but it worked. I probably paid more in total vet bills than she did for the one operation, but my vet never offered an operation. You might want to ask about this as well.

Post By Jessi (Guest Post)

Will someone please help me!

i need some advise! on march 28,05 i took him to my local vet when i noticed he was in and out of the litter box. sure enough he had a blockage. he kept him over night and put in a cathader. the next day he sent me home with some special cat food to feed him. last night i noticed him in and out of the liter box four times with only a few drops to show in the sand. he has not peed or had a bowel movement on day. he seems to be feeling ok. he plays and is happy. he eats and drinks. what should i do?! does it sound like it is happening again? i am unemployeed and so have no money to pay another vet bill. will someone please give me some advise?

Post By Tracy (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

You are all not alone. I too thought it was constipation or a tummy ache when he did not eat for a day. The next day he was getting more and more paralyzed and he was not even able to hold on till I had my Vet appointment. I feel so guilty. It was my sons BD and I promised to bring cake to school. I left school early to take him to the vet early and not wait for the appt. but it was too late already. Now I have to look at my sad childrens faces

Post By Sue. (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

You're not the only one that didn't know that! I'm sitting here at 1:00 am waiting for a call from the vet where I left my cat 2 hours ago because he was so dangerously sick that I couldn't bring him home. I thought all the signs I observed was a constipation problem. My husband is not speaking to me now because I chose to pay for the treatment which is not much less than my mortgage! The next sit I visit will be a pet insurance site.
I hope yours is doing fine now.
---Linda

Post By Linda (Guest Post)

RE: Urinary Blockage in Cats (Feline Urinary Syndrome)

yes our cat has had this our vet suggested to make sure your cat gets alot of liquids ,giving them broth, and stay away from cat food which contain fish and seafood. there is special cat food made for this condition purina makes one

Post By jo (Guest Post)

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