Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease in Broward & Surrounding counties

In Broward & Surrounding counties, Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) can be the cause of many issues your cat is facing.  

While we get annoyed at our cats trying to trip us on the way to the kitchen and yelling at us to fill their bowl, that’s preferable to coming home and finding blood all over the floor and a cat hiding under the bed.

FLUTD can affect both male and female cats, however, male cats tend to suffer from FUTD more often. It is painful for them and heart-wrenching for you as their person. 

Causes of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) in Broward & Surrounding counties

‍

• Bladder stones can develop either magnesium ammonium phosphate or calcium oxalate. There are other stones that may be the cause but these two are the most common. Bladder Stones are the cause of around 10-15% of cases of FLUTD.
• Bacterial infections are not common in cats but can be a cause, accounting for around 5-15% of FLUTD usually in older cats.
• Urethral plugs are an accumulation of proteins, cells, crystals, and debris in the urine that combines together to form a plug in a male cat’s urethra. Sometimes small bladder stones can become lodged as well.
• Anatomical defects can sometimes restrict the diameter of the urethra making it difficult for cats to pass urine normally.
• Neoplasia is sometimes seen in older cats and may be transitional cell carcinoma.
• Idiopathic cystitis means inflammation with no known cause. This is the case in around 60-70% of cats diagnosed with FLUTD.

‍

Signs of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) in Broward & Surrounding counties

There are some tell-tale signs that your cat may be suffering from FLUTD or FUTD

‍

• Drinking more
• Straining to urinate
• Bloody urine
• Urinating in unusual places
• Crying when urinating
• Licking around the urinary area (often because of pain)
• Depression
• Dehydration
• Lack of appetite
• Vomiting

‍

Because cats can be so private, especially when it comes to their bathroom habits, unless more than one sign is present, FLUTD can be hard to recognize. 

Cats that are middle-aged, neutered, overweight, don’t exercise, eat only dry food, and are indoor-only cats are most susceptible to FLUTD. 

Treatment of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) in Broward & Surrounding counties

After your vet does the appropriate tests, be it x-rays, biopsies, blood work, or an ultrasound they will be able to determine a course of action. 

Depending on the diagnosis, your cat may be given antibiotics, provided with a special diet, or if necessary, there may need to be surgery to remove stones or obstructions.

Make sure your cat’s litter box is cleaned regularly. If you have multiple cats, try and have a box for each cat.

Always encourage your cat to drink water. If they don’t appear to be getting enough, you may want to make sure to give them wet food to accommodate for the needed hydration.

Remember, any time your cat is having a problem urinating it’s time to give us a call at +130551563069 to schedule a visit for your cat, so you come home to your purring friend trying to trip you as you walk rather than hiding under the bed.