FLUTD in Cats  

What does FLUTD mean? 

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) isn’t a disease itself, but a collective term for several conditions affecting the lower urinary tract (bladder and urethra) of cats. Cats with FLUTD typically exhibit pain or difficulties while urinating, possibly due to bladder stones or mechanical obstructions. 

How dangerous is it for cats? 

If the urinary tract is blocked, it can quickly become a life-threatening situation for your cat. Therefore, it’s vital to see a vet within a few hours if your cat is straining to urinate without any success. 

Which cats are often affected? 

Outdoor cats rarely suffer from urinary tract diseases, whilst indoor cats and those in multi-cat households are at a much higher risk. 

Additionally, factors such as obesity and lack of exercise can promote the development of FLUTD in cats. For example, neutered male cats are particularly at risk because they are often more prone to weight gain. 

Stress and diet also play significant roles. If your cat exclusively eats dry food and drinks too little, this can also contribute to the onset of urinary tract illnesses.

Symptoms: What are the signs of FLUTD in cats? 

The consequences of FLUTD typically manifest as a narrowing of the urethra and inflammation of the bladder, causing symptoms such as: 

• Frequent use of the litter box. 
• Small amounts of urine when voiding. 
• Your cat meowing or crying in pain while urinating. 
• Possible presence of blood in the urine. 

When should I see a vet? 

In severe cases, the urethra could become completely clogged, causing urine to be retained in the bladder. This leads to dangerous shifts in blood electrolyte levels, as the body cannot eliminate metabolic products. For example, a potassium surplus can become life-threatening by causing cardiac arrhythmia. 

If the blockage remains untreated, it can progress to the kidneys, risking acute renal failure. Untreated, the patient could die. 

So, if your cat is hardly passing or is unable to pass any urine, it’s an absolute emergency. Seek veterinary help immediately to prevent further complications. 

Diagnosis: How is FLUTD in cats detected? 

Upon arrival at the vet, a FLUTD suspicion is commonly established after describing symptoms and conducting an interview with the owner. However, to confirm this, your vet will need to thoroughly examine your cat. 

After a general examination, the vet will test not only your cat’s urine but also its blood. Imaging techniques (such as X-rays or ultrasound) might also be used to rule out bladder stones or tumors. 

Therapy: How is FLUTD in cats treated? 

Since FLUTD has a complex origin, the treatment is always case-dependent and tailored to the severity and cause of the condition. 

Emergency measures 

The primary goal is to relieve any urinary retention to stabilize your cat’s condition. To do this, the vet sedates your cat and inserts a urinary catheter. This allows for the bladder to be flushed and emptied, avoiding complications. 

When your cat attempts to urinate independently again, the vet may remove the catheter. Intravenous infusions and anti-inflammatory drugs can further help to stabilize the circulation. 

Combating the causes 

It’s also essential to fight the root cause. The required measures depend on the underlying disease. The following treatments are examples: 

• Special diet foods can help dissolve struvite crystals. 
• If a spasm has led to urethral constriction, muscle-relaxing medications might be necessary. 
• For mechanical issues (like narrowing at the tip of the penis), the vet might have to surgically widen your cat’s urethra. 

Note: Choosing the right diet food can support your cat’s natural bodily functions. However, remember that diet foods can neither heal nor prevent diseases. Always discuss your cat’s nutrition with your vet. Special diet foods can be found at the zooplus online shop. 

Causes: What triggers FLUTD in cats? 

FLUTD isn’t a standalone disease; it can be triggered by numerous factors. Besides various risk factors (obesity, indoor living, neutered males), it’s also notable that cats with FLUTD often have one or more of the following changes: 

Sterile Cystitis 

Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) – a specific type of cystitis – often triggers FLUTD in cats. It’s related to stress, not infection. 

Bladder Stones (Urolithiasis)

Cats are prone to forming urinary crystals and bladder stones from an accumulation of mineral salts in the urine. These stones can block urine flow, leading to FLUTD. 

Bacterial Infection

While less common than the other two, a bacterial infection of the bladder can also cause FLUTD. 

Prognosis: What are the chances of recovery? 

A study on the frequency of relapses and the long-term prognosis for cats with FLUTD found that 58.1% of cats with confirmed FLUTD had at least one relapse. The mortality rate was at 5%. In any case, the prognosis seemed to be better if the cat owners took preventative measures. 

Prevention: How to protect your cat from FLUTD 

If your cat has already suffered from FLUTD, the chance of recurrence is unfortunately high. Vets often observe recurrences, particularly if the previous episode was idiopathic cystitis. 

To reduce the risk, consider the following measures: 

• Encourage drinking: Placing drinking and feeding bowls in separate locations can help increase your cat’s water intake. Offer multiple water bowls or use a cat fountain in the home. 
• Sufficient litter boxes: For multiple cats, each should have at least its own litter box. Otherwise, a cat might retain urine, risking a FLUTD episode. 
• Prevent obesity: Keep your neutered indoor cat active – perhaps through cat exercise or climbing opportunities. Adjust food portions and/or introduce calorie-reduced food in consultation with your vet. 
• Wet food over dry food: Gradually switch to wet food to increase fluid intake. Alternatively, soak the dry food in water. 
• Avoid stress: Cats are sensitive creatures and can react to stress caused by a move or new flatmates. Always cater to your cat’s needs and consider using pheromones during stressful periods (in consultation with your vet).