Glucosamine for Cats With Urinary Problems

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a chronic condition defined, primarily, by persistent inflammation of the bladder. FLUTD is also known as feline urologic syndrome (FUS), although the former is the preferred term, as it more accurately reflects the condition. FLUTD is defined by a group of common symptoms associated with the disease. Not all cats will show all symptoms, and as there are variances in how the disease manifests itself, treatment can be challenging. Glucosamine has been anecdotally recommended as a supplement that helps replenish the mucous lining of the bladder, thus reducing the likelihood of recurring, dangerous symptoms associated with the disease.

  1. About FLUTD

    • Feline lower urinary tract disease is a chronic condition where crystals are formed in the urine in a cat's bladder. The crystals collect and cause irritation to the lining of the bladder and the urethra. Frequently, and particularly in male cats, the crystals can become lodged in the cat's urethra, making it difficult or impossible for the cat to urinate. Common symptoms of FLUTD are: frequent trips to the litter box, frequent urination, urination in very small amounts, blood in the urine, urination outside the litter box, and straining or crying during urination

      Not being able to urinate is extremely dangerous for your cat and can quickly lead to death. If your cat appears to have not urinated in the last 24 hours, take him to a vet immediately.

    What is Glucosamine

    • Glucosamine is a nutritional supplement and not a prescribed medication. It is often used as a treatment for arthritis in cats and dogs, because it helps synthesize new cartilage growth. Glucosamine has also been shown to help replenish glycosaminoglycan, or GAG, an important element of the protective mucous-lining of the bladder. Glucosamine supplements can be found in many pet food stores as well as veterinary offices. It is frequently combined with chondroitin, a nutritional supplement derived from cartilage, when given in supplement form. Glucosamine is derived from the shells of crustaceans.

    Glucosamine Research

    • There has been little conclusive research on the effectiveness of glucosamine to alleviate recurring symptoms of FLUTD. However, the same studies acknowledge strong anecdotal evidence showing that glucosamine does appear to help some cats. There is also clinical evidence that glucosamine helps treat similar conditions in humans by helping rebuild the protective lining of the bladder. While most studies were reluctant to say that glucosamine supplements can definitively help cats with FLUTD, there are no indications that suggest it is harmful.

    Administering Glucosamine

    • Glucosamine can be administered in tablet form, either through pilling or mixing with the cat's food, or through injections. Injections would be more commonly used at the beginning of treatment, and tablets are used as a means of maintenance. Your veterinarian can work with you to discover the proper dosage for your cat.

    Alternate Treatments

    • Alternate treatments that can greatly help cats with FLUTD. Such treatments include feeding your cat special food designed for cats with FLUTD, increasing your cat's water intake, and reducing stress in the cat's environment.