Author: Nia Ball, BSc (Hons), RVN. Nia qualified from Harper Adams University in 2022 and began her career in a referral practice. She has since developed a keen interest in emergency, neurology and best practice care. She is also passionate about animal welfare and has been a dedicated volunteer with the RSPCA since 2009.
ABSTRACT This article presents a detailed case study of the nursing care of a cat with urethral obstruction, an acute and life-threatening condition. The patient, a young neutered male domestic shorthair cat, presented with typical signs including anuria, vomiting and lethargy. Urethral obstruction was promptly diagnosed by palpation and laboratory analysis revealing severe hyperkalaemia and azotaemia. Emergency stabilisation included intravenous fluids, analgesia and correction of electrolyte imbalances prior to a urinary catheterisation procedure. Nursing care centred on pain control, stress minimisation, and careful monitoring of urine output, hydration and biochemical parameters during hospitalisation. Specific considerations were made for the cat’s fearful temperament by providing a quiet environment and pheromone therapy to reduce stress. The risk of complications such as infection, cystitis and post obstructive diuresis was minimised through diligent catheter care and ongoing laboratory monitoring. Owner education regarding prescription urinary diets and stress-reduction strategies was provided to maximise the likelihood of a positive long-term outcome. A follow-up indicated no recurrence after 12 months. The case study highlights the importance of individualised nursing interventions, thorough monitoring and educational guidance of owners in the management of feline urethral obstruction.
Keywords cat, urethral obstruction, urinary catheterisation, emergency stabilisation, pain control, stress minimisation.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56496/NHIL8455
To cite this article: Ball, N. (2025) Urethral obstruction in a young male cat: A case study and nursing care analysis. VNJ 40(6) pp50-55.
To access this article, select one of the following links: