Understanding FLUTD and UTIs in Cats

Is your cat crying while peeing or showing other signs of urinary distress? Litter box woes are common. In fact, around 10% of cats develop elimination issues at some point in their lives, with urinary issues the most typical.

Knowledge is the first step to treating and preventing these issues. And while you may be familiar with urinary tract infections (UTIs), feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) may not ring a bell. Here's what you should know about the umbrella term FLUTD and where UTIs fit in.

FLUTD

FLUTD is a broad umbrella term used to describe a group of disorders and diseases that affect a cat's lower urinary tract (bladder or urethra). It's a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning your vet will first rule out other causes, such as a UTI or bladder stones.

Due to the term's general nature, the causes of lower urinary tract disease in cats vary widely and can be difficult to identify. Causes may include:

• Bladder crystals or stones

• cat urinary obstruction (emergency)

• Urinary tract injury

• Urinary tract abnormalities

• Bladder inflammation, sometimes referred to as feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC)

• Environmental stressors

• UTIs

Male cats have longer, narrower urethras, putting them at higher risk for urinary conditions.

UTIs

While FLUTD is a broad category of urinary diseases in cats, UTIs are a specific type of urinary tract disease within that category. Occurring in fewer than 3% of younger cats in the United States, UTIs are less common than other urinary issues in cats, such as FIC or bladder stones. In cats over 10 years old, however, UTI prevalence climbs to 40% to 45%, primarily affecting female cats.

Bacteria is the primary cause of UTIs in cats. Fungal, parasitic and viral infections account for fewer than 1% of cases.

If you notice your cat's meowing in the litter box or any other signs, take them to the vet as soon as possible. Calling your veterinarian at the first indication of a urinary issue can help expedite diagnosis and save your cat from a longer period of discomfort. Your vet will conduct a physical exam and collect urine samples. They may also recommend blood work, X-rays or an abdominal ultrasound, depending on your cat's history and physical exam.

Most cases of urinary tract disease require medical treatment based on the underlying cause. Bladder stones, for instance, may involve surgical removal or dissolution.

UTIs often require antibiotics. Sometimes they may be related to an underlying metabolic disease like diabetes in cats, further informing treatment.

Supporting Your Cat at Home

Regardless of the cause, you can take steps at home to decrease the chance of recurring struggles. Increasing your cat's water intake is usually helpful as it helps dilute urine, decreasing the concentration of potentially irritating substances in the bladder. To help with this, your veterinarian may recommend wet cat food. A recirculating water fountain can also help keep water fresh and cool to encourage your cat to drink more.

Helping your cat maintain a healthy weight, providing at least one litter box per cat in your household and ensuring litter boxes are properly sized and well maintained can also reduce the likelihood of recurring urinary tract disease in cats.