Companion Animals

Companion Cat Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease

FLUTD affects 1-5% of cats and is strongly linked to stress, diet, and obesity, causing significant pain and welfare impairment.

Key Facts

Idiopathic cystitis is the most common form with no identified physical cause
Stress is a major trigger for FLUTD episodes in susceptible cats
Wet food increases water intake and dilutes urine reducing recurrence
Male cats are at risk for urethral obstruction which is a life-threatening emergency

Welfare Considerations

FLUTD causes acute pain and distress during urination attempts. Cats in pain may vocalize, strain repeatedly without producing urine, and show abdominal discomfort. Idiopathic cystitis driven by stress means that environmental enrichment and stress reduction are therapeutic welfare interventions.

What You Can Do

Feed wet food to increase water intake and reduce FLUTD risk
Identify and reduce sources of stress in cats with recurrent FLUTD
Recognize straining to urinate as an emergency in male cats
Consult a feline specialist for cats with recurrent FLUTD episodes