🐾 Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)
❓ What is Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease?
FLUTD describes a variety of conditions that affect the bladder and urethra of cats. Cats with FLUTD often show signs of difficulty and pain when urinating, increased frequency, and blood in the urine. They may also lick themselves excessively and urinate outside the litter box, often on cool, smooth surfaces like tile floors or bathtubs.
FLUTD can occur at any age, but it is most commonly seen in young, overweight cats that get little exercise, use an indoor litter box, have little or no outdoor access, or eat a dry diet. Stress, multi-cat households, and changes in routine can also increase the risk.
🚨 Major Signs of FLUTD
🐾 Straining to urinate
🐾 Frequent and/or prolonged attempts to urinate
🐾 Crying while urinating
🐾 Excessive licking of the genital area
🐾 Urinating outside the litter box
🐾 Blood in the urine
⚠️ Cats with urethral obstruction may show these signs but pass little or no urine and become distressed. This is a medical emergency—your cat can die within 48 hours without treatment!
🧪 How is FLUTD Diagnosed?
Because FLUTD has many causes, diagnosis can be complex. Your veterinarian will begin with a physical exam and urinalysis. If the cause remains unclear, additional tests such as bloodwork, x-rays, or further urine tests may be needed.
📋 What You Need to Know
While FLUTD can’t always be prevented, you can take steps to reduce your cat’s risk:
🐾 Offer fresh water daily
🐾 Feed canned food for better hydration. Avoid seafood!
🐾 If using dry food, switch to a urinary health formula and gradually add water to moisten it
🐾 Reduce stress with quiet spaces, escape routes, and privacy for eating and litter box use
🐾 Encourage daily play to keep your cat active
🐾 Monitor your cat closely and seek veterinary care if you notice urinary issues
🥫 Recommended Canned Food Portions
🐾 2–3 cans daily of 3 oz size (e.g., Fancy Feast)
🐾 1–1.5 cans daily of 5.5 oz size (e.g., Friskies or Nine Lives)
🛒 Healthy Non-Prescription Canned Foods
🐾 Blue Basics
🐾 Call of the Wild
🐾 Innova
🐾 Honest Kitchen
🐾 Natures Variety
🐾 Natural Balance
🐾 Wellness Core
There are many other canned foods to choose from. Look for grain-free, preferably organic meat flavors. We feed our house cats naturally farmed proteins such as rabbit, lamb, venison, and duck. You should be able to read the ingredient list and recognize the ingredients.
💊 Prescription Urinary Diets
🐾 Blue Buffalo WU
🐾 Hill’s C/D
🐾 Royal Canin Urinary SO
Have questions about FLUTD or your cat’s urinary health?
We’re here to help—reach out to our feline-focused team:
📞 610-398-3556