Signs of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease

October 15, 2020 10:22 pm Published by

Cat owners in Alexandria, VA too often dismiss inappropriate urination as bad behavior. What’s more likely is that an underlying health issue is at play. Peeing outside the litter box, frequent urination and excessive licking are telltale signs of a lower urinary tract disease.

What is a lower urinary tract disease?

Owners must understand what a lower urinary tract disease is, because they’re the most common reason why cats visit the vet. The term “feline lower urinary tract disease” (or FLUTD for short) encompasses a group of health conditions affecting a cat’s bladder or urethra. Conditions that fall under FLUTD include urinary stones, inflammation of the bladder, UTIs and urethral obstruction.

It’s possible that FLUTD can go away on its own. However, urethral obstruction in particular is very serious and requires immediate medical attention. Minor cases of FLUTD can also become more severe if left untreated. Schedule an appointment with your vet in Alexandria, VA if your little fuzzy friend experiences any of the following symptoms.

Peeing everywhere but the litter box

If spraying on walls seems like a cat’s version of revenge, think again. Cats suffering from FLUTD often urinate outside the litter box. They prefer cool surfaces that will soothe their pain, like tile floors or the side of a bathtub. It’s certainly frustrating when your kitty pees somewhere other than the litter box, but it’s also cause for concern.

Frequent and painful urination

Another obvious sign of lower urinary tract disease is urinating several times in a row. When this happens, cats produce only a small amount of urine each time. Causes of this symptom range from an inflamed bladder to a blockage in the urethra. Keep in mind that urethral obstructions are more common in male cats due to their longer, narrower urinary tracts.

Though cats are stellar at hiding their discomfort, one might yelp in pain while attempting to use the litter box. Of course, this is a clear sign that something is wrong. If you’re still unsure whether FLUTD is the problem, check for blood in the urine after your cat has finished their business.

Excessive licking of the genitals and abdomen

It’s normal for cats to bathe themselves on a regular basis. But if you’ve noticed other signs of lower urinary tract disease, pay attention to your cat’s licking behavior. Similar to peeing on a cool surface, licking infected areas is a cat’s way of soothing pain. Felines with FLUTD lick their genitals and abdomen more frequently than other parts of their body. Contact your vet about how to treat your kitty’s lower urinary tract disease.

Don’t wait too long before speaking to your local vet in Alexandria, VA about these symptoms. While most instances of FLUTD are not life threatening, cats depend on their owners to resolve the pain as swiftly as possible. The professionals at Kingstowne Cat Clinic will provide a diagnosis and instruct you on how to prevent future lower urinary tract disease. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment.

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