Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD): Why Our Cats Keep Us Guessing

Cats are complicated creatures so of course they would have a complicated disease called FLUTD. Feline Lower Urinary Tract disease encompasses a lot of process in cats and can be caused by multiple factors which is why this disease is so complicated. Cats can be very sensitive to changes in their environment which can cause some issues in their urinary system. Cats with FLUTD can get chronic crystals in their urine, chronic inflammation in their bladders, chronic pain and stress from the disease can manifest which can cause other issues in other bodily systems. Treating these cats is a lifelong treatment including diet and medications. So, lets dive into what causes FLUTD.

First up is an idiopathic factor which just means we don’t know why its happening, it just happens and we don’t know why which can be very frustrating. Cats with chronic crystals in their urine are more predisposed to developing FLUTD in their lives due to the chronic irritation in their urethra and bladder.

Signs of FLUTD include hematuria (blood in urine), straining to urinate, excessive grooming around hind end, urinating in inappropriate places around the house and increased urination small amounts more frequently. If you have identified these signs in your cat and bring them to the vet, the first thing we do is a urinalysis to see what’s in their urine. We also may do bloodwork and x-rays to see if the kidneys are functioning normally and if there are bladder stones, we can see those on x-rays.

Once we know what’s causing the FLUTD we can treat it! That can include antibiotics if there is an infection present, can include ant inflammatory medication if inflammation is causing the issue, and in all cases either a short-term diet or a long term diet to help prevent recurrence. There is no universal treatment, but we can manage a lot with diet and medications.

The other factor in cats is stress; stress can play a huge role in urinary issues in cats. Stress in cats can be as simple as a change in their routine, a change in the home ie you moved furniture or got new furniture, even just having new house guests over can stress them out. By recognizing how cats get stressed we can help with treating them for FLUTD. There are great pheromone products that we also use in your house to help keep your cats calm and happy. If your noticing anything out of the ordinary with your feline friend its best to get them checked out and a plan in place for helping treat any issues.

FLUTD & the Holiday Season: How to Keep Cats Happy During the Festive Chaos

The holidays are wonderful for us—but for many cats, they’re… a lot. With visitors coming and going, décor changes, noisy gatherings, travel, and shifted routines, stress levels can creep up fast. And for FLUTD-prone cats, that can mean flare-ups.

Here are some ways to make the season easier on your feline friend:

🎄 Create a quiet “holiday-safe room.”A cozy space with their litter box, water, comfy bedding, and a hiding spot gives them a stress-free retreat when the house gets busy.

✨ Keep their routine as stable as possible.Try to maintain normal feeding and play times—even when your own schedule gets wild.

🕯️ Use pheromone diffusers.Plug them in early (a week before festivities) to help keep your cat calm through the season.

📦 Give them enrichment.Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and extra playtime help redirect stress energy.

🎁 Watch for signs early.If your cat starts avoiding the litter box, grooming excessively, or acting “off,” reach out before it becomes a bigger issue.

If you notice anything unusual with your cat—especially during the hustle and bustle of the holidays—it’s always best to get them checked out. With the right plan and support, we can help keep your feline companion feeling comfortable, safe, and merry all season long.