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Cat hit by car, can't pee. Are kidneys okay with a pelvic fracture?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 10 months old | 5.5 lbs

My pet was hit by a car and then we sent him to a vet. Tge vet said he was not urinating, but tgey put a catheter inside and got some urine. Does this mean that my cat's kidney is still functioning, but the problem is in tye bladder or ureter? He also had a fracture in the pelvis

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 16th, 2019

The fracture in the pelvis can affect the nerves to the bladder, making him unable to pee. Because there was urine produced, yes it does mean Allie's kidneys are still working, it just may be that his nerves innervating his bladder have been damaged with the fracture pelvis. Hopefully nerve function will restore over time. Best of luck.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on May 8th, 2019
Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question. I am so sorry that Abe has hit by a car, and you had to say goodbye. Please accept my condolences for your loss. The pelvis has a number of important nerves running through it, including nerves that innervate the bladder. If the pelvis is damaged, the nerves leading to the bladder can be damaged as well. It could be the reason why he didn't urinate is because he had no innervation to his bladder. That is something that may have never come back, and he may have been unable to urinate without help for the rest of his life. It could also be urethral trauma, and he necessarily wouldn't have been unstable just yet. It can take time for that to occur, and he may have declined as more time went on. Please don't second guess yourself, you did what you thought was best for him, and you let him go without further pain. I hope this helps, and again I'm sorry for your loss. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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How do I care for my cat with a broken pelvis after discharge?

I'm so glad Allie can pee now and can be discharged tomorrow! He will need to rest to heal his broken pelvis. This means confinement to a crate or a small room to limit his movement at all times. No going outside, no playing, no running, no jumping. Make sure the crate is big enough for a bed, litter box, food, and water. He will need to be on strict cage rest for at least six weeks. Not following this could damage his pelvic healing and potentially cause problems with his bladder again. I hope this helps.

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Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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