Urinary tract disease in cats is a common yet potentially serious health issue that can significantly impact your feline companion’s well-being. These conditions can cause discomfort, behavioural changes, and, in severe cases, life-threatening complications. As a cat owner, understanding urinary tract diseases, their symptoms, causes, and available treatments is essential to keep your pet healthy and happy.
Feline urinary tract diseases encompass a range of conditions affecting the bladder and urethra, often leading to discomfort during urination, frequent trips to the litter box, or even complete urinary blockage. Recognising the signs early and seeking prompt veterinary care can make a considerable difference in your cat’s recovery and overall quality of life.
In this article, we will explore the various aspects of urinary tract disease in cats, including common symptoms, underlying causes, diagnostic methods, treatment options, and preventive measures. By being well-informed, you can play a proactive role in your cat’s health and well-being.
Contents:
What is Urinary Tract Disease in Cats?
Urinary tract disease in cats refers to a group of conditions that affect the urinary system, primarily the bladder and urethra. These conditions can range from mild to severe, and while some cases resolve on their own, others may require medical intervention.
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) is a broad term used to describe these conditions, which can include bladder inflammation, urinary tract infections, bladder stones, urethral obstruction, and idiopathic cystitis. While FLUTD is more commonly associated with the lower urinary tract, it can also affect the kidneys and ureters in some cases.
Understanding the distinction between upper and lower urinary tract diseases is important for managing your cat’s health. Upper urinary tract issues involve the kidneys and ureters, whereas lower urinary tract diseases, which are more common, affect the bladder and urethra. Early recognition and appropriate treatment of these conditions are crucial in preventing complications.
Common Symptoms of Urinary Tract Disease in Cats
Signs to Look Out For
Cats with urinary tract disease may exhibit a range of symptoms, some of which are subtle while others are more pronounced. Common signs include frequent urination, straining to urinate, and producing only small amounts of urine. You may notice your cat visiting the litter box more often than usual or even attempting to urinate outside of it.
Blood in the urine, known as haematuria, is another common symptom. This can present as pink, red, or dark-coloured urine. Cats may also vocalise during urination, indicating pain or discomfort. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to seek veterinary advice promptly.
Behavioural Changes
In addition to physical symptoms, cats with urinary tract disease often exhibit behavioural changes. They may begin urinating in inappropriate places, such as on furniture or carpets, which can be frustrating for pet owners. This behaviour is typically a cry for help, as the cat associates the litter box with pain.
Increased grooming of the genital area is also a common sign of discomfort. Cats may lick the area excessively in an attempt to soothe the irritation caused by the urinary condition. Observing these changes in your cat’s behaviour can provide valuable clues to their health status.
Severe Symptoms
In severe cases, especially when there is a urinary blockage, symptoms can escalate quickly. Blockages are more common in male cats due to their narrower urethras and can become life-threatening if not addressed promptly. This complication is more common in male cats.
Symptoms of a blockage include complete inability to urinate, extreme lethargy, vomiting, loss of appetite, and a swollen, painful abdomen. Immediate veterinary intervention is crucial in such cases, as untreated blockages can lead to kidney failure and death.
Causes of Urinary Tract Disease in Cats
Idiopathic Causes
One of the most common causes of urinary tract disease in cats, particularly idiopathic cystitis, remains largely unknown. Idiopathic cystitis is characterised by inflammation of the bladder without a clear underlying cause such as infection or stones. Stress is believed to play a significant role in idiopathic cases, and environmental factors such as changes in routine, introduction of new pets, or moving house can trigger symptoms.
Dietary and Lifestyle Factors
Diet and lifestyle are key contributors to the development of urinary tract diseases in cats. Cats that consume a predominantly dry diet may be at higher risk due to lower water intake, which can lead to concentrated urine and crystal formation. Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle can also increase the risk, as overweight cats are more prone to urinary issues and have difficulty grooming themselves properly.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
While less common in cats compared to dogs, urinary tract infections can occur, particularly in older cats or those with underlying health conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease. UTIs are caused by bacteria that enter the urinary tract, leading to inflammation and infection. Symptoms of UTIs are similar to other urinary tract diseases and include frequent urination, straining, and blood in the urine.
Urolithiasis (Bladder Stones)
Bladder stones, or uroliths, are hard mineral deposits that can form in the bladder and cause irritation, blockages, and infection. There are different types of stones, including struvite and calcium oxalate stones, each with specific dietary and medical management requirements.
Risk factors for stone formation include certain diets, genetic predisposition, and chronic urinary tract infections.
Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Disease
Veterinary Examination
If your cat is exhibiting signs of urinary tract disease, a veterinary examination is the first step in diagnosis. The vet will conduct a thorough physical exam and take a detailed history of your cat’s symptoms, diet, and environment. They may palpate the abdomen to check for a distended bladder, which could indicate a blockage.
