Bladder Stones, Feline - contd.

ClinicalSigns
Clinical signs associated with urolithiasis are influenced by the location of the stone or stones. Common findings include pollakiuria, hematuria, and dysuria or stranguria. Some cats can become obstructed by stones lodged in the urethra. Symptoms of obstruction can include frequent, unsuccessful attempts to urinate; vocalization and pacing; hiding; vomiting; depression; weakness; and excessive grooming of the urogenital area.

Symptoms
Symptoms will depend on the type, size and location of the stone. The disease becomes serious or life threatening when the stones obstruct a cat's ability to urinate. Thus, "red flags" to watch for include urinating outside of the litter box, frequent urination, meowing or crying during urination, and the presence of blood in the urine. Cats unable to urinate as a consequence of bladder stone obstruction still may attempt to urinate even if nothing is produced. They also may hide, vomit, cry or howl, or show signs of depression and weakness.