How to Treat FLUTD

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) is common among cats, and if left untreated, can lead to an emergency medical situation. Symptoms include straining to urinate, frequent urination and urinating outside the litterbox. FLUTD can be caused by infections, urine crystals or bladder stones and may be triggered by a dietary sensitivity or dehydration. If you think your cat may have a urinary tract infection, the first step is to have him or her examined by a veterinarian.

Things You'll Need

  • Veterinarian
  • Prescription diet
  • Prescription medication
  • Water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take your cat to a veterinarian where he or she will test the cat's urine to determine the cause of the urinary problems, and may administer fluids under the skin to help flush out the bladder. Depending on the primary cause, the vet will likely prescribe medication and a special diet.

    • 2

      Switch your cat to the prescription diet immediately. Depending on what kind of crystals are present in the urine, the new food could help dissolve them and help the medication take effect sooner. Do not feed the cat any other food, not even treats, as this can interfere with the mechanism of the prescription food.

    • 3

      Administer all medications as prescribed. Skipping a dose here and there can allow the infection to worsen. If the infection is caused by bacteria, sporadic doses of antibiotic may actually allow the bacteria to become resistant to it.

    • 4

      Keep your cat well-hydrated. Be sure he or she has free access to plenty of clean water at all times. If your cat still doesn't seem to be drinking, try feeding the canned version of the prescription diet. The more moisture consumed, the better the bladder will flush.

    • 5

      Keep the litterbox scrupulously clean. Going even a day without removing waste can allow bacteria to flourish. It is very easy for bacteria to travel up the urethra and worsen the infection.

    • 6

      Monitor your cat's litterbox habits. You should see marked improvement in a couple of days. If his or her condition does not change or seems to get worse, notify your vet immediately.

    • 7

      Keep your cat's stress level low. Stress can aggravate this condition, so ensure that he or she has plenty of time to sleep, and provide toys to play with and places to scratch. If there are small children in the house, make sure the cat has a place to go when he or she does not feel like playing.

    • 8

      Keep all follow-up veterinarian appointments. Periodic rechecks give your vet the opportunity to monitor your cat's progress and adjust the treatment plan if necessary.