Lower Urinary Tract Disease and Urethral Obstruction

What is it?

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) describes conditions of the bladder and urethra. The most common is stress-related bladder inflammation (idiopathic cystitis); stones, crystals, and infections also occur. In male cats, plugs can block the urethra, which is a life-threatening emergency.

What signs should I watch for?

Signs to watch for include frequent trips to the litter box with little urine; straining or crying while urinating; blood in the urine; urinating outside the box; and straining with no urine produced (EMERGENCY, especially in males).

How is it diagnosed and treated?

Urinalysis, urine culture, and X-rays or ultrasound help find the cause. A blocked cat needs emergency anesthesia and a catheter to relieve the obstruction. Other cases are managed with pain relief, diet changes, and stress reduction.

Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook?

• More water (wet food, fountains), a therapeutic diet if advised, clean litter boxes, and a calm home help prevent repeat episodes.
• A cat who strains without producing urine should be seen right away.