Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is an overarching term that describes myriad conditions affecting cats’ bladder or urethra. FLUTD encompasses many physical and behavioral problems that lead to inappropriate elimination, and diagnosing the exact underlying cause is challenging, as each often causes similar signs.

By learning about the conditions that are part of FLUTD and how to identify and prevent them, you can safeguard your cat’s urinary health. Read our Stanton Pet Hospital team’s comprehensive FLUTD guide to understand this serious feline problem.

Feline lower urinary tract disease causes

Some feline urinary conditions can be mild but others can be life-threatening. Common urinary conditions in cats that can lead to FLUTD include:

  • Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) — Bladder inflammation triggered most commonly by environmental stressors can cause frequent, painful urination in cats. FIC is the most common FLUTD cause, accounting for 60% to 70% of all cases.
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs) — Bacterial infections in the urinary tract can lead to inflammation and discomfort, however, UTIs are generally uncommon FLUTD causes.
  • Urolithiasis — Stones formed by urinary crystals can irritate the bladder or urethral lining, resulting in FLUTD signs.
  • Urethral plugs — Accumulated cells, crystals, and other debris can form a blockage in the urethra, preventing urine flow. This problem is more common in male cats than in females and is often caused by underlying FIC.

Feline lower urinary tract disease signs

Recognizing FLUTD signs is crucial for prompt intervention and treatment, as certain problems can rapidly escalate to life-threatening conditions. Common FLUTD signs include:

  • Frequent urination
  • Producing small amounts of urine
  • Straining to urinate
  • Inability to urinate
  • Blood in the urine
  • Urinating outside the litter box
  • Licking the genital area excessively
  • Crying out in pain while urinating

Urethral blockages in cats

One of the most serious and potentially life-threatening FLUTD complications is urethral blockage. In male cats, particularly those with narrow urethras, urinary blockages can occur when crystals, mucus, or small stones obstruct the urethra, preventing urine passage. This blockage can lead to toxin buildup in the bloodstream, electrolyte imbalances, and kidney damage if not promptly addressed.

Urethral blockages cause severe FLUTD signs, such as the inability to produce urine, vomiting, lethargy, and a depressed mentation. If your cat exhibits urethral blockage signs, seek immediate veterinary care. Urethral blockages are considered a medical emergency and require prompt intervention to alleviate the obstruction and restore normal urine flow. 

Preventing urethral blockages involves many of the same strategies as preventing FLUTD such as ensuring adequate hydration, feeding a balanced diet, maintaining a clean litter box, and minimizing stressors in your cat’s environment. Additionally, if you have a male cat or a breed predisposed to urinary issues, our Stanton Pet Hospital team may recommend a special diet or supplements to help prevent urinary crystal and stone formation.

By staying vigilant for urethral blockage signs and taking proactive measures to prevent FLUTD, you can help safeguard your cat’s urinary health and minimize their serious complication risk. If you have any concerns about your cat’s urinary habits or suspect they may be experiencing a blockage, immediately contact our team for guidance and assistance. Early intervention is key to ensuring the best possible outcome for your furry friend.

Feline lower urinary tract disease diagnosis

If you suspect that your cat is suffering from FLUTD, seek veterinary care promptly. Our Stanton Pet Hospital team will perform a thorough physical exam, review your cat’s medical history, and perform diagnostic tests that may include a urinalysis, urine culture, blood tests, abdominal X-rays, and abdominal ultrasound to identify the underlying cause. 

Feline lower urinary tract disease treatment and prevention 

FLUTD can be caused by any number of conditions. FLUTD treatment varies depending on the specific diagnosis but may include:

  • Antibiotics for UTIs
  • Prescription diet to dissolve bladder stones or prevent crystal formation
  • Pain management medication to alleviate discomfort
  • Anti-anxiety medication to ease stress
  • Urinary acidifiers to adjust urine pH
  • Fluid therapy to flush the urinary tract and prevent dehydration
  • Surgery to remove bladder or urethral stones that do not dissolve with diet

FLUTD signs can be distressing for you and your cat, so you should strive to prevent your whiskered pal from developing this condition. To reduce your cat’s FLUTD recurrence risk or prevent urinary issues altogether, follow these tips:

  • Encourage hydration — Encourage your cat to stay hydrated by feeding canned food, providing a drinking fountain, and regularly refreshing water sources.
  • Provide a balanced diet — Offer a balanced diet formulated to promote urinary health and consider feeding a prescription diet to ensure optimal urinary pH and health.
  • Maintain clean litter boxes — Keep your cat’s litter boxes clean and ensure the boxes are large enough to hold your cat comfortably. Place boxes in a quiet, yet easily accessible, location.
  • Minimize stress — Stick to a schedule and strive to minimize changes in your cat’s environment, family structure, or habits. Also, provide plenty of enrichment opportunities, such as scratching posts, climbing towers, and food puzzles, to reduce boredom and stress.
  • Schedule regular veterinary care — Routine wellness care can aid in monitoring your cat’s urinary health and identify early problems.

If you suspect your cat is suffering from FLUTD, don’t wait to see if their urinary issues improve on their own. Schedule an appointment with our Stanton Pet Hospital team to avoid a life-threatening emergency such as a urethral obstruction.