Image Source: Pixabay.com
Previously addressed as FUS or feline urologic syndrome, FLUTD or
the Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease isnโt a typical disease
but a medical condition which occurs in the bladder or urethra,
the lower urinary tract in cats. Causes of FLUTD are very
difficult to underline although a majority of cats suffer from
this disease.
Signs of FLUTD
Generally, cats suffering from FLUTD will also undergo the
following signs. Dysuria is the medical condition where cats go
through difficulty in the smooth passing of urine, often causing
irritation and severe pain. Pollakiuria- this disease inflames
the urinary bladder or the urethra causing irritation and
enhancing the need to piss more often.
Haematuria
- sometimes, infection in the urinary bladder may cause blood to
pass through urine.
Periuria
- it is when cats urinate outside the litter box in unsuitable
places. Due to inflammation or infection in the bladder, the cat
feels irritated and unable to control the urine and is compelled
to urinate at other places when the litter box is out of its
reach
Stranguria
- the blockage in the urethra is known as Stranguria where cats
feel the urgent need to urinate but are unable to do so. Male
cats are more prone to this disease as their urethras are longer
and narrower.
Cats vulnerable to FLUTD
Research has shown that FLUTD affects 1-3% of cats each year. Due
to a diverse range of causes cats of any age, gender or breed can
fall prey to this disease.
Causes of FLUTD
Some of the common causes of FLUTD are as follows.
- Urolithiasis- this refers to the formation of bladder stones,
which is one of the most common causes of FLUTD
- Infections- bacterial infection of the bladder or cystitis is
cited as one of the most common causes of FLUTD where the lower
- urinary tract of felines are infectedUrethral plugs- this
happens when there is an obstruction in the urethra of male cats
due to the accumulation of organic debris like proteins, cells or
minerals.
Treatment of FLUTD
If there are infections in the bladder, antibiotics are
administered which relieves the cat of the disease. In the case
of urethral obstructions, a catheter is passed through the
urethra which relieves the obstruction. Sometimes bladder stones
have to be surgically removed in cats to treat FLUTD. In other
cases, therapy is provided as an alternative to surgery. There
should be an increase in water consumption. Cats are encouraged
to have plenty of fresh water and canned food as canned food
contains more moisture content. Litter boxes should be washed and
cleaned properly every time after use so that that cat may not
catch infections.
How to Deal With Urinary Tract Disease in Your Cat
Image Source: Pixabay.com/
Inappropriate urination is one of the foremost reasons due to
which cats are left at shelters. If your cat is not using the
litter box, it is not out of anger or spite; it might be because
of some underlying issue. Improper urination could be either a
behavioral issue or a medical issue. You should get your cat
tested for a urinary tract disease.
What is Urinary Tract
Disease?
Urinary Tract Disease (UTD) is any disease that occurs in the
catโs urinary tract, primarily in the bladder or the urethra. UTD
can be diagnosed only once the chances of kidney stones and
urinary tract infections have been ruled out. Here are the causes
that can lead to UTD:
- Urethral obstruction
- Stones in the bladder
- Inflammation in the bladder
- Bladder infections
- Other abnormalities in the bladder
Common UTD symptoms
If you suspect that your cat is suffering from UTD, you should
check for the following symptoms:
Painful urination:
If you hear your cat crying out while peeing that might be a
sure-shot sign of UTD.
Irritability:
A common sign of discomfort among cats, an irritable cat might be
suffering from UTD, and pain could be the cause of its
irritability.
Straining to urinate:
Some UTDs can lead to the formation of stones in the bladder or
in the development of a urethral plug. This could soon become a
life-threatening situation.
Not using the litter
box:
See if your cat is avoiding the litter box and urinating on
cooler surfaces like tiles or the tub.Licking the genital areas
or the abdomen: Cats attempt to soothe their pain due to the UTD
by licking these areas.Multiple attempts of urination: Cats with
UTD urinate frequently but is lesser than usual quantities each
time.
How can you treat the
issue?
The best thing to do in this case is to take your cat to the vet.
The vet will give her a physical check, collect urine samples and
might prescribe some blood tests and abdominal USG. Although UTD
can go away without any medical treatment, but it might recur in
the long run. It is always advisable to get it treated once and
for all to assure a safer and better life for your cat.Here are
some things you can do to help your cat fight UTD:
- Increase your felineโs water intake
- Try to feed them canned food and keep a check on their weight
- Encourage them to use the litter box instead of using random
spots
However, if your catโs UTD is due to reasons like bacterial
cystitis, then it should be treated with antibiotics as home
remedies alone donโt work in this case. It is the same with
stones, which need to be removed surgically.Cats are good at
hiding any kind of discomfort, so a quick call to your vet on
seeing any of the above mentioned symptoms can help your cat in
fighting UTD issues.
