Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD): symptoms and emergencies

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease ( FLUTD ) is a term that encompasses several conditions affecting the bladder and urethra of cats. It is very common, affecting both sexes, but in males it can cause complete urinary obstruction , an emergency that can be fatal within hours.

Causes of FLUTD

• Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC): The most frequent cause (55-65%). Related to stress. No identifiable physical cause.
• Urolithiasis: Stones or gravel in the bladder or urethra (struvite or calcium oxalate)
• Urethral plug: Accumulation of crystalline and organic material that obstructs the urethra. Exclusive to males.
• Bacterial infection, tumor, malformations

Symptom

• Frequent visits to the litter box with little or no urine
• Urination positions outside the litter box
• Urine with blood
• Excessive licking of the genital area
• Crying or vocalizations when trying to urinate
• EMERGENCY: The cat has not urinated for more than 12-24 hours, is lethargic, or is vomiting. This indicates complete urinary obstruction: go to the emergency room immediately.

Urinary obstruction: the most serious emergency

When the urethra (narrower in males) becomes completely blocked, the kidney cannot eliminate waste products. Uremia, hyperkalemia, and cardiac arrest can develop within 24–48 hours. Urinary obstruction in male cats is an emergency requiring immediate veterinary treatment.

Diagnosis and treatment

The veterinarian will confirm the diagnosis through urinary catheterization, ultrasound, and urine and blood tests. Treatment of the obstruction requires hospitalization for clearing and stabilization.

Prevention: Diet and hydration are key

• Increase water intake: Wet diets are essential. Cats with urinary problems should eat primarily wet food.
• Specific urinary diets: Formulated to acidify urine and reduce crystal formation. Check out our selection of wet food for cats y urinary feeds.
• Stress reduction: Multiple litter boxes (1 per cat + 1 extra), environmental enrichment, avoid sudden changes in routine
• Circulating water fountains (cats drink more if the water is moving)

Conclusion

FLUTD is very manageable with the right diet and stress management. If you have a male cat and notice he frequently goes to the litter box without urinating, act quickly: it could be a blockage. Don't wait to "see if he gets better": in this case, time matters.