Sox the cat is not your average moggy. At six years old, this handsome black-and-white neutered tom has already faced more health challenges than most felines will in a lifetime. His journey has been one of ups and downs, late-night dashes to the vet, and a final big decision that may just have saved his life.

For the first three years of his life, Sox was the picture of health, but around his third birthday things began to change. He started to develop cystitis, an inflammation of the bladder. While humans might associate bladder problems with infection, in cats the story is usually more complicated with feline cystitis often linked to stress, with the bladder becoming inflamed even when no bacteria are present.

Sox’s bouts of cystitis came and went, leaving his owner both worried and determined to get to the bottom of things. Tests were run – urine samples, blood work and ultimately X-rays and ultrasound of his bladder – all of which came back normal. That ruled out infections and other obvious causes. So, Sox’s owner turned to the practice’s feline behaviour nurse, and together they worked on strategies to lower Sox’s stress and encourage him to drink more water.

Changes were made at home: multiple litter trays, extra water bowls dotted around the house, cosy spaces just for Sox, and even special pheromone diffusers designed to help cats feel calmer. These adjustments made a difference, and for a time, life carried on as normal.

But earlier this year, Sox faced a crisis. One morning, he simply couldn’t pass urine. In veterinary terms, he was “blocked” – his urethra obstructed, meaning no urine could leave his body. For cats, this is not only excruciatingly painful, but also rapidly life-threatening. Waste products build up in the bloodstream, and ultimately the obstruction can start to cause organ failure.

His owner rushed him to the practice where emergency treatment began. Under anaesthetic, a catheter was passed into Sox’s bladder to relieve the obstruction. He spent several days in hospital before the catheter was removed, and while his recovery was slow at first, he eventually bounced back to his cheeky self.

Life began to settle again. Sox was playing, eating, and enjoying his home comforts. But then came another blow. One day, Sox didn’t come home. Hours turned into a day, then a day and a half. After 36 hours, his worried family found him collapsed in the back garden. His owner recognised the signs immediately – Sox was blocked again.

He was rushed back to the vet, once again in a life-threatening state. The veterinary team stabilised him by decompressing his bladder and placing another catheter. Investigations were repeated – no stones, no infections, nothing obvious to explain the repeated obstructions. But this time something new was clear: Sox’s urethra was very narrow.

By now, Sox and his family were exhausted. These episodes were not only traumatic but also emotionally draining and financially costly. The vet team sat down with his owners to discuss the options.

The first option was to manage the obstruction again and hope for the best. The second was more drastic: a perineal urethrostomy (PU). This surgery involves amputating the penis and creating a shorter, wider urethra, reducing the chance of future blockages. It’s not a decision any cat owner takes lightly. PU surgery doesn’t cure all forms of urinary tract disease, and it can carry risks. But given Sox’s history and the clear narrowing of his urethra, it offered him the best chance of a normal life.

After much thought, everyone agreed surgery was the right path. Sox underwent the procedure, and it was a success. Within a few days he was back home, healing well and gradually resuming his routines. Follow-up checks confirmed the wounds were healing nicely, and Sox was on the mend.

Since then, he hasn’t looked back. His owners continue to keep his stress levels low, sticking with the behavioural changes they put in place years earlier. The combination of surgery and a supportive environment has given Sox a new lease of life – and given his owners peace of mind.

Sox’s story is a reminder of just how complex urinary problems in cats can be. What looks like a simple case of cystitis can, in fact, be a multifaceted condition tied to stress, anatomy, and environment. It also highlights the importance of quick action: both times Sox was blocked, his owner’s speed in getting him to the vet was what saved his life.

Today, Sox is back to ruling his household, enjoying his comforts, and keeping his humans on their toes. Thanks to their unwavering commitment and the dedication of his owner, this six-year-old has many more happy years ahead.

If you would like more information and tips on how to help prevent cystitis in cats, visit our Feline Care Guide page on our website by clicking HERE.