What is feline urinary tract disease (FLUTD)?
Top Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) includes disorders of the bladder and urethra. The syndrome has several causes, including crystals that form in the urine and which irritate the bladder wall, bladder stones, bacterial infection, tumours and unknown causes (idiopathic). Most crystals in cats are known as struvite crystals. Diet is thought to play a role in the development of struvite crystals, especially the levels of magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus. The pH of the urine is important, as is the amount and frequency of urination. Overweight, inactive cats that tend to urinate infrequently are predisposed to FLUTD, as are cats that have lower water consumption. Stress may also contribute to the development of the clinical signs of urinary tract disease. Signs include blood in the urine, straining to urinate, urinating small amounts frequently, inappropriate urination – often in the bath or sink, or inability to urinate due to a blockage. If this is not unblocked, signs of
