In this article on our site we will talk about FLUTD, an acronym with which we refer to the set of problems that affect the lower urinary tract of cats. FLUTD is characterized by the appearance of difficulty urinating and, in the most severe cases, by obstruction of the urethra, which is an emergency.
FLUTD in cats requires a visit to the vet. In addition to treatment depending on the cause that triggered it, measures must be instituted to reduce the cat's stress.
What is FLUTD in cats?
The name FLUTD encompasses various cat problems that affect both the bladder and the urethra, which is the conduit that connects the bladder with the outside to be able to expel urine. FLUTD stands for Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease.. We explain it in detail below.
FLUTD symptoms in cats
FLUTD symptoms are rather non-specific This means that they do not point to a specific disease, but could appear in several. It is important that we go to the vet as soon as we detect any of them, even if it is mild. Prompt intervention prevents complications and decreases the severity and duration of the episode. Even if a stressful situation for the cat is anticipated, measures or treatment can be initiated in those cats in which FLUTD is recurrent. The most common signs are the following:
- Difficulty urinating.
- Pain during bowel movement that may make the cat meow.
- Urinate more times a day than usual.
- Hematuria, which is the presence of blood in the urine, or grit if there are crystals.
- Elimination outside the sandbox.
- Absence of urine in cases where there is an obstruction of the urethra.
- Behavior changes that may include not using the tray or showing aggression towards other animals in the house or the keepers themselves.
- Excessive licking, which can lead to injuries in the perineal area, under the tail, in the cat's attempt to relieve discomfort. The male's penis may be exposed and the female's vulva open.
- Anorexia, that is, the cat stops eating.
Risk factors in the appearance of FLUTD in cats
FLUTD can occur in male or female cats of any age, although it is more common between 5-10 years old. Other risk factors that have been determined to influence the appearance of this problem are the following:
- Obesity.
- Sedentary lifestyle.
- Life inside the home without access to the street.
- Food-based feeding and low water consumption.
- Sterilization.
- Persian cats, as they are considered a predisposed breed.
- Finally, male cats are at higher risk for urethral obstruction because the urethral passageway is narrower in them than in females.
Causes of FLUTD in cats
There are multiple causes of FLUTD, but we must bear in mind that in many cases it is not known what has triggered the symptoms. It is then said that the origin is idiopathic As for the causes, that is, the pathologies that are associated with the name FLUTD, they can occur individually or combined. They are as follows, for the non-obstructive cases:
- Non-obstructive idiopathic cystitis, diagnosed in more than half of cats with FLUTD. Stress is considered fundamental in its development. Cats are very sensitive to changes in their environment. Modifying the diet, the arrival of new members to the family, a bad situation in the litter box or feline overpopulation in the home are some of the triggers of stress in cats. This cystitis is diagnosed as a cause of FLUTD when all other causes have been ruled out.
- Stones, also called uroliths, in the bladder. In cats they are usually struvite or, to a lesser extent, oxalate.
- Anatomical defects.
- Tumors.
- Behavior problems.
- Bacterial infections, although this is very rare and usually secondary to another of the more common causes. Older cats, especially those with kidney disease, are at higher risk, although FLUTD is not common in them.
As for FLUTD of the obstructive type, the most frequent causes are:
- Obstructive idiopathic cystitis.
- Plug in the urethra, made up of proteins, cells from the bladder and urine and different crystallizations. It is the most common cause of this type of FLUTD.
- Bladder stones with or without bacterial infection.
Treatment of FLUTD in cats
Cases of non-obstructive FLUTD are thought to be able to resolve spontaneously in less than ten days, but still it is recommended to treat to save your cat from spending all that time in pain and the consequent stress that comes with it. In addition, especially in males, there is a risk of obstruction of the urethra.
Depending on the cause determined by the veterinarian, a pharmacological treatment may be established This may include, among others, medication to relax the musculature of the urethra and analgesics. But, in addition, the management of these cats must include measures such as the following:
- Examine your life circumstances to identify stress points that need to be modified. Consider environmental enrichment.
- Offer a wet diet, at least mixed or, if you only eat feed and do not accept it wet, ensure adequate intake of Water. Various drinking bowls, fountains, clean and fresh water at all times or rationing food in several feedings are some of the ideas to encourage the cat to drink. In this way, the volume of urine increases and the cat eliminates more. In addition, if crystals are detected, you must resort to a diet that can dissolve and prevent them.
