What is Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease FLUTD?

There are several feline lower urinary tract disease causes, and there are also some lifestyle factors that can influence this condition.

Common causes of FLUTD include:

●      Urinary stones (urolithiasis) - mineral crystals that form in the bladder and can irritate the urinary tract, or even cause a blockage if they get large enough.

●      Urethral plugs - a mix of crystals, cells, and mucus that can lead to a life-threatening blockage in the urethra (the tube which carries urine out of the bladder).

●      Bacterial infections - urinary tract infections (UTIs) can play a role in FLUTD, particularly in older and female cats.

●      Bladder tumours or trauma - these are less common, but still potential contributors.

●      Idiopathic - sometimes referred to as Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC), which is when the exact cause is unknown, but it’s thought that factors such as stress, bladder inflammation, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle and certain diets can all contribute.

As there are multiple causes of FLUTD, there are also a few different types of feline lower urinary tract disease. This variation then affects the treatment options and long-term care, so it’s really important to fully understand the cause and type of FLUTD in your cat.

Although feline lower urinary tract disease has multiple causes, there are some cats more likely to present with this condition than others.

Male cats, and especially neutered males, are more likely to suffer from FLUTD than female cats. It’s also more common in younger cats, aged 1-10 years.

Lifestyle is also important, with indoor-only cats more at risk, perhaps because they are more sedentary. Cats who are overweight are also more frequently affected, and those who are fed on a solely dry kibble diet.

Lastly, cats with any history of urinary problems are more prone to FLUTD, and it’s also linked to stress and anxiety in cats.

Although it’s perfectly normal not to pay too much attention to our cat’s day to day toilet routine, it’s worth having some awareness of their usual habits. Recognising feline lower urinary tract disease symptoms early can make all the difference.

Here are the common signs to watch for:

●      Straining to urinate, sometimes for a long time with little output

●      Urinating outside the litter box

●      Frequent trips to the litter tray

●      Crying, vocalising or seeming agitated while urinating

●      Blood in the urine

●      Licking or grooming the genital area excessively

●      Changes in behaviour, such as hiding, being irritable or eating less

If your cat is showing any of these signs, they require veterinary attention, although not necessarily urgently. However, pay close attention - if your cat seems unable to pass any urine at all, especially male cats, this could be a life-threatening emergency, so contact your vet immediately.

If you notice that your cat’s urination habits have changed, or they are displaying signs of urinary trouble, seek veterinary advice. Diagnosing the exact cause helps your vet choose the most effective feline lower urinary tract disease treatment.

Your vet will start by asking you about your cat’s history, diet and lifestyle and will perform a full physical examination of your pet, including carefully feeling their bladder for signs of distension, pain or other abnormalities.

There may be some additional tests recommended to help your vet reach an accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment plan. These may include:

●      Urinalysis: a sample of your cat’s urine may be taken to check for crystals, bacteria, blood, and pH levels.

●      Urine culture: the urine may be tested for bacteria to confirm or rule out infection.

●      X-rays or ultrasound: imaging of the bladder is used to look for stones, blockages, or bladder wall thickening.

●      Blood tests: a blood sample may be recommended, especially if an underlying condition like kidney disease or diabetes is suspected.

How to treat feline lower urinary tract disease depends on the underlying cause, and often involves both immediate treatment to manage the current problem and associated symptoms, but also a plan for long-term care to prevent recurrence and maintain optimal urinary health.

In the short-term, feline urinary tract disease treatment commonly involves a combination of these four factors:

Feline lower urinary tract disease often involves significant inflammation of the bladder and urinary tract, which is painful for your cat. Anti-inflammatories and pain medications are commonly used to combat the inflammation and restore your cat’s comfort during a flare-up.

Encouraging more water intake helps flush their urinary system. Switch to wet food or add water or broth to meals, and consider a cat water fountain for more accessible hydration.

Antibiotics are not always necessary in FLUTD, as bacterial infection is not a very common cause. However, if a bacterial infection is present or suspected to be present, your vet will prescribe the appropriate antibiotics.

If your cat cannot pass any urine because their urethra is blocked, this is a veterinary emergency, as your cat will become extremely unwell very rapidly. If a cat’s urethra is blocked, emergency catheterisation is likely to be needed to unblock the urethra and allow normal passage of urine. In some cases, surgical intervention is required to remove stones or resolve repeated blockages.

If your cat is affected by FLUTD, your vet may recommend some additional management factors to both help treat the current problem but also improve their long-term prognosis. With the correct and timely interventions and the right management, feline lower urinary tract disease life expectancy is generally not reduced. Your vet may recommend these two additional treatments for FLUTD:

Prescription urinary health diets can help dissolve certain crystals, reduce bladder inflammation, and help prevent FLUTD recurrences. Many are available in a variety of flavours and as wet and dry formulas to suit your cat’s preferences and tastes.

Since stress is thought to be a major trigger for FLUTD, a comfortable and stable home environment is essential. 

Even after treatment, many cats are prone to future episodes. Luckily, feline urinary tract disease life expectancy with appropriate treatment strategies in place is good, and there are ways to manage the condition long-term.

There are some simple changes you can make at home to help support your cat’s urinary health:

●      Prioritise wet food to increase hydration naturally.

●      Maintain your cat at a healthy bodyweight (your veterinary team can advise on this).

●      Speak to your vet about your cat’s diet. For some cats with FLUTD, feeding a prescription urinary diet can prevent stone formation and help maintain a healthy urinary pH. There are also certain supplements designed to support urinary health in cats.

●      Provide multiple clean water bowls throughout the house.

●      Use a cat fountain to encourage drinking.

●      Mix water or low-sodium broth into meals.

●      Keep litter trays clean and in quiet, accessible areas.

●      Have at least one tray per cat, plus one extra, to prevent competition between cats and allow stress-free access.

●      Ensure enough key resources, such as food, water and litter trays, so that cats in multi-cat households don’t have to compete for access.

●      Try pheromone diffusers, such as Feliway, to reduce anxiety.

●      Offer hiding spots and quiet resting places.

●      Encourage activity, with climbing areas, daily playtime and interactive toys.

●      Keep a consistent routine for feeding and play.

●      Regular health checks and urine testing are recommended if your cat is prone to FLUTD.

For more of your feline friend’s essentials, visit your local Jollyes store or have a prowl around online!