Urinary tract diseases in cats

Diseases affecting the lower urinary tract often prevent the bladder from emptying normally and can even lead to fatal blockage of the urethra, the tube that connects the bladder to the outside world. Lower urinary tract disease in cats is a common cause. Feline urologic syndrome (FUTS), as lower urinary tract disease in cats was previously called, is not just one disease but a series of clinical signs that may have more than one possible cause. Symptoms of lower urinary tract disease in cats include frequent and painful urination, bloody urine, and frequent licking of the urinary opening. The key to treating lower urinary tract disease in cats is to determine the underlying cause. This could be bladder stones, a blockage in the urinary tract, an infection, or cancer. If the cause of these symptoms cannot be determined, the cat is considered to have an inflammation of the bladder (cystitis).

To learn about upper urinary tract disease in cats, read the article on kidney disease.

What causes lower urinary tract disease in cats?

• A buildup of stones, crystals, or sand in the bladder or urethra
• Urethral plug (accumulation of sediment from urine)
• Inflammation or infection of the bladder
• Incontinence due to excessive water consumption or a weak bladder
• Damage or tumor in the urinary tract
• Stress
• Spinal cord diseases
• Congenital pathology

What diseases can lead to lower urinary tract disease?

Endocrine diseases such as hyperthyroidism and diabetes mellitus can cause lower urinary tract disease in cats.

Which cats are prone to lower urinary tract disease?

Lower urinary tract disease in cats is rarely diagnosed in animals under one year of age. The average age is usually four years. In general, males are more prone to urethral impaction because they have a narrower urethra.

How do you know if your cat has lower urinary tract disease?

The following symptoms may indicate that your cat has urinary tract problems:

• Inability to urinate or passing small amounts of urine
• Bloody or cloudy urine
• Loss of bladder control, dribbling of urine
• Increased frequency of urination or litter box visits
• Straining and/or screaming in pain when trying to urinate
• Sitting in the litter box for long periods of time
• Fear/avoidance of litter box and puddles in inappropriate places
• Constant licking of the urinary opening
• Strong smell of ammonia in urine
• Drowsiness
• Vomit
• Increase water consumption
• Hard, distended belly

What should I do if I think my cat has lower urinary tract disease?

Contact your veterinarian immediately, especially if your cat strains to urinate or cries out in pain. Emergency medical care may be needed!

How are lower urinary tract diseases diagnosed?

To diagnose lower urinary tract disease, your veterinarian will need to perform a complete physical examination, urinalysis, and possibly urine culture, blood work, radiography, and ultrasound.

How are lower urinary tract diseases treated?

Because urinary tract diseases in cats are so varied and potentially serious in nature, the first step is to seek immediate veterinary attention. Depending on the prognosis, the following may be recommended:

• Antibiotics or other medications
• Changes in nutrition
• Increase water consumption
• Urinary oxidizers
• Pushing out small stones through the urethra
• Surgery to remove bladder stones or tumors or to correct a congenital defect
• Urinary catheter or surgery to remove blockages in the urethra in males
• Infusion therapy

What can happen if lower urinary tract disease in cats is left untreated?

Untreated urinary tract diseases can lead to partial or complete blockage of the urethra, preventing the cat from urinating. This is a dangerous condition as it can very quickly lead to kidney failure and/or bladder rupture, and can be fatal if the blockage is not relieved.

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