Owners often think their cat is deliberately wetting around the house, when there might be a physiological cause rendering admonishment totally inappropriate. Their pet might actually be “dribbling” rather than squatting or spraying, a tell-tale sign that it’s involuntary and probably caused by nerve damage to the spinal cord.
A cat in this situation needs urgent help to empty his bladder; there is only a short timespan in which to achieve this, since according to the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, a cat will die within 3-4 days unless his bladder is emptied. Although a constant urine trickle is being passed, a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection can set in due to the cat’s inability to obtain full evacuation. The loss of urine is only a small overflow from the bladder, and it is only happening at a point where the bladder has become dangerously full.
Causes of Nerve-Damage Feline Incontinence
Motor vehicle accidents and significant falls in which massive injury to a cat’s pelvis or spine is sustained, are often the causes of extensive nerve damage resulting in loss of bladder control. So-called “tail-jerk” injuries, where the cat’s tail has become trapped and the cat attempts to escape (such as a tail caught beneath a car wheel or in a trap) also result in this type of injury, as outlined by veterinarian Mike Richards in “Vetinfo: Urinary Problems in Cats”. Lastly, but far less common, there are some cancers and degenerative diseases of the spine that can cause neural damage with ensuing loss of bladder tone.
Cat Health & Symptomology
Persistent leakage of urine is the commonest symptom, but there may also be muscle weakness, a strange, unbalanced walk, or loss of control of the hind legs. If the tail is injured, it may be loose and floppy. All these signs are indicators of road traffic accident-related injuries. Many cats suffer poor bowel control in the same way, or may lose the ability to open their bowels; this too requires urgent veterinary intervention.
Diagnostic Tests for Feline Incontinence
Veterinarians will wish to conduct full investigations to establish the cause of feline urinary incontinence. Paralysis from trauma is often obvious, but even so, diagnostic tests will be thorough. Typical investigations will include urinalysis (collecting a urine sample for laboratory analysis of kidney function), blood tests, x-rays with or without dye, and urologic ultrasound. Referral to a specialist centre may be necessary depending on the nature of tests and the specialist knowledge and equipment required.
Prognosis for Spine Trauma Incontinence in Cats
Sadly, it is often the case that seriously nerve-damaged cats fail to make a full recovery and urinary incontinence frequently continues long-term. Treatments vary according to the nature of the issue but in many cases, the main treatments are painkilling and anti-inflammatory medications while allowing the body time to heal, since injuries so severe can take many months to recover. Every case is different, and the veterinarian’s view should be sought with respect to the likely prognosis for recovery, as well as the likely longevity and quality of life of the animal.
Caring for Nerve-Damaged Cats at Home - What Owners Can Do
Caring for spine-injured cats requires a lot of ongoing dedication, and the cat-owner can play a significant part in this.
It is important for all cats to be stimulated and active, so a cat who is not only incontinent due to nerve damage but who is also paralyzed, will suffer low quality of life. Pet-owners have a responsibility to consider and care for not only the physical condition and recovery of a cat, but also the animal's psychological health; inactive cats do suffer depression. The cat should be encouraged to play and interact with the owner, and the environment should be made as interesting as possible with plenty of toys, things to watch (such as live fish), smells like fresh catnip, and interesting foods to keep the appetite stimulated.
The practical side of ongoing care for a spine-injured cat is challenging; if the pet is mobile and able to return home, the owner will need to learn how to empty the bladder of the cat at home manually. However, this needs doing at least three times a day to avoid risk of bacterial build-up which can pose a risk to the animal’s life.
Physiotherapy is useful; the cat-owner can play an active role in massage therapy and exercising of their pet, even while he is hospitalized.
Skincare of the cat needs to be considered. Constant dribbling of urine causes burns on a cat’s skin and there should be careful monitoring and skincare by the owner and their veterinarian.
Feeding the Nerve-Damaged Cat
A cat suffering any significant degree of nerve damage is likely to need some assistance and coaxing to eat, at least while he's in the first weeks of recovery. Special help and encouragement often needs to be given to sick cats for a sustained period to ensure they keep eating properly; cats who fail to eat can suffer rapid liver failure.
Therefore, caring for an incontinent cat is a long-term, serious commitment.
Other Petcare Articles by Cheryl-Anne Jenkinson:
Kittens With Fleas; Hints and Tips
Pet Adoption Centers; Tips for Making A Visit
Relocating With Cats: Home Moving Day
Complaining About A Veterinarian
Cheryl-Anne Jenkinson - Cheryl-Anne Jenkinson is 44 years old and has spent the last 20 years working in the qualitative strategic research sector, where she has ...
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