Preliminary results regarding the incidence of different types of crystalluria in cats

Abstract

Urolithiasis is a common condition in veterinary medicine, primarily affecting the lower urinary tract in cats. Unlike in humans, involvement of the upper urinary tract is rare. This study aimed to describe epidemiological characteristics, identify potential risk factors, and review diagnostic aspects of feline urinary lithiasis. The study included 30 cats diagnosed with urinary lithiasis at a private veterinary clinic in Bucharest between January 2024 and May 2025. Patient data regarding age, breed, sex, and reproductive status were collected. The cats ranged in age from 11 months to 18 years and represented multiple breeds, including European Shorthair, Persian, British Shorthair, Russian White, and Birman. Epidemiological evaluation showed that 66% of affected cats were male. Hormonal status influenced the prevalence, with 76% of male cats diagnosed being castrated. Similarly, reproductive status in females was significant: 90% of spayed females developed lithiasis compared with 10% of intact females. Clinical signs were frequently subtle or absent, requiring additional diagnostic investigations for confirmation. Feline urinary lithiasis is influenced by both sex and reproductive status, with castrated males and spayed females at higher risk. Early diagnosis remains challenging due to a non-specific clinical presentation, emphasizing the need for vigilant screening and further research to clarify pathophysiological mechanisms and improve preventive strategies.