Urinary Tract Problems in Cats

Very often the culprit is Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD). Once called Feline Urologic Syndrome (FUS), FLUTD is not merely one problem, but a collection of clinical symptoms that may have more than one possible cause. Symptoms of FLUTD include frequent or painful urination, bloody urine and frequent licking of the urinary opening. One key to treating FLUTD is to determine the root cause, which may include bladder stones, urinary tract blockage, infection or cancer. If the cause of these symptoms cannot be determined, the cat is considered to have bladder inflammation (cystitis).

For upper urinary tract issues in cats, please see our article on Kidney Problems.

What Causes Lower Urinary Tract Problems in Cats?

Stones, crystals or debris accumulation in the bladder or urethra
Urethral plug (accumulation of debris from urine)
Bladder inflammation or infection
Incontinence from excessive water drinking or weak bladder
Injury to, or tumor in, the urinary tract
Stress
Spinal cord problems
Congenital abnormality

What Health Conditions Might Lead to Lower Urinary Tract Problems?

Endocrine diseases such as hyperthyroidism and diabetes mellitus can cause lower urinary tract problems in cats.
Which Cats Are Prone to Lower Urinary Tract Problems?

FLUTD is rarely diagnosed in animals younger than one year; the average age is typically four years. Male cats are generally more prone to urethral blockages because of their narrower urethras.
How Can I Tell if My Cat Has Lower Urinary Tract Problems?

The following signs may indicate that your cat is having trouble with his urinary tract:

Inability to urinate or only passing a small amount of urine
Bloody or cloudy urine
Loss of bladder control, dribbling urine
Increased frequency of urination or visits to the litter box
Straining and/or crying out in pain when trying to pass urine
Prolonged squatting in litter box
Fear/avoidance of litter box and soiling in inappropriate places
Constant licking of urinary opening
Strong odor of ammonia in urine
Lethargy
Vomiting
Increased water consumption
Hard, distended abdomen

To diagnose a lower urinary tract problem, your vet should conduct a complete physical exam, a urinalysis and possibly urine culture, blood work, radiographs or ultrasound.
How Are Lower Urinary Tract Problems Treated?

Because feline urinary problems are so varied and potentially serious in nature, your first step is to get immediate veterinary care. Depending on your cat’s prognosis, one of the following may be recommended:

Antibiotics or other medications
Dietary changes
Increase in water intake
Urinary acidifiers
Expelling of small stones through urethra
Surgery to either remove bladder stones or tumor, or to correct congenital abnormality
Urinary catheter or surgery to remove urethral blockage in male cats
Fluid therapy

What Can Happen If a Cat's Lower urinary Tract Problems Go Untreated?

Untreated urinary problems can cause partial or complete obstruction of the urethra, preventing a cat from urinating. This is a medical emergency that can very quickly lead to kidney failure and/or rupture of the bladder, and can prove fatal if the obstruction is not relieved right away.