Feline lower urinary tract disease — FLUTD — is an umbrella term for any condition affecting the bladder or urethra in cats. It is one of the most common reasons cats are brought to veterinarians, and it is a condition that can rapidly become life-threatening when it causes urinary obstruction.
Signs of Urinary Problems
Watch for straining to urinate with little or no urine produced, urinating outside the litter box (especially on cool surfaces like tile or bathtubs), blood in the urine, crying or vocalization while urinating, excessive licking of the genital area, and lethargy or hiding. A male cat who is straining and producing no urine is a medical emergency — a blocked urethra is fatal within 24 to 48 hours without treatment.
Common Causes
FLUTD has multiple potential causes. The most common is idiopathic cystitis — bladder inflammation without an identifiable infection or structural cause. Crystals or stones in the bladder are another common cause. Bacterial urinary tract infections are less common in young cats but become more common in cats over ten. Bladder tumors are rare but possible, especially in older cats.
Prevention
The most important preventive measure is adequate water intake. Feeding wet food significantly reduces FLUTD risk compared to dry-food-only diets. Provide multiple clean water sources in different locations, and consider a cat water fountain. Keep litter boxes clean and in accessible locations — a dirty box may cause cats to hold their urine, concentrating it in the bladder. Minimize stress, which is a known trigger for idiopathic cystitis flare-ups.