What It Is
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) is not a single disease, but a group of conditions that affect a cat’s bladder and urethra. It’s one of the most common reasons adult cats go to the vet, especially indoor, overweight, or stressed cats.
FLUTD can range from uncomfortable to life-threatening, particularly in male cats, who can suffer from complete urethral blockages. That’s a true emergency.
🐾 Common Symptoms
- Frequent trips to the litter box
- Straining to urinate (with little or no pee produced)
- Crying or vocalizing during urination
- Blood in urine
- Urinating outside the litter box
- Excessive licking of the genitals
- Restlessness or hiding
- Painful abdomen
- Vomiting or lethargy (in severe cases)
In male cats, if you see your cat straining and not peeing, go to the vet immediately. This could be a urinary blockage.
🦠 Causes
There are several underlying causes of FLUTD. The most common include:
- Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) – inflammation of the bladder with no known cause (most common)
- Urethral obstruction – often caused by crystals, mucus plugs, or stones
- Bladder stones (uroliths) – calcium oxalate or struvite
- Urinary tract infection (UTI) – more common in older cats
- Anatomical abnormalities
- Behavioral stress – a major trigger for FIC
- Obesity and inactivity – major risk factors
FLUTD is more common in cats who are:
- Male
- Overweight
- Indoor-only
- Fed dry food only
- In multi-cat households
🔍 Diagnosis
Since FLUTD is a broad category, your vet will use several tools to figure out what’s really going on.
Typical diagnostics include:
- Urinalysis (to check for blood, crystals, pH, bacteria)
- Urine culture (to rule out infection)
- X-rays or ultrasound (to detect stones or bladder wall thickening)
- Bloodwork (if a blockage is suspected or to check kidney function)
- History of symptoms and environment (stress-related causes often need context)
💊 Treatment
Treatment depends on the underlying cause, but prompt action is essential to relieve discomfort and prevent serious complications.
Treatment options may include:
- Pain relief (e.g., buprenorphine, gabapentin)
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Muscle relaxants or anti-spasmodics
- Urinary diet (to dissolve crystals and promote bladder health)
- Increased water intake (wet food, water fountains, etc.)
- Environmental enrichment and stress reduction
- Cat pheromone diffusers (like Feliway)
- Antibiotics (only if a UTI is confirmed)
- Surgical or catheter-based intervention (for blocked cats)
In cases of urethral obstruction, emergency catheterization is needed to relieve the blockage and stabilize the cat, often followed by hospitalization, fluids, and continued treatment at home.
🩺 Prognosis
With early treatment and long-term management, many cats with FLUTD live full, healthy lives. However, recurrence is common, especially for idiopathic cystitis.
For blocked male cats, the first 24 hours are critical. Once stabilized, diet and stress management are essential to prevent future episodes.
💡 Cat Owner Note
If your cat’s straining in the litter box or suddenly peeing in weird places, it’s not “bad behavior”. It’s pain. FLUTD is frustrating but manageable, and once you get it under control, your cat will thank you (probably by peeing in the right spot again).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About FLUTD
Is FLUTD an emergency?
Sometimes, especially in male cats who can’t urinate, which can be fatal if untreated. If in doubt, go to the vet.
Can FLUTD go away on its own?
Mild cases of idiopathic cystitis may resolve in a few days, but recurrence is likely without changes to environment, diet, or hydration.
What should I feed a cat with FLUTD?
Your vet may recommend a prescription urinary diet, especially if crystals or stones are present. Wet food and extra water are always a plus.
Can stress cause FLUTD?
Yes. Stress is a major contributor, especially in idiopathic cystitis. Environmental enrichment and routine help reduce flare-ups.
How do I prevent FLUTD from coming back?
- Keep your cat well-hydrated
- Use a urinary-specific diet if recommended
- Reduce stress and boredom
- Keep litter boxes clean and accessible
- Regular vet checkups
Do female cats get urinary blockages too?
It’s much rarer in females due to their wider urethra, but they can still get FLUTD, UTIs, or bladder stones.