Health

Cats

Urinary problems in cats (FLUTD and blocked bladder)

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) covers problems of the bladder and urethra, the tube that carries urine out. Stress-related cystitis is the most common cause, but crystals, stones or plugs can block the urethra, especially in male cats. A blocked cat is an emergency that can be fatal within one to two days.

What you might notice

• Straining or crying when passing urine.
• Frequent trips to the litter tray with little urine.
• Blood in the urine.
• Urinating outside the litter tray.
• Licking the genital area a lot.

Common causes

• Stress-related bladder inflammation (idiopathic cystitis).
• Bladder crystals or stones.
• Urethral plugs of minerals and protein.
• Being male, overweight, indoor-only or mainly fed dry food.
• Low water intake.

What you can do at home

• Keep fresh water in several places, and consider a water fountain.
• Offer wet food to increase water intake.
• Provide one more litter tray than the number of cats, in quiet spots.
• Reduce stress and keep routines stable.

Book a vet in the next day or two if

• Blood in the urine, or urinating outside the tray, while still passing normal amounts.
• Frequent visits to the tray in a female cat that is otherwise well.
• Repeated episodes of cystitis.

Don't

• Never wait to see if a straining cat improves.
• Do not mistake straining to urinate for constipation.
• Do not give human cystitis remedies.

Prevention

• Encourage drinking with wet food and several water bowls.
• Keep your cat at a healthy weight.
• Give enrichment such as play, climbing and hiding places.
• Feed any special urinary diet your vet recommends long term.

This guide gives general information about common health problems in dogs and cats. It is not a diagnosis and it does not replace an examination by a veterinarian. Every animal is different, and signs that look mild can sometimes hide a serious problem, especially in cats, which often hide illness and pain. If you are worried about your pet, or if your pet shows any of the warning signs listed here, contact your vet or the nearest emergency veterinary clinic straight away. Never give your pet human medicines or any medicine not prescribed for that animal by a vet.