If your cat keeps visiting the litter tray, strains to wee, or starts urinating outside the tray, it’s easy to assume they’re “being naughty” or that it’s a simple infection. In reality, urinary signs can point to feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD)—a group of conditions affecting the bladder and urethra.
Some FLUTD causes are uncomfortable but manageable. Others—especially a blocked urethra—are an emergency and need urgent veterinary care.
What Exactly Is FLUTD?
FLUTD isn’t one single illness. It’s a label vets use when a cat shows lower urinary tract signs such as pain, frequent trips to the tray, or blood in the urine. The underlying cause might be inflammation, crystals or stones, infection, or (most seriously) an obstruction.
Signs of FLUTD to Watch For
Common signs include:
- Straining to urinate (or crying while trying)
- Passing only tiny amounts of urine, very frequently
- Blood-tinged urine
- Licking the genital area more than usual
- Urinating outside the litter tray
- Repeated “trying” with little or nothing produced
Red-flag emergency: possible blockage
If your cat is straining and producing little to no urine, treat it as urgent—blocked bladders can become life-threatening quickly. Male cats are at higher risk of a complete blockage because their urethra is narrower.
What Causes FLUTD?
Here are the most common causes vets investigate:
1) Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC)
This is bladder inflammation with no single identifiable cause—often linked to stress and environment. It’s one of the most common explanations for FLUTD signs.
2) Urinary crystals or stones
Minerals can form stones in the bladder (and sometimes the urethra), irritating the urinary tract or contributing to obstruction.
3) Urethral plugs/spasm and obstruction
A plug or stone can partially or fully block urine flow. This is the most serious FLUTD scenario and needs emergency treatment.
4) Urinary tract infection (UTI)
True bacterial UTIs are less common in younger cats than many people assume, but they do happen—particularly in older cats or cats with other medical conditions.
5) Other medical causes
Less commonly: tumours, trauma, spinal issues, endocrine disease, or anatomical problems can play a role.
Common Misconceptions (That Can Delay Help)
Myth 1: “It’s always a UTI, I’ll wait and see.”
Many cats with FLUTD signs don’t have a simple infection—especially younger cats with stress-related cystitis. Waiting can be dangerous if there’s an obstruction.
Myth 2: “My cat is constipated.”
Cats with a blockage often look like they’re straining to poo. If you’re not sure, treat straining as urgent until proven otherwise.
Myth 3: “Only male cats get FLUTD.”
Both sexes can get FLUTD—male cats are simply at higher risk of a life-threatening blockage.
How Vets Diagnose FLUTD
Your vet may use a combination of:
- A full history (diet, stressors, litter routine, multi-cat dynamics)
- Urinalysis (blood, crystals, pH, bacteria)
- Urine culture (if infection is suspected)
- Imaging such as ultrasound or X-ray (stones, thickened bladder, blockage)
This “rule-out” approach helps identify the most likely causes first and guides targeted treatment.
Treatment: What Helps Depends on the Cause
There isn’t one “FLUTD medicine”. Treatment is targeted:
- Obstruction: urgent stabilisation plus catheterisation to relieve the blockage, then monitoring and ongoing management.
- FIC/stress cystitis: pain relief, hydration support, and environmental changes to reduce flare-ups.
- Stones/crystals: diet changes, increased water intake, and sometimes procedures to remove stones (depending on type and size).
- Infection: antibiotics only when a bacterial infection is confirmed or strongly suspected.
Prevention and Home Support (UK-Friendly Practical Tips)
You can’t prevent every case, but you can reduce risk and recurrence—especially for stress-related FLUTD.
1) Boost hydration (the simplest win)
- Offer multiple water bowls around the home
- Try a cat water fountain
- Add wet food or mix a little extra water into wet meals (if your vet agrees)
Improving moisture intake supports urinary health and can help reduce the likelihood of flare-ups.
2) Build a low-stress home routine
Stress is a major flare factor for many cats. Helpful upgrades include:
- Predictable feeding and play times
- Extra hiding places and elevated resting spots
- Daily interactive play (5–10 minutes, twice a day)
- Calm introductions for new pets or changes in the home
3) Make the litter set-up “easy mode”
A clean, quiet litter routine is protective for many cats—especially those prone to flare-ups.
- Keep trays in quiet, accessible spots (not next to noisy appliances)
- Scoop at least daily
- In multi-cat homes, aim for one tray per cat plus one extra
Using a low-dust, high-absorption litter like Pacha Litter can make the tray more inviting and help you notice changes (frequency, colour, and appearance) quickly.
4) Support healthy weight and movement
Indoor, sedentary cats can be more prone to urinary flare-ups. Encourage climbing, “hunting” games, and puzzle feeders to keep your cat active.
When to Call the Vet Today
Contact a vet immediately if:
- Your cat is straining and producing little or no urine
- They seem painful, lethargic, vomiting, or collapsing
- You suspect a blocked bladder (especially in male cats)
Final Thought
FLUTD is common, but it’s not something to “wait out”. The sooner you spot the signs—and the sooner your vet identifies the cause—the better the outcome. With hydration, enrichment, and a calm, clean litter routine using Pacha Litter, many cats can live comfortably and experience fewer flare-ups over time.
