What is Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) and how can it be treated?

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) is a common health issue in cats that affects their bladder and urethra. While it’s not a single disease, but rather a collection of conditions with similar symptoms, FLUTD can cause significant discomfort and, in severe cases, even be life-threatening. In this blog post, we’ll dive into what FLUTD is, how to spot the symptoms, and what you can do to help manage or prevent it.

What is Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD)?

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (or FLUTD) is a term used to describe a group of conditions that affect a cat’s bladder and urethra. These issues can cause discomfort, difficulty urinating, and sometimes life-threatening blockages, particularly in male cats. FLUTD is not a single disease but a collection of urinary problems with similar symptoms.

Is it common?

FLUTD is relatively common in cats, particularly those that are middle-aged, overweight, or sedentary. Environmental stress, poor hydration, and diets high in certain minerals can also increase the risk of FLUTD. Both male and female cats can develop this condition, although urinary blockages are more common in males due to their narrower urethras.

Symptoms of FLUTD

Common symptoms include:

• Straining to urinate
• Frequent trips to the litter box with little to no output
• Blood in the urine
• Urinating outside the litter box
• Vocalizing during urination
• Excessive licking of the genital area
• Signs of pain or discomfort.

If your cat is unable to urinate, this is a medical emergency, and you should seek veterinary care immediately.

Treatment of FLUTD

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of FLUTD. In cases of urinary blockage, immediate veterinary intervention is required to relieve the obstruction. Other treatments may include:

• Dietary changes
• Increased water intake
• Medications to relieve pain or inflammation
• Environmental modifications to reduce stress.

Your veterinarian may also recommend diagnostic tests such as urinalysis, X-rays, or ultrasound to identify the specific issue. It is important to note that in repeated cases of FLUTD, especially in overweight males, surgery may be necessary to open up a new urethral opening to prevent future blockages and emergencies.

Preventing FLUTD

To reduce the risk of FLUTD there are severaI steps you can take to reduce the risk:

• Encourage hydration: Ensure your cat stays hydrated by providing fresh water and multiple water bowls or ‘fresh running water’. Keeping water bowls away from food bowls is also important as cats prefer clean water not contaminated from their food.
• Dietary changes: Considering wet food as part of their diet as it contains more moisture which can help keep their urinary tract healthy. For cats prone to urinary issues, your veterinarian may recommend a special urinary care diet.
• Maintaining a healthy weight: Overweight cats are at a higher risk for developing FLUTD so keeping your cat at a healthy weight through diet and exercise is important.
• Stress reduction: Providing a stress-free environment and utilising plug in or hand held hormone sprays have also been shown to aid in relaxing cats.
• Regular check-ups are important to monitor your cat’s overall health and catch potential problems early.

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) is a serious condition that can lead to pain, discomfort, and even life-threatening complications if not properly managed. By understanding the symptoms, seeking prompt veterinary care, and taking steps to encourage hydration and reduce stress, you can help your cat maintain a healthy urinary tract and prevent future issues. Regular veterinary visits are crucial for monitoring your cat’s health and addressing any concerns early, ensuring your cat’s well-being for years to come. If you notice any signs of FLUTD, don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet for guidance and treatment.

Click HERE to view Petmania’s Cat Care advice centre for further information on caring for your feline friend!