Any Cat experts around?

[Jennasis]

For a change, this vet problem is not mine (though I'm dealing with another whopper of my own right now...). My sister's cat (5 years old tabby) started urinating on the floor. THAT alone is unusual sine he's litter box trained. I immediately said urinary tract infection, but apparently sshe said the urine was thick, and dark...like maple syrup. So much so that it just sat on top of the carpet????

I have no idea what it could be. Tried googling cat urinary health, dark thick cat urine...nadda! She's on her wway to the vet now. Any ideas?

In the meantime I myself am waiting for our lagre animal vet to arrive to stitch my horse's nose up after my dog swiped him across the muzzle this afternoon.

No mas...no MAS!!!

 

[KimR]

I found this link:

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Cats-1606/thick-dark-yellow-urine.htm

 

[walkerag]

Sounds like theres blood in the urine. Probably just has a urinary tract infection and needs antibiotics. Cats that have a UTI will often use the bathroom on the floor, couch, bed, etc... They associate the pain they are feeling with the UTI with the litterbox so they try to go in other places thinking it won't hurt there.

 

[Jennasis]

Vet's keeping the cat overnight for observation and checking to se if it's urinary crystals or stones...ugh!

 

[walkerag]

Vet's keeping the cat overnight for observation and checking to se if it's urinary crystals or stones...ugh!

Tell your sister not to worry too much. Stones do require surgery sometimes but her cat should be fine. Crystals and stones can be controlled by a special kind of catfood that she can buy at the vet. I know Science Diet makes some. Once the UTI is all cleared up kitty should go back to using the litterbox with no problem

 

[binny]

so if its crystals can we do anything at home to treat it?

My cat is doing something similar, she peed on the bench with blue fabric and there are crystals there.

I was just online now to search for an answer.
she doesnt seem to be in any pain and she doesnt act any different.
Thanks

 

[Beca]

urine crystals were going to be my first guess. Cats get them when they do not drink enough. It is my understanding that male cats are particularly prone to them.

If the urine is that thick, an antibiotic will probably be needed. You will probably also need to switch your cat to a low-protein diet designed specifically for cats with renal issues. Some of these cats need to be enticed to drink water....one of the water fountains would probably be a good suggestion (although they are a pain to clean).

I have owned a LOT of cats in the last 20 years, and sadly we have lost everyone of them to renal failure. It seems as they get older, their kidneys just start to go. Unfortunately, my boys never seem to live as long as my girls. A cat can live for a LONG time with partial renal failure, but once you see something like crystals, you can be pretty sure the problem will become more pronounced as a cat ages.

 

[walkerag]

I'm trying to remember.. I worked as a vet assistant for over 5 years but that's been 6 years ago.. I really miss it but it was just too difficult for us to find a sitter for DD on the weekends (DH works weekends too). Anyway, now that I've told you my story...

It's worse for male cats because they can become "blocked" with crystals and have to have a urinary catheter inserted, not fun for kitty if you can imagine

I'm thinking that the dietary change is about all they do for crystals in females. If there's blood in the urine they need antibiotics though, definately need to see the vet though...

 

[redrosesix]

We have one cat that was diagnosed with a very bad case of crystals when he was 2 -- they put him on a special diet. He's now 13 and quite well.

The special food doesn't always work, but it usually does.

 

[PollyannaMom]

....Some of these cats need to be enticed to drink water....one of the water fountains would probably be a good suggestion (although they are a pain to clean)....

We have a Cat It one that's actually not bad. (I've seen some that definitely do look hard to clean!) But this one comes apart pretty easily. It's white with a blue top, and I got it at PetCo - but I order the filters from Cat Claws, so I think they carry it to.

I hope the kitty, and the horse, are doing better!