Our newest Angel Fund recipient is Rusty the cat! Rusty’s parents noticed he was straining to urinate in the litter box and brought him right in for evaluation. Our doctors performed an exam and diagnosed him with feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) as well as having a renal obstruction. Urinary problems can make a pet sick, very quickly so time was of the essence.
Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) describes a variety of conditions that affect the bladder and urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body) of cats. Cats with FLUTD often show signs of difficulty and pain when urinating, increased frequency of urination, and blood in the urine. FLUTD is usually seen in middle-aged and/or overweight indoor cats. Risk factors can also include environmental factors such as emotional or environment stress, multi-cat households, and sudden changes in daily routine.
FLUTD cats may exhibit the following signs:
– Straining to urinate
– Urinating small amounts
– Frequent and/or prolonged attempts to urinate
– Crying out while urinating
– Excessive licking of the genital area
– Urinating outside the litter box
– Blood in the urine
Once approved for the Angel Fund, Rusty was placed under anesthesia and was catheterized to help him eliminate urine. His procedure went smoothly and he recovered well. Our staff observed him until they felt he was ready to be discharged – and he went home to a very happy family. FLUTD cats have a risk of re-blocking, so a prescription diet, extra water consumption, and litter box monitoring are key.