FLUTD disease in cats

Lloyd was diagnosed with a urinary disease FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease). In his situation his urethra had become blocked with mucus and a build up of tiny crystals. These prevented him from being able to urinate. Surgery is necessary to clear the debris so that the kidneys are able to remove toxins from the blood and maintain a balance of fluids and electrolytes in the body. Without treatment, death frequently occurs as these imbalances lead to heart failure — often in less than twenty-four to forty-eight hours.

Cats susceptible to feline lower urinary tract disease are:

• male cats
• cats with a predominant indoor life
• an extensive dry food diet
• those that are overweight
• feeding a poor diet

Lloyd had very successful surgery and stayed in hospital for a couple of days. This was to ensure he recovered from surgery and  able to urinate without any difficulty. During this time in hospital he took it upon himself to  show everyone his repertoire of death stares. Those who have a cat would know them well.

Ways to reduce the risk of FLUTD

• Feed small meals on a frequent basis
• Consult with your veterinarian about a specialised diet for your cat
• Organise clean, fresh water to be available at all times
• Provide an adequate number of litter boxes (usually one more than the number of cats in the household) with the type of litter that the cat(s) prefer
• Keep litter boxes in quiet, safe areas of the house
•  Litter boxes clean – they should be scooped twice a day and the litter changed weekly (or more often as needed).
• Minimise major change
• Factors such as emotional or environment stress, multi-cat households, and abrupt changes in daily routine have been know to increase the risk of developing FLUTD

Lloyd is now happy at home. He had a new type of food and diet to help prevent FLUTD reoccurring.  Many people make the assumption they are constipated. Top marks to Ryan, who visited a vet as soon as he saw Lloyd in difficulty.