Feline Lower Urinary Tract Infection (FLUTI)

Feline lower urinary tract disease involves the structures that make up the lower portion of the urinary tract. Urinary bladder and the urethra. FLUTI previously referred as feline urologic syndrome (FUS). The potential causes of this infection are bladder infection, bladder stones, inflammation of the bladder or urethral obstruction. Urethral obstructions almost always occur in male cats because the urethra in the male cat is much narrower than that of the female cat.  In the male, small bladder stones often cause an obstruction as they pass out of the bladder and through the urethra. Plugs can also occur in the male cat causing an obstruction. It is also noticed that stress can play a major role in the development ofUTI. Stressors may include changes in the number of family members (both human and animal); changes in the litter box location, litter type, or cleanliness; changes in diet; and changes in the routine (e.g., no longer goes outside, owner no longer plays with cat).

Symptoms of FLUTI are prolonged squatting or straining in or out of the litter box and not producing urine or only a small amount , frequent urination or straining, pain while urinating (meowing or howling), urinating outside of the litter box, blood in the urine, frequent licking of the genital area, lack of appetite etc. The cat with urethral obstruction on   progression of disease the cat will begin to vomit and will become very depressed and lethargic. If not treated, urethral obstructions are usually fatal.

If your cat is exhibiting the symptoms of urinary tract disease you should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Depending on findings of your vet, this condition can be treated with catheterization, antibiotics, analgesic medication, surgical removal of bladder stones, therapeutic diets, and increase in water consumption. By keeping stress low, you may be able to decrease the risk of your cat having further episodes.