Question:
My 8-year-old male cat developed crystals is his bladder. I took him to the vet. They catheterized him and gave him pain meds and IV fluids. They removed the catheter, and I took him home on a Friday. Saturday, he did not void. I gave him a Prednisone pill, and he started voiding and bleeding. The blood got heavy. By Sunday, I had to put him down -- he was in a lot of pain.
He was an indoor cat who ate only Innova (dry) and Fancy Feast (can). He was my buddy and companion for eight years. He would fly with me four times a year. He enjoyed the plane ride, but was glad to get home.
I will never get another cat -- he cannot be duplicated. I loved and miss him. Please tell me if I did anything wrong.
L.S., Monroe, CT Feb 21, 2010
Answer:
First, you did nothing wrong. Second, while your beloved cat was unique and could never be duplicated, I am sure that when you have overcome much of your grief, your heart may open to adopt and love another unique cat from your local shelter.
There are many factors leading to cystitis and urinary-tract blockage from crystals and mucous plugs. A major culprit is dry cat food high in cereals that make a more alkaline urine that, when combined with low fluid intake, results in urinary-tract inflammation and crystal or sand formation in the urine. Complicating factors include bacterial infection, diabetes and neutered males having narrow urethras. Emotional stress, corn allergy and ingesting mineral particles from clay-type cat litter can also play a role in this common feline malady. You are not to be blamed because you were not informed as to the best preventives, beginning with proper nutrition.
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