When a cat sustains an injury or illness that makes it unable to urinate on its own, then you may need to help out by taking it to the bathroom. To achieve this, you need to massage the cat’s bladder, a procedure in which you press on the back of its abdomen to release urine. 

This requires a little practice but can be vital to keeping your older, injured, or sick cat healthy. It is critical to ensure your cat stays in the correct position to make it comfortable and calm while applying light pressure to its bladder.

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5 Ways To Massage Your Cat’s Bladder

Here are five practical ways to massage the bladder of your cat:

1. Feel for the bladder in the lower abdomen. 

The bladder is situated above the opening of the urinary, but below the chest at the back of the abdomen. Gently press your fingers into the cat’s belly bottom and feel for a hard, round ball. It’s been described that the bladder feels like a water balloon. Do not push too hard into the cat’s bladder while feeling it, as it may lead to urination.

Tip: The easiest way to find your cat’s bladder is first to hold the pet on its back and cradle it in your arms or laps. If your cat loves it when you rub its stomach, then it is an excellent time to find it too.

2. Squeeze the bladder of your cat with two fingers and your thumb. 

Position your thumb on either side of the cat’s bladder and then your remaining fingers on the other side. Afterward, press the bladder with firm, even pressure. As the bladder shrinks as the urine increases, you need to move your fingers and thumb to maintain pressure on the bladder. 

This shouldn’t be uncomfortable or excruciating for your cat. So, if it seems your pet is in pain, stop what you are doing and change the position of your fingers and thumb.

3. Massage your cat’s bladder until urine stops flowing. 

Once you have pressed your cat’s bladder and its urine stops flowing, release it, remove your fingers, and then press it again. If the urine no longer leaks, your cat’s bladder is in good shape. Most cats only come up with a few squirts, and then they are done.

Likewise, they will not pass out much urine if their bladder is massaged regularly. If you are unsure, release the bladder and then feel it again. It should be significantly softer than when you started massaging it. 

Never force your cat’s bladder if you feel resistance. Instead, ensure you take your cat to a veterinarian to examine it and discuss other treatment options.

4. Clean up any urine that has gotten on your cat. 

If your cat urinates, use a piece of toilet paper to wipe off any urine that is trapped in its fur. Also, quickly wipe the region around the opening of the urinary tract. In some cases, a cat who needs its bladder to be massaged may not be able to cleanse its body after going to the bathroom.

5. Repeat this process about four times a day. 

An incontinent cat bladder must be regularly massaged to avoid leaking urine or overflowing the bladder. Unfortunately, doing this like four times a day takes a long time. So be ready to make a considerable sacrifice in this process.

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Things To Do Before Massaging Your Cat’s Bladder

Below are some tips to adhere to when massaging your cat’s bladder to maximize the benefits:

• Carry your cat to your sink, toilet, or litter box. 

The best area to massage your cat’s bladder is in the litter box, sink, or toilet. It is up to you which option to use, but most people utilize the place that is best accessible to them. 

Also, some people place a chair next to the toilet to hold their cat on the toilet more comfortably. You can try the litter box, sink, and toilet to see which is more convenient for you.

• Calm your cat with petting and a soothing voice. 

Some cats will be stubborn and difficult to help in urinating. Hence, if your cat is unhappy to take a position, exercise patience to calm it down and make it feel comfortable. Allowing your pet to relax before massaging its bladder is very important. 

Also, make use of nice treats to make your cat happier and more inclined to stick to what you need to do. Some cats can become stressed or aggressive when their bladder is being massaged. So ensure you discuss with your veterinarian to see if there are any options you can do instead.

• Choose the side-lying position if your cat is fully paralyzed. 

Ensure to keep your cat with its legs open apart. Its weight will be on your lap or the table while your back is held over the litter box, sink, or toilet. As you push your cat into this position, massage the bladder down with one hand and place the other hand on the cat’s back to hold it.

• Ensure the cat’s rear end is over the sink, toilet, or litter box. 

Before you start massaging your cat’s bladder, ensure its urine enters the litter box, sink, or toilet. The cat’s urethra is just right below its tail. Hence this part of ​​your cat’s body should be in place. 

The first time you massage your cat’s bladder, the urine may not get where you want it. Keep working on this method, and you won’t have any more mess soon.

• Choose the ragdoll position if your cat has use of its back legs. 

Hold the cat under its front legs with its back hanging down and its stomach facing you in this position. This position is effective for cats that are not completely paralyzed because they have more muscle control in their core. 

When holding it, make sure you have a good grip on the cat, as you will be supporting most of the cat’s weight with one of your hands, which is just behind the cat’s front legs.

Also Read: Can I Use A Massager On My Dog? (Solved & Explained)

Final Words

The above techniques are prevalent among cat owners. Besides, veterinarians recommend them for common cases. However, if you are unsure about the incontinence of your cat, contact your veterinarian. 

Lastly, these procedures are relatively simple, and it’s something you can do at home. If you are having challenges doing this yourself, ask a close friend or even relatives for help. 

Be patient, and in no distant time, it will become second nature for you and your cat!

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website results from in-depth research on various topics. The articles on this site are only for informational and educational purposes, and it’s not intended as medical or health advice. Hence, we suggest you always ensure to seek the opinion of your doctor or other qualified health personnel regarding any questions that relate to health objectives or medical conditions.