Urinary blockages in cats are a life-threatening medical emergency that require immediate veterinary care. At Firth Veterinary Hospital, our experienced veterinarians provide urgent diagnosis, treatment, and advanced urinary surgery for cats in London, South London, and surrounding Ontario communities.
A urinary blockage occurs when the urethra — the tube that carries urine out of the body — becomes partially or completely obstructed. This prevents the bladder from emptying properly and can quickly lead to severe pain, toxin buildup, kidney damage, bladder rupture, and even death if left untreated.
Male cats are especially at risk because they have a narrower urethra, making it easier for inflammation, mucus plugs, crystals, stones, or debris to create a blockage.
If you are searching for a veterinarian in London Ontario for cat urinary blockage treatment, emergency veterinary care, or urinary surgery for cats, our veterinary team is here to help.
Symptoms of a urinary blockage can worsen rapidly and should never be ignored.
Common signs may include:
Many cat owners initially mistake these symptoms for constipation, but urinary blockages can become critical within a very short period of time.
At Firth Veterinary Hospital, our vets provide urgent evaluation and treatment for cats experiencing urinary blockages. Initial treatment may include:
Prompt treatment is critical to restoring urinary function and preventing life-threatening complications.
A cystotomy is a surgical procedure used to remove bladder stones that may be contributing to pain, urinary irritation, infections, or repeated urinary blockages.
Bladder stones can cause chronic inflammation and may increase the risk of recurring urinary problems if left untreated.
Benefits of cystotomy surgery may include:
A urethrostomy is a specialized urinary surgery most commonly performed in male cats with recurring urinary blockages or severe urethral narrowing.
This procedure creates a wider urinary opening to help reduce the likelihood of future life-threatening obstructions and improve long-term urinary function.
Urethrostomy surgery may be recommended for:
Our veterinary team carefully monitors cats throughout surgery and recovery to support safe healing and improved long-term comfort.
Recovery after urinary blockage treatment or surgery may include:
Our team works closely with cat owners to help reduce recurrence risks and improve long-term urinary health.
We understand that surgery can create unexpected financial stress for families. Financing options are available for qualified clients. Ask our team for more information.
At Firth Veterinary Hospital, we provide advanced veterinary surgery, urgent care, and urinary health services for cats throughout London, South London, and nearby Ontario communities.
We also offer:
If your cat is showing signs of a urinary blockage, immediate veterinary treatment is critical.
Contact Firth Veterinary Hospital right away for urgent urinary evaluation for cats in London, Ontario.