FLUTD (feline lower urinary tract disease)
Umbrella term for problems affecting the bladder and urethra in cats. Most common cause: idiopathic cystitis. Male urethral obstruction is a true emergency.
FLUTD describes signs of lower urinary tract trouble: frequent attempts to urinate, straining, blood in the urine, urinating outside the tray, crying or vocalising in the tray, excessive grooming of the genital area. The underlying causes include feline idiopathic cystitis (most common, stress-driven), bladder stones, urinary infection (less common in cats than dogs), urinary tract tumours, and urethral plugs.
The critical scenario is male urethral obstruction — a plug or stone blocks urine flow. Without treatment, the bladder ruptures or the cat dies of kidney failure within 24–72 hours. Signs: straining with no urine produced, vocalising, restlessness, vomiting, hiding, collapse. This is a true emergency.
Treatment depends on cause. Idiopathic cystitis is managed with stress reduction, environmental enrichment, hydration support (wet food, multiple water sources), and sometimes prescription urinary diets. Stones may need dissolution diets or surgery. Obstructed cats need emergency unblocking under anaesthesia.
Prevention: multiple clean trays in separate locations, multiple water sources, wet food daily, stable low-stress environment, vertical territory (climbing posts), routine annual exam.