How to feel a cat's bladder yourself? - briefly
To check if your cat's bladder is full, gently palpate the lower abdomen below the ribcage. A full bladder will feel like a firm, slightly elongated structure.
How to feel a cat's bladder yourself? - in detail
To determine if your cat's bladder is full or not, you can follow these steps:
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Observe Your Cat: Cats often display certain behaviors when their bladder is full. These include frequent squatting without urinating, restlessness, and increased grooming around the genital area.
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Feel the Bladder: Gently lift your cat's tail and locate the bladder. The bladder is a soft, warm sac located just above the pelvic bone. It should feel like a small, fluid-filled balloon.
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Assess Fullness: To determine if the bladder is full, press gently on it with your fingertips. A full bladder will feel firm and rounded, similar to a grape. If it's only partially full, it may feel softer and less defined. An empty bladder will be barely noticeable.
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Compare: If you're unsure, compare the size of your cat's bladder to your own knowledge of how it feels when it's full or empty. Remember, every cat is different, so what's normal for one may not be for another.
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Regular Checks: To become more familiar with your cat's bladder, perform these checks regularly. This will help you establish a baseline and recognize any changes that might indicate a problem.