Cats can be afflicted with a number of painful (for the cat) and frustrating (for the owner) conditions that affect the lower urinary tract (bladder and urethra). These include cystitis, bladder stones and lower urinary tract obstruction. Symptoms of lower urinary tract diseases in the cat include excessive grooming of the hind end, straining to urinate, crying in the litter box, repeated trips to the litter box, excessive time spent in the litter box, urinating only small amounts or urinating out of the litter box. Owners sometimes notice blood in the urine. These symptoms are grouped into the term “Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease” or FLUTD. Cats may act sick or depressed but often act normal other than their litter box habits. If you observe your cat displaying any of these symptoms, it is important to bring him/her to the Cat Hospital or a veterinary emergency room quickly, as lower urinary tract obstruction (blockage) is a life threatening condition.

A number of disease processes can affect the lower urinary tract and cause the symptoms listed above. These include:

The treatment strategy for your cat depends in large part on the findings of the above tests and should be discussed with your doctor but may include several of the following treatment options:

Increasing your cat’s water consumption – this results in more dilute urine that is less likely to cause bladder wall irritation and makes crystal and stones less likely to develop. It can help alleviate symptoms for most causes of feline lower urinary tract disease. Here are some ways to accomplish this:

Remove stressors that can contribute to bladder discomfort and inflammation. Try as many of the following as possible:

Medications may be prescribed based on the results of diagnostic tests:

Surgery may be necessary

A Prescription Diet may be recommended by your veterinarian to decrease the chance of stone or crystal formation. These diets can be found at the hospital or via our online pharmacy which is accessible through our website.

If your cat is “blocked” he will need to be sedated, unblocked and treated in the hospital for several days. Once he’s recovered, the above treatments (1-5) may apply.

Uncomplicated urinary tract infections usually resolve after treatment with an antibiotic. It is important that you bring your cat in for a recheck urinalysis one week after antibiotics are finished. If infections persist or recur, testing to identify a predisposing condition need to be performed.

Crystals can usually be controlled by switching your cat to an appropriate diet. Some cats require medication. Your doctor will let you know when your cat needs a recheck.

Bladder stones can sometimes be dissolved with a diet change, but often require surgical removal. Following treatment, it is important to implement any dietary or medical changes suggested by your veterinarian to prevent the stones from reforming.

Urethral obstruction is a life threatening condition. However, once the patient is stabilized, the prognosis is excellent. After your cat has recovered, is critical that you follow your veterinarians advice for long term management, as cats who have “blocked” are prone to this condition recurring. If you ever notice your cat showing any of the symptoms listed in the first paragraph of this handout, call the Cat Hospital immediately. The earlier an obstruction is detected, the easier (and less expensive) it is to treat. Your doctor will recommend a recheck exam and urinalysis in the weeks following his discharge.

Cats who have had a history of FLUTD should have a urinalysis checked yearly at their annual exam.