Cats are beloved companions but can suffer from many health problems, including feline lower urinary tract disorder (FLUTD). This condition can cause pain and discomfort in cats, so it’s important to know the signs and how to manage them. Here are ten essential tips for diagnosing and managing FLUTD in cats.
1. Know the Symptoms of FLUTD
The most common symptoms of FLUTD include frequent attempts to urinate, straining while trying to go, blood in cat urine, urinating outside the litter box, urinating small amounts at a time, crying out in pain while urinating, or excessive grooming around the urinary area. If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to get your cat checked out by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
2. Check Your Cat’s Urine Regularly
It’s essential to monitor your cat’s urine regularly. If there is any change in color or smell or if you notice blood or crystals in the urine, contact your veterinarian immediately, as this could indicate an underlying health issue such as FLUTD.
3. Provide Plenty of Fresh Water
Dehydration can increase the risk of developing urinary tract issues such as FLUTD, so make sure your cat drinks plenty of fresh water throughout the day and night if necessary. In addition, consider adding additional sources of water, such as water fountains which may encourage your cat to drink more than they would from a bowl alone.
4. Make Changes to Your Cat’s Diet
A poor diet can contribute to the development of FLUTD, so you must provide your cat with nutritious meals that contain all essential nutrients for optimal health and well-being. An appropriate balance between protein and carbohydrates should also be maintained. In addition, food should be served at room temperature rather than cold from the fridge or microwaves, which can lead to bladder inflammation and infection.
5 . Increase Your Cat’s Activity Level
You must provide your cat with plenty of exercises each day, which is good for their physical and mental health and will help reduce stress levels and contribute towards developing FLUTD or worsening existing conditions. In addition, try introducing some interactive toys into their routines, such as laser pointers or feather toys, which will keep them active while having fun simultaneously!
6 . Monitor Stress Levels Closely
Stress is one of the most significant contributing factors when it comes to developing/exacerbating existing cases of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disorder, so try reducing stress levels wherever possible by providing plenty of accessible scratching posts, hiding places, and play areas around the home; introducing calming scents such as lavender into their environment; avoiding loud noises; and providing regular cuddles if they like them!
7 . Keep Litter Boxes Clean & Fresh
An unclean litter box can cause discomfort for cats leading them not wanting to use it, resulting in accidents elsewhere around the house – this could then lead to further complications such as UTIs or other infections due to bacteria entering through open wounds caused by straining, etc., so make sure that these are cleaned regularly using an appropriate solution – try adding some baking soda into a spray bottle filled with warm water for added cleaning power!
8 . Consider Supplements & Medications
In some cases where dietary changes have not helped improve symptoms, then medications may need a prescription from a vet – these might include antibiotics if there is suspicion of infection present within their bladder/urinary tract region; supplements that contain omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) which help reduce inflammation; anti-inflammatory medications (such as prednisolone); anti-spasmodic drugs (such as diazepam) used mainly when muscle spasms are present; antiseptic solutions primarily used after surgery, etc., all depending on what is causing their symptoms specifically!
9 . Schedule Regular Vet Visits
A regular check-up with your vet every six months will help ensure that any underlying issues are picked up early before they become more serious – they may also suggest other treatments, including lifestyle changes/dietary adjustments/medications, etc., mainly if there is suspicion on the infection present within their urinary tract area so always get advice before making any decisions yourself!
10 . Know When To Seek Help From A Professional
If your cat continues showing signs associated with Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disorder despite making all necessary lifestyle changes, then seek professional help immediately – this could involve taking them to an emergency vet center, depending on how severe their case might be but don’t attempt treating yourself unless advised by someone qualified first!
With these ten tips for diagnosing and managing Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disorder (FLUTD) in cats at hand, you should now have no problem keeping your beloved pet healthy long-term – remember, though, that prevention is always better than cure, so make sure you act quickly if any signs start showing themselves early enough!