How Much Does Cat Urinary Blockage Treatment Cost?

Adopting a pet often means having to deal with medical issues. And some can be more serious than others.

If you have a cat, you may notice them acting off from time to time. But if you see your cat constantly running over to their litter box, straining to urinate, or showing active signs of distress like crying, it's important to get them to the vet at once, since these behaviors could be signs of urinary blockage.

Cat urinary blockage is one of the most serious emergencies you might encounter as a pet owner. So, it's important to act quickly when you suspect one.

Now you may be wondering: How much does cat urinary blockage treatment cost? Here, we'll review cat urinary obstruction treatment costs, so you know what to expect. We'll also discuss the role pet insurance might play in covering the cost.

What Is Urinary Blockage in Cats?

A urinary blockage in cats occurs when the urethra becomes obstructed, preventing a cat from urinating. It's more common in male cats, but it can happen to female cats, too.

When urine can't leave the bladder, toxins can quickly build up, causing kidney damage or dangerous electrolyte imbalances, sometimes within as little as 24 to 48 hours. There's also the risk of kidney failure or the bladder itself rupturing.

Male cats are more susceptible to urinary blockage than females because they have a much narrower urethra. Cats that don't drink enough water may also be at a higher risk for this condition.

Signs of a Cat Urinary Blockage

Since cat urinary blockage is an emergency, it's important to recognize the signs.

These include:

• Straining to urinate
• Blood in the urine
• More frequent urination
• Urinating small amounts at a time, and at an increased frequency
• Having accidents/urinating outside a litter box
• Crying during urination (or in general)
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Licking the genital area
• Increased hiding

If you notice these signs, get them evaluated immediately. Waiting could cost your cat their life.

Treatments for Cat Urinary Blockage

Cat urinary blockage is an emergency. There are different components to treatment.

Your initial diagnosis may include:

• A physical exam
• Blood tests to check kidney function and electrolytes
• Urinalysis to check for infection or inflammation
• X-rays or ultrasound to detect stones or other abnormalities

Treatment will commonly then involve catheterization:

• An intravenous catheter may be used to give your cat fluids and medications.
• A urinary catheter will be inserted to clear the blockage and empty the bladder.
• The catheter may be left in for a few days to allow the urethra to heal.

Most cats with urinary obstruction are hospitalized for several days and monitored. During this time, your cat may be given:

• Pain relief medication
• Urethral relaxants
• Antibiotics
• A therapeutic diet

Some cats may require surgery such as perineal urethrostomy, which widens the urethral opening to reduce the risk of future blockages. It's typically recommended for cats with chronic urinary obstructions.

Cat Urinary Blockage Cost

The cost of treating a cat urinary blockage will depend on your location, the severity of your cat's condition, and the amount of time they require hospitalization afterward. Here's an overview of what to expect:

Without surgery, the typical cost could be $1,025 to $3,000, based on one day of hospitalization. But since it's common to need several days of hospital care, assuming three days, the cost range increases to $1,425 to $4,000. If surgery is needed, that may add to your cost significantly.

Cost of Surgery for Recurrent Blockages

Some cats experience repeated blockages and may require perineal urethrostomy surgery. The average cost of that procedure is $3,000 to $4,500. However, your cost will generally hinge on factors like:

• How long your cat needs to be monitored after their procedure
• Your geographic location
• Whether there are complications

Factors That Affect the Cost

Any time your pet gets injured or ill, there are different factors that could impact your total costs. For cat urinary blockage, your final veterinary bill may be based on these factors:

• The severity of the blockage
• Length of hospitalization
• Where the treatment is done
• Your geographic location
• Diagnostic tests required
• Complications such as kidney damage

The more days your cat needs to be hospitalized and monitored for their condition, the larger your total bill is likely to be.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Urinary Blockage Treatment?

Whether your pet insurance plan covers urinary blockage treatment depends on the type of policy you have and when the symptoms started. It's common for accident-and-illness pet insurance plans to cover treatment for urinary blockages. However, if you have a wellness-only plan, this treatment may not be covered.

Your pet insurer may reimburse you for a portion of costs related to:

• Diagnostics/lab tests
• Catheterization
• Hospitalization and monitoring
• Surgery

However, you may not get your cat's urinary blockage treatment covered if it's a pre-existing condition, or if you're still in your pet insurance policy's waiting period.

Also, some pet insurance plans set limits for reimbursement. Your plan might have an annual limit or only reimburse up to a certain percentage of your costs, like 80% or 90%. It's important to read your pet insurance policy carefully to know what non-reimbursed costs to expect.

Preventing Future Urinary Blockages

Since urinary blockages are a true emergency, and a potentially costly one at that, it's best to do what you can to prevent one from happening again.

To that end:

• Keep up with routine veterinary care.
• Make sure your cat has access to clean, fresh water.
• Make sure your cat is maintaining a good diet.
• Keep your cat at a healthy weight.
• When possible, reduce stressors at home.

Urinary Blockages Need Immediate Treatment

Urinary blockages in cats are a serious and potentially life-threatening emergency. If you suspect one, it's important to take your cat in for immediate treatment.

The cost of treating cat urinary blockage is generally anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000, not including preventive surgery. If you have pet insurance that covers accidents and illnesses, there's a good chance your policy will cover most of the treatment-related costs.

If not, talk to the facility about your situation. There are often payment plans available to help your cat get the treatment they need while minimizing your financial strain.