How to help cats with urinary problems

Urinating outside the litter box and reduced appetites are some signs of such conditions

- Derniese Goh

Many cat owners have heard of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD), but a common misconception is that it refers to one specific disease.

In fact, FLUTD is an umbrella term for various conditions that cause abnormal urinary signs.

WHAT IS FLUTD AND WHAT CAUSES IT?

FLUTD refers to a group of disorders that leads to irritation of the lower urinary tract - the bladder and urethra (the tube through which urine exits the body).

Common causes include:

Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC): The most common cause of FLUTD, responsible for about 70 per cent of cases. Inflammation of the bladder occurs without a known underlying cause. Stress is a major contributing factor.

Urinary stones: Cats can develop stones in the kidneys or bladder. Severe inflammation and muscle spasms also cause the urethra to tighten and close, preventing urination.

Urinary tract infection: This can occur in older cats or those with underlying diseases such as diabetes or chronic kidney disease.

Urethral plugs: Material such as proteins, cells, crystals and debris can clump together, forming a plug that blocks urine flow.