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How to Keep Your Cat’s Urinary Tract in Tip-top Shape
How to Keep Your Cat’s Urinary Tract in Tip-top Shape

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How to Keep Your Cat’s Urinary Tract in Tip-top Shape

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Is your feline leaving puddles of urine in your bathtub or on your tile floors? Making lots (and lots) of trips to the litter box? Or crying out in pain when they pee?

 

Sounds like

tinkling trouble.

 

Urinary problems pester lots of grown-up cats, especially dudes, bro.

Your furry friend might have feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), which is just scientific jargon for a collection of painful conditions that can wreak havoc on your kitty’s bladder and/or urethra.

 

So, what common urinary tract conditions are we talking about, exactly?

Some of the most common FLUTD diseases include urinary tract infections, urinary stones caused by a buildup of minerals, obstructions within the urethra or an inflamed bladder.

 

 What causes FLUTD?

  • Not drinking enough water
  • Not urinating often enough
  • A urine pH level that’s too high
  • Too many minerals and not enough water in the urine
  • Being a male cat — because their urethras are longer and narrower
  • Stress or anxiety

 

Keep your

eyes peeled for

peeing problems ...

 

 How to check if your cat has a urinary tract infection (UTI) or other urinary health issue:

The American Veterinary Medical Association says to watch for these major signs:

 

  • Straining to go
  • Frequently urinating a little at a time
  • Prolonged attempts to go
  • Crying out while urinating
  • Excessively licking their genital area
  • Peeing outside the litter box
  • Passing blood in their urine

 

Get your cat back

on the right tract.

 

 How to treat

FLUTD:

Decide whether you need an immediate vet visit.

First things first, if your feline seems to be in a lot of pain or isn’t able to pee at all, get to the vet — stat!

Your cat might have a urethral obstruction, a life-threatening condition that your veterinarian must treat quickly!

Seriously, don’t dillydally.

 

 Next, try these tips to help get your cat’s system flowing again:

  • Feed smaller, more frequent meals.
  • Always provide your cat with clean, fresh water.
  • Encourage your feline to drink as much as possible to help keep mineral buildup at bay and flush your feline’s urinary system.

 

 Finally, don’t forget about litter boxes and S-T-R-E-S-S! 

  • Be sure you have the right number of litter boxes — usually one more box than the number of cats you have.
  • Place litter boxes in quiet parts of the house.
  • Always keep litter boxes clean — they should be scooped once or twice a day.
  • Maintain a steady routine and make your home as stress-free as possible. Consider how your own stress level, any visiting house guests and any other pets might be affecting your cat.

 

Take this old adage to heart:

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

 

  • Is Your Cat a Picky Eater? Try These Cat Feeding Tips!
    Is Your Cat a Picky Eater? Try These Cat Feeding Tips!
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    Is Your Cat a Picky Eater? Try These Cat Feeding Tips!

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    Cats are known for being a bit choosey about what they will and won’t do. And a little pickiness is fine when it comes to picking out toys and napping spots! But if your cat is or becomes extra-selective about what they’ll eat, it’s time to pay attention and perhaps talk to your vet. You and your vet know your cat best, so it’s always worth checking in if you think your cat isn’t eating enough and want their professional advice.

     

    Start by paying close attention to what your cat is eating and how they behave. This information will help you, your household and your vet work together to make sure your cat is living and eating well.

     

    Feeding Tips for the Truly Finicky Cat 

    Pay Attention to All the Cat Treats 

    Is your cat begging for table scraps or holding out on eating until you offer treats? Extras like these can be very disruptive to your cat’s appetite and diet. Think about them like snacks or desserts for you — tasty cravings that are easy to fill up on. A small portion may not seem like much, but it can make a big different for a cat-sized digestive system!

     

    Try dialing back how much you treat your cat to tasty extras and see if their interest in the food bowl starts to return. Remember, it’s generally all right for cats to skip a few meals, but if they haven’t eaten for 24-36 hours it’s time to call the vet (even if they’ve continued drinking water).

     

    Review Your Cat’s Food Routine 

    Humans often crave variety in their meals, but for cats, routine is king. It’s not likely they’d avoid their regular food out of boredom with it, but if you’ve recently changed the kind of food, the number of feedings or the times you feed your cat, they may be avoiding eating as a response.

     

    It's a good idea to change your cat’s diet gradually (unless your vet advises otherwise). Pickiness can often be resolved by helping your cat adjust and get comfortable with their updated diet!

     

    Help Your Cat Relax While Feeding 

    If your cat starts eating less, you may want to look for factors that could be causing stress. Seemingly unrelated changes to their environment can shift your cat’s stress levels enough to impact their interest in food. Has another animal or person joined or left the household? Has your cat been adapting to new surroundings due to a move or renovation? As the stress of that change begins to subside, your cat will probably go back to a normal diet.

     

    Talk to your vet about good ideas for reducing your cat’s stress levels and share any concerns you have about their diet then too. You’re both on the same team, so work together to help your cat feel better!