Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease is a generally accepted term that describes a variety of diseases in the lower urinary tract of the domestic cat. A significant percentage of cats treated by veterinarians each year suffer from FLUTD.

If not detected early, these conditions can quickly become severe and even cause death. Because FLUTD is not really a single disease, there can be a number of factors that cause the condition.

Urinary tract irritation may be caused by infections, tumours, urethral plugs, uroliths (a pebble or stone), or crystals in the tract.

Feline Urolithiasis refers to the formation of stones or crystals of magnesium and ammonium phosphate, called struvites, that form and accumulate in the cat’s bladder.

These crystals can block the flow of urine, especially in male cats. If the flow is completely shut down, waste products usually eliminated through urine can accumulate in the body. Kidney failure, coma and death can result.

Urinary tract diseases affect all breeds and all age groups. Cats previously treated for FLUTD are very susceptible to and are at the highest risk for recurrence.

Neutered males are also very high risks due to the physiology of the male cat’s narrower urethra.

Stressful situations such as weather changes, moving to a new home or introducing a new pet into the home have been linked to higher incidences of urinary tract disease.

Your cat may have an infection if he or she: · Urinates frequently or has problems urinating.

· Deviates from usual litter box habits.

· Leaves blood or blood-tinged urine in the litter box.

· Paces restlessly, cries, vomits, licks its genitals frequently, or rests on cool surfaces such as bathtubs or tile floors.

FLUTD has been associated with gender, age, environment, stress, fluid intake and diet. It is important to note that even when a pet owner goes to the expense of a prescription diet, the cat may still develop FLUTD because of the many contributing factors unrelated to diet. Regardless of cost, no diet absolutely prevents FLUTD.

Owners can play a big part by:

· Feeding the cat a diet that provides complete and balanced nutrition.

· Not feeding the cat from the table or indulging in too many treats.

· Feeding the cat at regular times and in the same comfortable location.

· Providing fresh, clean water at all times.

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