FLUTD or Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease affects a cat's bladder and sometimes the urethra (the tube-like structure that leads from the bladder to the outside of the body). The term 'FLUTD' is broad and covers a number of serious conditions that affect the urinary tract; but whatever the cause, if left untreated FLUTD can result in serious illness and sometimes death.
There's a range of warning signs that your cat may be suffering from FLUTD. Here's a list of things to watch out for:
- Prolonged squatting or straining in or out of the litter box (some owners may confuse this with signs of constipation)
- Frequent urination or straining and only producing a small amount
- Pain while urinating (meowing or howling)
- Urinating outside of the litter box
- Blood in the urine
- Frequent licking of the genital area
- Vomiting
- Depression
In some cases, cats with FLUTD develop crystals in their urine. This is especially dangerous in male cats, as these crystals can block their urethra, preventing them from urinating even though the bladder still fills.
So what causes FLUTD?
There are several factors that can play a part, including infections, trauma, crystals in the urine, bladder stones, tumours of the urinary tract, and congenital abnormalities. In many cases, the cause is never discovered. Some things that may contribute to development of FLUTD include:
- Not drinking enough water
- A diet high in magnesium or other minerals
- Urine that's too acid or alkaline
- Stress - maybe from changes in their environment or going to a boarding cattery
- Obesity
What should you do?
If you think your cat is showing any of the warning signs, you should seek immediate veterinary assistance. If your vet diagnoses your cat with FLUTD, they'll recommend fluid treatment and pain relief. Often cats suffering from FLUTD are quite uncomfortable, and the fluids are given via an intravenous dip. This treatment assists with dehydration and helps to flush out the bladder.
If your vet finds that your cat is suffering from crystals in the urine, they'll recommend changing to a special diet that's low in dietary magnesium, while still providing essential vitamins and minerals. Often it's recommended to continue this diet for the life of your cat.
A range of special products has been developed by Purina nutritionists, including PRO PLAN Urinary Tract Health and PURINA ONE Adult Special Care - Urinary Tract Health with Chicken and Corn
In serious cases, where cats are "blocked", an emergency medical procedure is performed to try and unblock or remove the obstruction. A small catheter is passed first into the urethra to remove the obstruction, then into the bladder to flush it out. If the FLUTD is caused by tumours or congenital abnormalities, surgery may be necessary along with other procedures.
Here are some tips to help reduce the risk of your cat developing FLUTD:
- Make sure your cat has plenty of water to drink at all times, by putting out a number of water bowls around your home.
- You can try soaking their dry food in water to help increase their water intake.
- Keep the litter box clean and easily accessible, and make sure it's in a spot that gives your cat plenty of privacy. It's also a good idea to have multiple litter trays around the house. If you have multiple cats you must ensure you have multiple litter boxes. The recommended number is one per cat with at least one extra (ie. three cats equals four to five litter boxes).
- Encourage your cat to exercise – this is especially important for indoor cats, take time to play games with your cat.
- If possible feed free-choice – put a small bowl of dry food out for them to graze on when they wish, but at the same time make sure you don’t over feed them.
- Keep your cat at its ideal weight.
- Minimise the stress factors, such as sudden changes in their environment, diet or exposure to harsh weather conditions.
- Take your cat for regular checkups with your veterinarian.
Cats will recover from FLUTD if the condition is diagnosed early. Remember this is a very serious condition and your veterinarian's advice must be strictly followed.
Unfortunately, cats that have had a bout of FLUTD are more likely to have second or third occurrences. In these cases, additional tests and radiographs may be necessary to determine the cause of the recurrence. If a male cat has recurrences of the blockage, surgery may be necessary.
About Dr Lisa Chimes
Dr Lisa Chimes is a Purina Australia Ambassador and resident vet. From an early age, Dr Lisa wanted to be a vet and in 2006 her dream came true when she graduated from Sydney University with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (First Class Honours). Dr Lisa is now a vet at SASH - the Small Animal Specialist Hospital - in North Ryde, Sydney. She can also be seen on the television show 'Bondi Vet' and writes 'Pet Chat with Lisa' in Girl Power Magazine.