09/18/2026
🐾 CASE SPOTLIGHT: OLIVER 🐱🩺
Oliver’s story is one that reminds us just how serious urinary blockages can be in cats.
Oliver originally came to us with feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) and a urinary blockage. We were able to unblock him and get him back home, but unfortunately, his urinary problems returned.
When Oliver came back, he had a severe blockage with a significant amount of crystal material in his urethra. He also had scar tissue from his previous blockage, which had caused additional narrowing. Because of this, we were unable to fully pass a urinary catheter through the urethra.
Due to the severity of his blockage and his history of recurring obstruction, Oliver needed a perineal urethrostomy (PU). During this procedure, the narrow portion of the urethra is bypassed and a new, wider urinary opening is created to make urination easier and reduce the risk of future obstruction. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/perineal-urethrostomy-surgery-in-cats?utm_source=chatgpt.com
🐱 So, what is FLUTD?
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) is a term used for conditions affecting a cat's bladder and urethra.
Some warning signs include:
🚨 Straining in the litter box
🚨 Frequent trips to the litter box
🚨 Producing little or no urine
🚨 Blood in the urine
🚨 Urinating outside the litter box
🚨 Excessive licking of the ge***al area
If your cat is repeatedly trying to urinate but little or no urine is coming out, seek veterinary care immediately. A urinary obstruction can become life-threatening.
🏠 Don't forget about your indoor cat's environment!
The Ohio State University Indoor Pet Initiative emphasizes that a cat's environment and behavior are important parts of their overall health and welfare. Providing appropriate resources and reducing environmental stress can be especially important for cats with urinary problems. https://indoorpet.osu.edu/cats?utm_source
https://indoorpet.osu.edu/node/402?utm_source
A few things you can do at home:
💧 Encourage hydration and talk with your veterinarian about the best diet for your cat.
🧼 Keep litter boxes clean and scoop them daily.
🚽 Provide enough litter boxes — the general guideline is one per cat, plus one. https://indoorpet.osu.edu/node/440?utm_source
🧸 Provide enrichment like toys, scratching posts, climbing areas and window perches. https://indoorpet.osu.edu/cats/basic-indoor-cat-needs?utm_source
❤️ Give your cat safe spaces and choices so they can retreat, rest and feel secure.
🐾 Pay attention to changes in normal behavior — cats can be very good at hiding when something is wrong. https://indoorpet.osu.edu/cats/basic-indoor-cat-needs/informed-owners?utm_source
❤️ Oliver's story
Oliver has been through a lot, but we're happy to have been able to help him through this difficult chapter.
His story is also a reminder to know your cat's normal behavior, watch their litter box habits, and never ignore changes in urination.
Another patient. Another hero. 🦸🐾
Compassion is our superpower. ❤️
