To those of us who have been blessed with healthy cats, it is a devastating blow when urinary tract disorders rear their ugly heads. Unfortunately, these conditions are common and they can sneak up quickly with tragic results if you are not consciously watching for the early symptoms.

Equally important is acting quickly when the symptoms present. One of the most heartbreaking emails I have ever received came recently from a man who delayed treatment of bladder stones in his cat because he thought he couldn't afford it. He wrote:

Walking out and telling my wife I will never forget. Holding Mouse, crying and telling her I am sorry 4,000 times, I will never forget. When she got on my lap on that Saturday struggling after eating tuna I will never forget. Not paying the $600 immediately I will never forget. I should have put it on my credit card from the beginning. Even if it would have ended in the same result, I would have been at peace now to know that I took what measures I could immediately. I feel terrible and will never drag my feet again on getting my pets surgery, even if it does not seem life threating.

I know he will not mind my quoting him, if it can save another cat from dying unnecessarily, and a human from suffering the grief he carries today.