Lower Urinary Tract Disease in Cats

Cats may experience a number of conditions that affect their bladders and/or urethras. These conditions normally occur in adult cats that are middle to senior aged. Any pet owner should learn the warning signs and treatment methods for lower urinary tract disease in cats in Alexandria, VA to keep their beloved felines healthy and comfortable.

Is your cat experiencing FLUTD?

Feline lower urinary tract disease in Alexandria, VA, also known as FLUTD, can happen for a number of reasons. As a pet owner, you need to keep an eye out for the following signs of FLUTD:

• Struggling to urinate
• Urine containing blood
• Concerning vocalizations while urinating
• Only urinating small amounts
• Frequent attempts to urinate, or attempts that take a much longer amount of time
• Urinating outside of the litter box
• Excessively licking the area around the genitals

If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, you’ll want to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Causes of FLUTD

Despite feeding your cat a healthy diet and regularly cleaning their litter box, your pet may still be experiencing FLUTD, and you’re wondering why. There are several causes of FLUTD:

• Urinary stones: Stones form in the urinary tract when minerals build up. Depending on the types of stones that have developed in your cat’s system, there are different treatment options that range from a special diet to surgery.
• Urinary infection: Fungi, bacteria, parasites and viruses can develop in your cat’s urinary tract, making the simple act of using the litter box quite the challenge.
• Urethral obstruction: Male cats are at higher risk for urethral obstruction, in the form of either urethral stones or plugs, which is a serious problem that requires immediate veterinary attention. If left unaddressed, it could be fatal.
• Feline idiopathic cystitis: FIC, also called interstitial cystitis, is the most common cause of FLUTD in cats 10 years old or younger. This is the diagnosis given to cats when it has been determined that none of the other possible causes of FLUTD are occurring. This can be a chronic condition for cats. Since so little is still known about FIC, the best veterinarians can do is minimize the discomfort when episodes take place.

Preventing FLUTD

Any of the causes of lower urinary tract disease in cats in Alexandria, VA have the potential of recurrence, particularly FIC. However, you can take steps to minimize the episodes.

• Give small meals throughout the day
• Provide fresh, clean water
• Minimize stress
• Stick to a routine as much as possible
• Clean litter boxes twice a day
• Provide enough litter boxes for your cat(s)
• Consult a veterinarian about the appropriate diet

Feline lower urinary tract disease in Alexandria, VA can be distressing for your cat and you. That is why you want to work with a veterinarian that understands the complexities of feline anatomy. Kingstowne Cat Clinic specializes in feline care, so our entire staff is equipped with the knowledge to diagnose and treat your cat. Contact us today to make an appointment for your pet.

Categorised in: Diseases in Cats

This post was written by Writer