FLUTD (formerly called feline urologic syndrome or FUS) is a general term that applies to a variety of diseases affecting a cat's lower urinary tract such as the formation of crystals in the urinary tract, kidney stones, cystitis and infection of the urinary tract and is responsible for many visits to the Vet each year
Common among male cats over 1 year old FLUTD is a recurring problem with some cats and can be very painful and even fatal if not treated promptly. If you suspect your cat has FLUTD take them to the Vet as soon as possible as in some cases death can occur within a day or two after the onset of sympto
Potential Causes Of FLUT Because FLUTD comprises many different ailments it is hard to pinpoint the exact causes but here are some generally accepted reasons your cat can get FLUTD:
Cats normally don't drink much water and as a result may not urinate enough to keep their urinary tract clean.
An overweight cat that is not active tends to make fewer visits to their litter box so the urine does not get flushed out of their body regularly and crystals can build up or infections can develop.
There is some evidence that neutering your cat can play a role in the development of FLUTD.
Indoor cats that use a litter box have a higher risk of developing urinary tract problems.
Using a dry cat food can cause your cat to become dehydrated but take note that many experts prefer dry cat food over moist.
Stress in a cat's life is a very real concern and this is also thought to be a trigger for FLUTD.
Symptoms Of FLUTD
It is important to be aware of any changes in your cat's behavior as this can signal a developing urinary tract problem:
Take note if your cat is urinating more frequently.
If there is any blood in your cat's urine take them to the Vet as soon as you can.
If your cat strains to urinate or is unable to go at all something is wrong. Many people mistakenly think their cat is constipated.
If your cat starts urinating outside their litter box or spraying this might indicate the onset of FLUTD. Many times these actions can also be attributed to behavioral issues like stress.
Any changes in your cat's eating habits especially a loss of appetite.
Treatment For FLUTD
If you suspect your cat might be having urinary problems your Vet can do a simple urine test to check for the more common causes.
The good news is that if caught early FLUTD can be easily controlled through medication and dietary changes but it is up to your Vet to decide what the best treatment options are. In other words, do not try to cure your cat yourself
Prevention Of FLUTD
FLUTD related diseases usually go away in a couple of weeks but you should not take the chance that this will be the case with your cat.
Make sure your cat has plenty of fresh water and encourage them to drink more.
If stress is an issue you need to find out the cause(s) and remove them from your cat's environment.
Finally, follow your Vet's advice.
If there is one central theme to this article it is that you do not want to take chances with your cat's health. If you suspect FLUTD you need to get your Vet involved quickly in order to make a professional diagnosis and to prescribe the appropriate treatment. Don't ignore your cat's problems thinking they will go away as this illness can be very painful and potentially fatal.
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