Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) was formerly known as feline urologic syndrome (FUS), and is now more commonly known as feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC). FIC is an infection that leads to problems within the bladder and urethra. FIC is the most common reason for hospital visits in felines, the vast majority of cats have had encounters with FIC, and there is a high probability of reoccurrence in a cat’s lifetime. If left untreated, FIC can lead to acute renal failure.

Signs & Symptoms of FIC

• Strain or inability to urinate
• Anxiety
• Vocalization during urinating attempts
• Frequent bathroom trips with little urine
• Blood in urine
• Painful abdomen
• Excessive licking of the genitalia
• Urination outside of the litter box, most often on cool surfaces

Causes of FIC

Unfortunately the cause of FIC is most often unknown. High risk factors include indoor, middle-aged, and overweight cats. Bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, and bladder stones or crystals, can also be contributing factors. Other sources of infection can include poor diet, inadequate water intake, urinary pH, stress, or high mineral intake. Sometimes cat owners confuse the possible signs of FIC with behavioral problems. That is why it is important for cat owners to be aware of the signs and symptoms of FIC. 

Diagnosis of FIC

Diagnosis begins with a complete history and a physical exam. Your veterinarian will most likely do the following:

• Urinalysis - This test involves the collection of a urine sample. If your cat is blocked or will not urinate over time, your veterinarian may have to obtain the sample via cystocentesis, or by putting a needle through the abdomen into the bladder. The urine will then be examined visually, chemically, and microscopically for abnormalities. Your veterinarian will look for red blood cells, crystal formation within the bladder, and abnormal pH or chemical values in the urine.
• CBC/Chemistry Panel - These blood tests will evaluate various internal organ functions, including the heart, liver, kidneys, pancreas, metabolism, and electrolyte balance. The CBC (complete blood count) is a measure of the amount and different kinds of red and white blood cells that are present in the body. Blood screening can also further analysis if the urinalysis is completed with little or no results.
• Radiographs - This may be done to determine if kidney or bladder stones have formed.

Treatment for FIC

Effective treatment involves three main factors: reduce stress, provide pain relief, and promote increased water intake.  

• Provide a stable routine.
• Feed in a quiet area of the house.
• Place large litter boxes in private locations and use with clumping litter. It is highly recommended to have one more litter box than the number of cats in the household (eg., if you have two cats, have three litter boxes).
• Provide sufficient space for the cat. The more room the better. Also think vertically - most cats like to be up high.

• More often than not, your vet will advise a new diet for your feline friend and this may include incorporating wet food and increasing water intake.

• Water is the most important element in a feline’s diet, and a pet fountain encourages cats to drink more water, which is the best preventive of FIC. Water also dilutes minerals that could potentially turn into obstructions. Without proper treatment FIC can develop into acute renal failure, which is essentially failure of the kidney. Male cats are at higher risk for developing a life-threatening obstruction caused by FIC.