Have you noticed your cat taking a few too many trips to the litter box lately and straining to urinate?

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a term that is used to cover many problems of the feline urinary tract, including stones and cystitis. It is a common disease in adult cats, though it can strike in young cats too. It may present as any of a variety of urinary tract problems, and can lead to a complete blockage of the urinary system, which if left untreated is fatal. FLUTD is not a specific diagnosis in and of itself - rather, it represents an array of problems within one body system.

FLUTD affects cats of both sexes, but it tends to be more dangerous in males because they are more susceptible to blockages due to their longer, narrower urethra. Urinary tract disorders have a high rate of recurrence, and some cats seem to be more susceptible to urinary problems than others.

Symptoms of the disease include prolonged squatting and straining during attempts to urinate, frequent trips to the litter box or a reluctance to leave the area, small amounts of urine voided in each attempt, blood in the urine, howling, crying or other vocalizations. A cat that is failing to urinate properly should see a vet immediately.

This is a very important topic for cat owners, so we have written an article titled Urinary Obstruction in Cats. It includes things to watch for and tips on veterinary and preventative care.

To read this article, go to: Urinary Obstruction in Cats

I hope this information is helpful. Please keep an eye on your cat's litter box habits, as this can be an indicator of an underlying problem.