Diagnostic Tests
Several diagnostic tests can help determine the specific cause of urinary tract disease in your cat. A urinalysis is often the first test performed and can provide valuable information about the presence of blood, crystals, bacteria, or other abnormalities in the urine. Blood tests may also be conducted to assess kidney function and rule out other systemic conditions.
Advanced Diagnostics
In more complex cases or when the initial tests are inconclusive, advanced diagnostics such as X-rays or ultrasound may be necessary. These imaging techniques can help identify bladder stones, tumours, or other structural abnormalities. In some instances, a cystoscopy, which involves inserting a small camera into the bladder, may be recommended for a closer examination.
Treatment Options for Urinary Tract Disease in Cats
Dietary Changes and Management
Dietary management is a cornerstone of treatment for many urinary tract diseases in cats. Prescription diets designed to dissolve certain types of bladder stones or to reduce bladder inflammation are often recommended. Increasing water intake is also crucial, as it helps dilute the urine and flush out irritants. This can be achieved by feeding wet food, providing multiple water sources, or using cat water fountains.
Medications
Depending on the underlying cause of the urinary tract disease, various medications may be prescribed. Pain relief, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can help manage discomfort. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, while other medications, like antispasmodics, can help relax the bladder and urethra.
Surgical Interventions
In cases where bladder stones or tumours are present, or when a urinary blockage cannot be resolved with catheterisation, surgical intervention may be necessary. Procedures such as cystotomy (bladder surgery) to remove stones or a perineal urethrostomy (a surgical widening of the urethra) in male cats with recurrent blockages may be performed.
Home Care and Ongoing Management
Long-term management of urinary tract disease often involves lifestyle adjustments and ongoing monitoring. Reducing environmental stressors, providing a clean and comfortable litter box environment, and ensuring a balanced diet with adequate hydration are key components of home care. Regular veterinary check-ups are also important to monitor your cat’s condition and adjust treatment as needed.
Preventing Urinary Tract Disease in Cats
Diet and Hydration
Prevention of urinary tract disease in cats largely revolves around diet and hydration. Feeding a high-quality, balanced diet that promotes urinary health is essential. Wet food is generally recommended as it contains more moisture, which can help keep your cat’s urine dilute and less likely to form crystals or stones.
Encouraging your cat to drink more water by providing fresh water in multiple locations. Using water fountains designed for cats, and/or providing water in varying types of vessel (glass or ceramic bowls, tall glasses etc) can also help.
Environmental Enrichment
Reducing stress is another important aspect of prevention, particularly in cats prone to idiopathic cystitis. Providing a stimulating and enriched environment with plenty of opportunities for play, exploration, and rest can help reduce stress.
Ensure your cat has access to scratching posts, climbing trees, and interactive toys, and consider adding hiding spots where they can retreat when feeling anxious.
Litter Boxes
Homes should contain one litter box per cat, plus one extra. This is still important even if your cat(s) toilet outside.
Pheromone Diffusers
Pheromone diffusers such as Feliway, diffuse ‘happy cat’ pheremones into the environment and can be useful in helping to reduce stress. They can be particularly useful in multicat households, or during periods of anticipated stress, such as introduction of a new pet to the house, or during building works for example.
Regular Veterinary Check-ups
Routine veterinary visits are crucial in maintaining your cat’s overall health and catching any potential issues early. Regular check-ups allow your vet to monitor your cat’s urinary health and make recommendations based on any changes in their condition.
Early detection and intervention can prevent minor issues from developing into serious health problems.
Frequently Asked Questions About Urinary Tract Disease in Cats
What are the Risks of Untreated Urinary Tract Disease?
Untreated urinary tract disease can lead to serious complications, including urinary blockages, kidney damage, and severe pain. In male cats, blockages are particularly dangerous and can become life-threatening within hours. Prompt veterinary care is essential to prevent these outcomes.
How Can I Help My Cat at Home?
At home, you can help your cat by ensuring they have access to fresh water at all times, feeding a diet that supports urinary health, and minimising stress in their environment. Keeping the litter box clean and accessible is also important, as cats may avoid using a dirty box, exacerbating urinary issues.
Are Certain Cat Breeds More Susceptible?
While urinary tract disease can affect cats of any breed, certain breeds, such as Persians and other long-haired cats, may be more predisposed to developing bladder stones or other urinary issues. Genetics, diet, and lifestyle all play a role in a cat’s susceptibility to urinary tract diseases.
Takeaways for Cat Owners
Urinary tract disease in cats is a multifaceted condition that requires prompt attention and appropriate management. By recognising the symptoms early and seeking veterinary care, you can help your cat navigate this challenging condition and maintain a good quality of life.
Preventive measures, such as a proper diet, hydration, and stress management, are key to reducing the risk of urinary tract disease in your feline friend.
Remember, your vigilance and proactive care can make all the difference in keeping your cat healthy and happy.
If your cat's quality of life is suffering, contact our team via 0333 041 8200 or request an appointment.
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