Cat sat on the floor inside

How to Care for Your Cat with a Bladder Problem

Urinary issues can be a common occurrence in cats over the course of their lifetime. For this reason, it is a good idea to pay special attention to your cat's urinary health. Proactive measures to support urinary health can include nutrition and environmental modification to ensure that your cat's basic physical and behavioral needs are met. If urinary issues arise, partnering with your veterinarian for diagnosis and management can help promote the best possible outcome for your cat.

Cat with female vet

What Does FLUTD in Cats Mean?

FLUTD is also known as 'Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease' and acts as an umbrella term covering a variety of urinary illnesses, such as urinary crystals and bladder stones that affect a cat's lower urinary tract. All the various underlying causes may have similar signs, and a veterinarian will need to do diagnostic testing to determine the specific cause. 

A very common cause of FLUTD is Feline Idiopathic Cystitis, which is a disease diagnosed only by ruling out all other causes of urinary illness. Feline Idiopathic Cystitis is a complex illness in which stress can trigger flareups of bladder inflammation in susceptible cats.

FLUTD conditions
Cat lying down outside

FLUTD Symptoms in Cats 

Bladder and urinary issues in cats that sit under the term FLUTD can have a significant impact on health and general wellbeing and can be painful in some instances. Learn more about the common signs and symptoms of urinary issues in cats to help identify when you need to seek professional advice from a veterinarian.

FLUTD signs & symptoms

Treatment and Management for Cat Bladder Problems

After a diagnosis has been carried out by a veterinarian, the recommended management and treatment of urinary and bladder issues covered under FLUTD will vary significantly. When considering the best course of action for a cat, veterinarians will consider a range of factors. Recommendations for FLUTD management may include medication, nutrition, and environmental modification, as well as proactive monitoring to help support your cat's urinary health.

Managing urinary health
Cat urinary care packshot

Best Cat Food for a Healthy Bladder

In some instances, a veterinarian may recommend transitioning a cat onto a new diet to help support a urinary condition. There are several nutrients that are relevant to urinary health including protein, vitamins, minerals, and water. Diets designed to support urinary health are carefully balanced with respect to these nutrients of concern. Always speak to your veterinarian for advice before making any changes to your cat's diet.

Urinary health and nutrition

Ask Your Veterinarian If These Products Are Suitable for Your Cat

If you are concerned that your cat could be suffering from a urinary issue speak to your veterinarian as soon as possible. If they recommend a change in diet to support your cat's urinary health, ask whether any diets from the Royal Canin Urinary Care range are appropriate.