urinary tract health

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD)** is a group of conditions affecting the bladder and urethra of cats, including urine crystals, bladder stones, urethral obstruction, stress-related urinary problems, and bladder infections. These problems can cause your cat to be extremely uncomfortable and should be professionally treated by a veterinarian.

Signs of FLUTD

Common signs of FLUTD in cats include:

  • blood in urine
  • Straining to urinate
  • Urinating outside the litter box
  • Excessive licking of the urethral opening

It is important to note that urinary problems in male cats may indicate urethral obstruction, which is an emergency condition. If you are unsure whether your cat is urinating normally, you should assume that she may be in critical condition and seek medical attention immediately. Because FLUTD can easily recur, if your cat has recently had urethral obstruction, monitor her health closely.

Diagnosis and treatment

During the diagnostic process, your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination and may use X-rays or ultrasounds. Cats with bladder stones usually require surgery to remove the stones and a special diet to prevent new stones from forming. Severe urine crystals may require hospitalization so the crystals can be removed and a long-term special diet may be required. Although these problems can be treated, they can become very serious if left unchecked.

Bladder stones and urine crystals are common problems in dogs and cats in Hong Kong and are one of the main reasons for surgical intervention.

Nutrition and Prevention

Malnutrition in pet food often causes bladder stones and urine crystals. These grains contain a lot of magnesium and phosphorus. Excess minerals can crystallize in the bladder and form stones. These stones become larger over time and can even be as big as an orange in severe cases. Bladder stones can irritate the bladder, cause discomfort, and even lead to life-threatening urethral obstruction.

Reasonable eating habits can effectively prevent bladder stones. As long as the food is safe, reliable and nutritionally balanced, both dry food and wet food (canned) are acceptable. We offer a variety of pet foods that are nutritionally balanced and prevent bladder stones. When bladder stones are detected early, some of the stones can be dissolved with a diet prescribed by your veterinarian.

Stone prevention foods help cats eat a balanced diet and prevent the formation of urine crystals and bladder stones.

How to encourage drinking more water

For cats with urinary problems, owners should encourage them to drink more water. Here are a few simple ways:

  • Increase wet food intake : Adding canned wet food to daily food can increase your cat’s water intake.
  • Use a mobile water dispenser : Purchase a mobile water dispenser to encourage your cat to drink more water.

In addition, we recommend supplements for cats that contain glucosamine, an ingredient that helps protect the bladder wall and prevents the formation of urine crystals and stones.

Symptoms of bladder stones

Common symptoms of bladder stones include:

  • blood in urine
  • Frequent urination
  • Difficulty urinating

If you notice these symptoms, discuss your pet's health with your veterinarian immediately for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

These care and prevention measures can help your cat avoid urinary tract disease and stay healthy and happy.