Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease

Problem: Feline lower urinary tract disease is the term used for a variety of conditions that affect a cat’s bladder and urethra. Feline lower urinary tract disease is most commonly seen in middle-aged, overweight, indoor cats.

The disease has various causes including bladder stones, infection, and urethral obstruction. Stress can increase the risk of FLUTD.

Symptoms:

• Difficulty and pain urinating (seen as straining and crying when trying to urinate).
• Frequent, small amounts of urination
• Blood in urine
• Urination outside of the litter box
• Excessive licking of genitals
• Loss of appetite

Treatment: Diagnosis of feline lower urinary tract disease can be difficult because this disease has many potential causes. A urinalysis can be used to assess the urine and inform proper treatment. For example, feline lower urinary tract disease caused by a urethral obstruction will require surgery to move the blockage. However, in most chronic cases, a change in diet can be very helpful in managing lower urinary tract issues; your vet can prescribe a special food. It’s also important to increase your cat’s water intake by feeding her canned foods and by adding water to her meals.

A urethral obstruction in male cats is serious potentially fatal. If your cat seems unable to urinate, or is urinating in very small amounts, take him to the vet right away!