Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) is inflammation of the lower urinary tract. Crystals and sometimes bacteria develop in the urine and result in an irritated and swollen bladder and urethra (the tube that carries urine outside the body). This makes urination difficult and painful and, if the swelling is severe, can block urine flow. Complete obstruction can lead to irreversible damage to the kidneys – this is an emergency situation and requires immediate attention.

Watch out for these signs:

• Straining to urinate

• Blood in the urine

• Urinating more frequently

• Urinating in unusual places.

The risk factors leading to FLUTD are

1. Poor quality diets that allow crystals to form

2. Lifestyle problems including lack of exercise and reduced water intake

3. Unsuitable litter trays that cause a cat 'to hold on' and

4. Unknown causes referred to as idiopathic disease.

If your cat is showing any of the signs mentioned above, you should call your vet and arrange and appointment immediately.