🐾 Vet Urology 2025: Understanding FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease) in Cats 🐱💦

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a common, often painful, and sometimes life-threatening condition in cats. It refers to a set of symptoms—not a single disease—and can stem from multiple causes. Identifying the correct cause is the key to effective treatment. 🎯

🩸 Recognizing the Symptoms of FLUTD

Regardless of the cause, the symptoms of FLUTD often look the same:

• 🩸 Bloody urine
• 🚽 Straining to urinate (often mistaken for constipation)
• 🏠 Urinating outside the litter box
• ⛔ Urinary blockage (more common in male cats, and a true emergency)
• 😿 Excessive licking of the genital area

These symptoms signal irritation or inflammation in the lower urinary tract, but not the specific cause. 🔍

🧠 Why Pinpointing the Cause Matters

The urinary bladder, urethra, and urinary opening make up the lower urinary tract. When any of these are inflamed or blocked, symptoms appear. But each possible cause has its own specific treatment. That’s why identifying the root of the issue is essential. 🧪

📊 Common Causes of FLUTD by Age Group

👶 In Cats of All Ages:

• 50% = Idiopathic cystitis (no definitive cause)
• 20% = Bladder stones
• 20% = Urethral blockage
• 1–5% = Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• 1–5% = Bladder cancer
• 1–5% = Trauma
• 1–5% = Combination of bladder stone + infection

🧓 In Cats Over 10 Years Old:

• 50% = True urinary tract infection
• 17% = Infection + bladder stone
• 10% = Bladder stones
• 7% = Urethral blockage
• 5% = Idiopathic cystitis
• 5% = Urinary incontinence
• 3% = Bladder cancer
• 66% = Signs of kidney insufficiency

Key takeaway: Age matters. In younger cats, FIC (feline idiopathic cystitis) is most likely. In older cats, UTIs and kidney issues are more common. 🧠📅

🧪 Diagnostic Testing for FLUTD

Your veterinarian may recommend:

• 🔬 Urinalysis – looks for blood, crystals, infection, or pH changes
• 🧫 Urine culture – especially vital in older cats (to confirm infection)
• 🩻 X-rays or 🧭 ultrasound – to detect bladder stones or tumors

For younger cats, extensive testing may not reveal a cause—this is when idiopathic cystitis is suspected. For older cats, a urine culture is often a must. 🧬

⚠️ Male Cats and Urinary Blockage

Male cats are at particular risk for urethral obstruction, where crystals and mucus plug the urethra. If your male cat:

• 🚫 Can’t urinate
• 😿 Cries out in the litter box
• 💤 Becomes lethargic or vomits

Go to a vet immediately. This is an emergency that can lead to death within 48 hours. ⏱️

🔁 Treatment Depends on the Diagnosis

There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for FLUTD. Depending on the cause, your vet may recommend:

• 💊 Antibiotics for infections
• 🥫 Prescription urinary diets (especially for crystals or stones)
• 💧 Fluids and pain meds for idiopathic cystitis
• ✂️ Surgery or catheterization for blockages

Always follow up with your vet to ensure the treatment is working and to prevent recurrence. 🩺

🚫 What NOT to Do

• ❌ Don’t assume it’s just behavioral if your cat urinates outside the box
• ❌ Don’t delay vet visits—it may be a life-threatening blockage
• ❌ Don’t change food without your vet’s guidance

🔐 Prevention Tips

• 💧 Provide multiple sources of fresh water (fountains help)
• 🥫 Feed wet food to promote hydration
• 🧘 Reduce stress (enrichment, consistent routines)
• 🚽 Keep litter boxes clean and placed in quiet areas
• 🩺 Regular vet checkups for early detection

📍 Final Thoughts

FLUTD is a syndrome with many causes, not a single disease. With your veterinarian’s help, most cats recover and live comfortably. But in male cats, any urinary issue must be treated as a potential emergency. 🐾❤️

Worried your cat might have FLUTD? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app to connect with Dr Duncan Houston or another trusted vet today. 🐱📱