Can Urinary Blockage Kill a Cat?

A blocked cat can't pass urine and, left untreated, faces acute kidney failure, bladder rupture, shock, and death within a short time. Early signs are smaller urine clumps, frequent straining, crying in the box, blood in the urine, then collapse. Treatment is catheterization plus fluids, with antibiotics or surgery for underlying stones; at home, an anti-inflammatory plus a diuretic helps. Prevent it with more water, less stress, exercise, check-ups, and watching the litter clumps.