Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease

TL;DR. Umbrella term for bladder/urethra disorders in cats, from painful inflammation to life-threatening urethral blockage needing emergency care.

FLUTD affects the bladder and narrow urethra.

Qu'est-ce que c'est ?

FLUTD covers any disorder of the bladder or urethra. Many young to middle-aged cats have feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) with no single identifiable cause. Male cats can develop complete urethral obstruction from plugs, crystals, or debris: a true emergency.

Causes et facteurs de risque

Crystals/stones, plugs, behavioral/environmental stress, low water intake, dry-food-heavy diets, dirty litter setups, inter-cat conflict, and obesity. Higher susceptibility reported in Himalayan, Persian, Egyptian Mau, and Siamese.

Signes à surveiller

• Pollakiuria, dysuria, stranguria, hematuria (common)
• Periuria (urinating outside the box) and genital licking (common)
• Vomiting, hiding, anorexia, lethargy (occasional)
• Owners often mistake straining for constipation.

Straining in the litter box is a primary warning sign.

Comment les vétérinaires diagnostiquent

Palpate bladder (large firm bladder suggests obstruction). Urinalysis, culture when indicated, radiographs/ultrasound for stones.

Options de traitement

Obstruction: emergency catheterization, fluids, analgesia, correct electrolytes. Non-obstructive FIC: pain control, environmental enrichment (MEMO), more water, litter hygiene, diet trials as directed. Treat stones/infection specifically when present.

Pronostic

Good for many non-obstructive flares with environment and diet changes; recurrence is common. Obstruction outlook depends on speed of relief and kidney/heart complications.

Prévention

Support water intake, reduce stress, provide enough clean litter boxes, control weight, seek care early for straining.

Quand appeler le vétérinaire

Emergency if a cat strains without producing urine, cries in the box, becomes lethargic, or vomits with a firm bladder. Do not wait.

Sources

• Source references as in the English master article.

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