Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a term used to describe a condition that can affect the urinary bladder and or urethra of cats.
Symptoms of FLUTD:
- straining to urinate
- vocalizing while in the litter box
- urination in unusual places
- passing bloody urine
- excessive grooming of the private part
Most cats only show some of these signs to be considered affected.
Causes of FLUTD
- Inflammation (FIC)
- Tumour
- Bladder stone
- Infection
In cats, the most common cause of FLUTD is feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC). FIC
Is diagnosed by excluding all other causes of FLUTD. Cats should be investigated thoroughly by getting the following tests done:
- X-rays and /or ultrasound of the bladder
- Analysis of urine sample
Causes of FIC:
- defective bladder lining
- environmental stress/change
- obesity
- urinary crystals
Male cats are commonly affected as their urinary tract is long and very narrow.
Managing FIC:
Environmental enrichment
- Cats should have the ability to move freely about its home. Most cats prefer climbing and perching on furniture that is higher.
Include scratching posts at home - Cats should be given convenient access to a private area where they will not be disturbed. There should be no loud appliances in the house that will suddenly turn on.
- There should be litter boxes for each cat at home plus an additional one. They need to be located away from each other and kept clean. The litter boxes should be kept in areas where the cats can access easily and private enough such that they will not be startled by loud noises. Use unscented clumping litter and litter boxed should be washed weekly with minimally scented detergent.
- Each Cat should have their own water and food bowls. Bowls should be changed daily.
Dietary modification
- Canned diets are more effective as increasing water consumption allows for a more diluted urine
- Prescription diets have added polyunsaturated fatty acids which can reduce inflammation in the bladder wall. These diets help to reduce formation of crystals in the urine.
Increasing water intake
- Ensure clean supply of water is always available. Cats should be encouraged to drink by offering water from different bowls
- Broth from chicken or tuna can be added to water to enhance the flavour
- Water fountains can be placed at home as cats prefer to drink from running water.
- Adding water to the food if tolerated without affecting the appetite.
Drugs for managing FIC:
GAG replacers- In cats with recurrent FIC, replacing the GAG layer is beneficial to reducing inflammation. There are oral and injectable forms of these available and should be prescribed under the guidance of your vet
Tricyclic antidepressants– Recurrent cases may need these medication to control the underlying stress
Anti-inflammatories- Inflammation of the lower urinary tract contributes to pain. These are usually beneficial in acute cases
FIC is a common problem seen in cats. With early intervention and proper management strategies, these cats can often have a good prognosis.