This is a partnered post with Purina, but all opinions are my own.
I never realized how common kidney and urinary tract problems could be until I became pregnant. I spent my entire second pregnancy taking medication in an attempt to prevent my kidneys from shutting down. Since that time, I’ve encountered many others who have experienced similar problems, but it was a shock to me to find out it was also common in cats! I learned this the hard way. Our cat, Daisy, had been abused before she was rescued and is very distrustful when it comes to humans. She likes us and wants to be with us, but is very skittish. At first I didn’t realize anything was wrong, but then began noticing she spent a lot of time in the litter box with no results and meowing for no reason. She’s a quiet cat who rarely makes a sound so both of these behaviors were unusual. A dreaded trip to the vet was in order.
Did you know Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease, or FLUTD, is a common condition seen in cats? I didn’t either. In some cases, the cats will have an inflammation of the urinary bladder and in other cases crystals or stones form in the urine, which can irritate the lining of the urinary tract. This is especially common in male cats, where crystals or stones can partially or completely block the urine flow, and cats who are four years of age and older.
For Daisy, besides medication, a change in her diet was in order. Purina ProPlan Veterinary Diets now makes Urinary® St/Ox®Feline Formula, commonly prescribed for FLUTD. The dry blend promotes increased water intake, promotes a urinary environment unfavorable to the development of both struvite and calcium oxalate crystals and promotes urinary tract health.
If the condition is not treated it can lead to kidney failure or ruptured bladder, so here are some signs to watch for:
- Frequent trips to the litter box
- Crying when urinating
- Urinating outside the litter box
- Excessive licking of genital area
- Prolonged squatting in litter box
If you are afraid your cat might be having FLUTD issues, you can learn more by visiting Purina Veterinary Exchange on Facebook or Twitter.
What a beautiful cat! I’ve never heard of FLUTD. Hope Daisy is feeling well soon!
I need to share this post with my friend. Her cat has been having problems with UTI’s lately.
Poor kitty. I’m glad you took her to the vet and shared the solution with us. She looks like a happy cat, now.
I didn’t even know cats could have this. I wonder if it affects dogs too?
I have two cats and i have never heard of this. I will have to get some of this food for my fur babies to try. I know they will love it.
I had no idea that urinary problems were common in cats! Sounds like a great diet for your feline
Wow, I don’t think I even knew that cats could suffer from this. I don’t have cats, but I will certainly spread the word.
I grew up with cats, and had no idea this could be a problem. As an adult, I’ve learned how important my pets’ diet is for their health. This sounds like a great option for cat owners whose cats are in need of a specialized diet.
Luckily my cat doesn’t have any of those symptoms but it’s good to know about them in case it ever happens.
Oh wow. I’ve had cats my whole entire life, never a day without one and I had no idea of this. Thank you for the info I’m going to have to be checking this out.
I never realized this could happen to cats until this post. Thanks for the informative information.
That’s smart that you picked up on the changes in behavior. I didn’t realize it could be a problem for cats, but that does make sense.
I never heard of that but I’m glad your cat is okay now. It’s amazing what the right food can do.
Purina has hit a homerun with this product – it really targets a common issue with cat parents.
What a cute cat. We only have dogs but I have a friend who has a cat that is suffering right now from similar symptoms. I will have to share this with her.
I’m so glad you were aware of her behaviors enough to know something was up. It’s crazy that our pets can have so many of the same health problems people do?!
I did not realize cats experience this! We have had kidney problems in our cats; maybe this would be a good choice.
I had no idea that cats could suffer from this! We don’t currently have a cat but I’ll be sure to share this info with all my cat mama friends!
I never knew cats could suffer from this. I don’t have a cat at this time, but it is good to know.
Oh wow, I’m glad food like this can help out. I’m new to living with a cat so this is helpful.
Your poor cat. FLUTD is a serious issue. We don’t have cats but we have a dog and taking care of our pets and keeping them healthy through exercise and diet is important!
My male cat had this issue. He could have died but I did get him to the vet. They gave him fluids and medicine to help the crystals pass. Now he eats perscription foods . I will definitly look for this brand to try.
This looks like a great brand of cat food. I don’t have any pets, but I will share this with friends and family that do.
That’s neat that Purina came out with this. My sweet boy, RIP Leo only had a UTI once and apparently male cats are to avoid salmon. It was in his teeth cleaning green treats.
I treated him with homeopathy and he was back to himself in about a week. I never saw cat food that catered to this. That’s nice.
What a totally cute cat! I had no idea about FLUTD. Our cat is very young and seems like she doesn’t have this issue but I will look for signs.
I’ve never heard of FLUTD. I have a cat and haven’t noticed the signs you listed but will definitely be watching her closer.
I had never realized this happened to cats until I read this either.
FLUTD is a serious thing. I have a friend with a cat that has this problem. It’s under control, but it was painful until they figured it out.
Poor Daisy! Glad you were able to get her some help and that she’s ok now!