Stress Makes Cats Sick
I learned this the hard way when Sasha started having litter box problems. Russian Blues are sensitive cats, and Sasha takes it to the extreme.
What started as behavioral issues turned into serious medical problems.
The Urinary Blockage Nightmare
I thought Sasha was just being difficult when she kept going to the litter box but not peeing. She seemed frustrated, but Russian Blues are dramatic about everything.
Then she started crying. Not normal meowing. Actual distressed crying.
Emergency vet visit on a Saturday night. $400 just to walk in the door. Sasha had a complete urinary blockage.
The vet said stress causes urinary problems in cats, especially sensitive breeds like Russian Blues. Sasha needed catheterization and several days in the hospital.
Total cost: $2,800. For a stress-induced blockage.
Now Sasha's on prescription urinary food and anti-anxiety medication. The food costs $65 a bag. The anxiety meds are $40 a month.
Stress Eating and Weight Problems
Sasha copes with stress by eating. A lot. She gained 4 pounds in six months after we moved apartments.
Russian Blues are prone to weight gain anyway, but stress made it worse. Suddenly Sasha looked like a furry gray balloon.
The vet put her on a strict diet. Prescription weight management food that costs $80 a bag. Plus regular weigh-ins to monitor progress.
Sasha was not happy about portion control. She'd sit by her empty bowl and give me accusatory looks for hours.
The weight gain also triggered diabetes concerns. More blood work, more monitoring, more stress for everyone involved.
Kidney Function Worries
All the urinary issues made the vet want to check Sasha's kidney function regularly. Russian Blues can develop kidney problems as they age.
Blood work every few months to monitor her kidney values. Each test costs about $160.
So far her kidneys are fine, but the ongoing monitoring adds up. Plus the worry that every urinary issue could be a sign of something worse.
What Russian Blue Insurance Needs
After dealing with Sasha's stress-related problems, I know what Russian Blue insurance should prioritize.
Urinary Emergency Coverage
Urinary blockages are life-threatening emergencies. Russian Blues are prone to stress-induced urinary problems.
Make sure your policy covers emergency catheterization and hospitalization. Sasha's blockage cost almost $3,000.
Also check that they cover ongoing urinary management. Prescription diets and medications add up over time.
Behavioral Health Coverage
Some policies cover behavioral medication and stress management. This is actually useful for anxious breeds like Russian Blues.
Sasha's anxiety medication prevents more serious medical problems. It's cheaper to manage her stress than deal with the consequences.
Look for coverage that includes behavioral consultations and anti-anxiety medications. Prevention is better than emergency treatment.