RedC- I have no idea how you managed to add your question to that old Fister thread because many people won't find it here.

There IS hope- you can learn that from the thread.

The blockage can be caused by many things. As soon as it occurs you have to take the cat to the vet as a blockage can be life threatening.

If it is a so called idiopathic Urinary Tract Infection, cortisone might help. My Tigris had that one and a half year ago, he got antibiotics and cortisone and was soon ok- and has stayed ok

If it is crystals, a diet may help. If it does not help, there is surgery like the one Fister had (but I think it was not 2002, rather later).

Cats are prone to UTIs unfortunately. It will be nothing in your house that caused it.

Hope your kitty is well again.