Symptoms, Causes & Natural Remedies

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) is a common and often complex health issue that affects cats. It refers to a group of disorders that affect the bladder and urethra, leading to discomfort and difficulty in urination. In this guide, we will explore the symptoms, causes, and natural treatments to help cats with FLUTD.

Symptoms of FLUTD in Cats:

FLUTD can manifest in various ways, and the symptoms may vary from cat to cat. Here are some common signs to watch for:

• Frequent urination: Cats with FLUTD may frequently visit the litter box or attempt to urinate outside the box.
• Straining to urinate: Cats may exhibit straining, crying, or discomfort while attempting to urinate.
• Urinating in unusual places: Some cats may urinate outside of the litter box, due to associating the litter box with pain.
• Blood in the urine: FLUTD can cause blood in the urine, which can be visible or microscopic.
• Licking the genital area: Cats with FLUTD may excessively groom their genital area due to discomfort.
• Crying or vocalization: Some cats may exhibit signs of pain or distress, such as crying or vocalizing while urinating.
• Decreased appetite or lethargy: Cats with FLUTD may experience a decrease in appetite or appear lethargic.

Causes of FLUTD in Cats:

The causes of FLUTD can be multifactorial and can vary from cat to cat. Here are some common factors that contribute to FLUTD:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Bacterial infections in the urinary tract can cause FLUTD symptoms.
• Urinary stones or crystals: The formation of stones or crystals in the bladder or urethra can lead to blockages and FLUTD symptoms.
• Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC): FIC is a condition characterized by inflammation of the bladder without a known cause.
• Stress and environmental factors: Cats are sensitive to stress, and changes in their environment, such as moving to a new home or the presence of new pets, can trigger FLUTD.
• Diet and hydration: Poor diet, especially dry food with inadequate moisture content, can contribute to FLUTD by affecting urine pH and concentration.

Natural Ways to Help Cats with FLUTD:

Increase Water Intake:

• Provide fresh water at all times and consider using a water fountain to encourage drinking.
• Add water to your cat’s food or offer wet food instead of dry food to increase moisture intake.
• Consider using cat-friendly water flavorings or low-sodium broth to entice your cat to drink more.

Stress Reduction:

• Create a calm and safe environment for your cat, ensuring they have a designated space to retreat to.
• Use pheromone diffusers, such as Feliway, to reduce stress and anxiety.
• Provide interactive toys, scratching posts, and perches to engage your cat mentally and physically.

Balanced Diet:

• Consult with your veterinarian to determine the most appropriate diet for your cat’s specific needs.
• Consider a high-quality wet food or a balanced raw diet, which can help increase water intake and promote urinary health.
• Avoid diets with excessive mineral content that may contribute to the formation of crystals or stones.

Herbal Remedies:

• Consult with a holistic veterinarian for appropriate herbal remedies, such as cranberry extract or uva ursi, which may help support urinary health.
• Ensure that any herbal remedies or supplements are safe for cats and properly dosed.

Environmental Enrichment:

• Provide environmental enrichment to reduce stress and promote mental stimulation. This can include toys, puzzle feeders, and interactive playtime.
• Set up multiple litter boxes in quiet and accessible locations to encourage regular urination and prevent litter box aversion.

Regular Urine Check-ups:

• Schedule routine veterinary check-ups to check your cat’s urinary health.
• Get urine pH test strips and monitor your cat’s urine pH at home regularly.

Litter Box Management:

• Keep the litter box clean by scooping it daily and regularly replacing the litter.
• Avoid scented litters or harsh cleaning chemicals, as they may discourage your cat from using the litter box.
• Provide an adequate number of litter boxes in multi-cat households (one per cat plus an extra).

Stress Management Techniques:

• Follow the stress-reducing techniques to create a calm environment for your cat.
• Provide vertical spaces and hiding spots to allow your cat to feel secure.

Conclusion:

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) can be a distressing condition for cats, but there are natural ways to support their urinary health and alleviate symptoms. By promoting hydration, reducing stress, ensuring a balanced diet, considering herbal remedies, providing environmental enrichment, maintaining proper litter box hygiene, and keeping an eye on the urine pH, you can help manage FLUTD and improve your cat’s overall well-being.