I'm so sorry to hear this. Yes, many vets like to avoid doing surgery because of certain side effects like UTI's or loss of bladder control.

Storm blocked 2 times and the second time they couldn't even get a catheter in him so he had to have the PU surgery. He had some how built up some scar tissue and his surgeon said that the more times a cat is catheterized then the more likely that they'll build up scar tissue and have more problems. I also had a board certified surgeon perform his surgery because it was more difficult than most PU surgerys. This is what the ER told me to do.

After surgery he did have some issues with UTI's but now he's been fine ever since he's been on a grain free diet which is Innova Evo. He also gets plenty of canned food mixed with water every day to help keep him hydrated.

The surgeon also told me that it was only a matter of time before Storm would become blocked because he has a very small urethra opening. I think that's what it's called. Now he's able to make big pee biscuits in the litter box. I hope that your vet will be able to help Gatsby. Lots of prayers and positive thoughts are being sent his way.