Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD): A Guide for Cat Owners

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) is a group of conditions affecting the bladder and urethra of cats. It's a common health problem that can become life-threatening in certain cases, particularly in male cats with urethral obstruction.

Signs and Symptoms of FLUTD

Cat owners should be alert for these symptoms:

• Frequent litter box visits with little urine output - Your cat may sit in the box for extended periods but only produce drops or nothing at all
• Crying or vocalizing during urination - Indicates pain or discomfort
• Blood in the urine - Urine may appear pink or red
• Urinating outside the litter box - Cats with good litter box habits suddenly start urinating elsewhere, such as floors, beds, or carpets
• Excessive licking of the genital area - Attempting to relieve irritation
• Lethargy or decreased activity - Loss of interest in usual activities
• Loss of appetite - Refusing food due to discomfort
• Hard, distended abdomen - May indicate a full, blocked bladder (dangerous!)

Causes and Risk Factors

FLUTD is a syndrome with multiple possible causes:

• Bladder stones or urinary crystals - Especially Struvite and Calcium Oxalate crystals
• Bacterial urinary tract infections - More common in senior cats
• Idiopathic cystitis - Chronic bladder inflammation of unknown cause; most common, especially in young adult cats
• Stress - Environmental changes, new pets, or moving
• Anatomical abnormalities - Lesions or tumors in the urinary tract

Important risk factors:

• Male cats (narrower, longer urethra makes them more prone to blockage)
• Overweight cats
• Cats that drink little water
• Cats on dry food only diets
• Stress
• Lack of exercise
• Dirty or insufficient litter boxes

Emergency Situation: Complete Urethral Obstruction

Danger signs requiring immediate veterinary attention:

• Cat repeatedly visiting litter box but producing no urine (especially male cats at high risk)
• Crying in severe pain
• Hard, distended abdomen larger than normal
• Vomiting
• Extreme lethargy or unresponsiveness

Complete urethral obstruction is a life-threatening emergency that can be fatal within 24-48 hours. The kidneys cannot eliminate waste, causing toxin buildup in the body. If you suspect your cat cannot urinate, seek veterinary care immediately

Diagnosis and Treatment

Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination, urinalysis, and may recommend additional tests such as X-rays, ultrasound, or bloodwork to identify the cause.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause:

• For obstruction: Urinary catheterization to drain the bladder, intravenous fluids, and management of complications
• For infection: Antibiotics
• For crystals or stones: Dietary changes to dissolve or prevent crystal formation
• For chronic inflammation: Pain medication, anti-inflammatory drugs, and stress management

Preventing FLUTD

While FLUTD cannot be completely prevented, you can reduce the risk:

• Increase water intake - Provide multiple water bowls, use cat fountains, or add wet food to the diet
• Feed quality food - Diets that maintain appropriate urine pH, especially formulas for cats with urinary tract history
• Maintain clean litter boxes - Scoop daily, change litter regularly, provide adequate boxes (general rule: number of boxes = number of cats + 1)
• Reduce stress - Create a safe environment with hiding spots, scratching posts, and toys
• Maintain healthy weight - Encourage exercise and control portions
• Annual health checks - Regular urinalysis to catch problems early

FLUTD is a condition that can recur. Ongoing care and prevention, along with monitoring your cat for changes, will help manage this problem effectively and reduce your cat's suffering.