Why Is My Cat Struggling to Pee? Common Causes of Feline Urinary Stones and Tips for Daily Prevention

If you notice your cat making frequent trips to the litter box, squatting for long periods, crying out in pain, or urinating outside the box, don’t assume they’re just acting out — these could be signs of urinary discomfort caused by feline urinary stones. Difficulty peeing isn’t always due to hot weather or low water intake; it may point to a problem within your cat’s urinary system. Urinary stones, in particular, can block the urethra, lead to infections, and even become life-threatening if left untreated.
Many cat owners overlook these subtle signs, but they are important early warnings of urinary stones. To protect your cat’s health, it’s crucial to understand the underlying causes of urinary issues. Feline urinary stones are a common concern among modern house cats, but daily care to support urinary health can greatly lower the risk of stone formation.

1. What Are Feline Urinary Stones?

Cats are obligate carnivores, and in modern homes, many of them eat dry food long‑term while not drinking enough water. Some cats even have a natural aversion to drinking, making urinary stones one of the most common health issues they face. These stones can cause significant discomfort when urinating and, in serious cases, may block the urethra, leading to kidney failure or even death. The good news is that early detection and timely treatment can dramatically reduce the risk of complications or life‑threatening outcomes.

2. Formation and Types of Urinary Stones

Unlike in humans, where kidney stones are common, most urinary stones in cats form in the bladder. In fact, kidney stones occur in only about 2% of cases. The development of urinary stones is closely linked to urine pH, water intake, and diet. When mineral concentrations in urine become too high, tiny crystals can form and gradually grow into stones.
Common types of feline urinary stones include:

• Struvite Stones: These typically form in neutral or alkaline urine and are more common in younger male cats. They can be associated with bacterial infections or other factors. The good news is that struvite stones can often be dissolved with a special prescription diet.

• Calcium Oxalate Stones: These form in more acidic urine and are more common in middle‑aged or older cats. Certain breeds — such as Persians, Himalayans, and Burmese — are more prone to this type of stone. Neutered males, due to their longer and narrower urethras, as well as obese cats, also have a higher risk. Unlike struvite stones, calcium oxalate stones cannot be dissolved with a special diet and usually require surgical removal.

• Other Stone Types: Less common stone types include urate and cystine stones. In some cases, a stone may be composed of a mix of different mineral types.

3. Signs and Symptoms of Feline Urinary Stones

Watch out for the following warning signs that may indicate urinary stones or other urinary tract issues in your cat:

• Making frequent trips to the litter box with little or no urine

• Crying out or showing signs of difficulty peeing

• Decreased urine volume or urine dribbling

• Blood in the urine or strong, foul‑smelling urine

• Urination outside the litter box

• Excessive licking of the genital area, lethargy, and loss of appetite

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to seek veterinary attention promptly. A vet may recommend a urinalysis, X‑rays, or an ultrasound to locate and assess the size of the stones, as well as blood tests to evaluate kidney function. In some cases, a stone composition analysis may be required to determine the best course of treatment.

4. How Are Feline Urinary Stones Treated?

Treatment depends on the type of stone and the severity of the condition. If a urinary tract infection is present, a urine culture will be performed and appropriate antibiotics prescribed.
 
Struvite stones can often be dissolved with a special prescription diet that adjusts urine pH. In contrast, calcium oxalate stones cannot be dissolved through diet, but targeted nutrition can help reduce the risk of recurrence. If dietary or medical treatments aren’t effective, surgery may be required to remove the stones.
 
Additional supportive treatments include increasing water intake, using medications to help balance urine pH, and providing pain relief — all aimed at supporting your cat’s overall urinary health.

5. Prevention Is Better Than Cure

• Diet Management: Feed veterinary‑recommended prescription diets for cats prone to urinary stones. Maintain a healthy weight and encourage activity to support overall urinary health.

• Increase Water Intake: Use water fountains, add wet food to meals, and place water bowls throughout your home. Higher water intake promotes urine production, reducing the risk of stone formation.

• Urinary Health Supplements: Use supplements to help balance urine pH and support urinary tract health. Calming supplements can also help reduce stress‑related urinary issues.

• Environmental Management: Keep litter boxes clean and provide enough boxes (one more than the number of cats). Maintain a quiet, low‑stress environment to minimize behavioral triggers.

• Regular Checkups: Schedule routine urine and blood tests with your vet to detect early signs of urinary issues and ensure timely intervention.

Urinary health is vital for a cat’s long‑term well‑being. Feline urinary stones aren’t just painful — they can be life‑threatening if ignored. As responsible cat owners, it’s up to us to take urination problems seriously and focus on daily prevention. Through a proper diet, supportive supplements, and regular veterinary care, we can help our cats enjoy a longer, healthier, and more comfortable life.