Feline lower urinary tract disease, or FLUTD, refers to a number of urinary tract diseases, generally inflammatory infections and urinary calculus. FLUTD can occur in both male and female cats. Symptoms may include difficulty urinating, increased urinating with little output, urinating in inappropriate places, and blood in the urine. For male cats, urinary calculus can become lodged in the male urethra and cause a complete obstruction so that the cat can't urinate at all. If this occurs, it is a very serious condition, potentially life-threatening, and requires immediate medical attention.
Some cats are more prone to developing FLUTD, including inactive and obese cats. Further, urethral blockage is more common in male cats. Though FLUTD can occur at any age, it is more common in cats between the ages of two and five. It's also believed that diet can play a role in some types of FLUTD, and your veterinarian can advise you of any special diets that your cat should be on. If you suspect that your cat may have FLUTD, contact your veterinarian. |
