My fellow crazy cat ladies - and gentlemen - I have something really important to talk to you about today. Have you ever heard of FLUTD? FLUTD, or Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease, is a big problem for a larger percentage of cats than you might think. The disorders found in the FLUTD category affect the bladder and urethra, and since cats are naturally light drinkers, it can be a severe problem for them! We all love our cats - well, maybe some of them more than others - and this is something that we all need to be aware of!
FLUTD - A Big Problem for Your Little Buddy
FLUTD can be a big problem for cats. Because they tend to drink very little, their urinary tracts are quite sensitive, and when they develop a problem, it can be difficult for them and for their owners. Have you ever tried to give medicine to a cat? Make sure you bring your shark diving suit, because your cat will be in full-on JAWS mode.
What is FLUTD
As I said FLUTD is a group of disorders that affect a cat's lower urinary tract. But what are these disorders? They can range from bladder infections to urinary stones to crystalline deposits in the bladder, and none of it is fun.
FLUTD Risk Factors
Simply being a cat puts them at risk for FLUTD due to their low water intake. However, there are other risk factors to be aware of for your kitty.
- Gender - While both genders can have urinary tract issues, males are more prone to them - especially blockages - due to their longer, more narrow urethras.
- Breed - Certain breeds of cats are more prone to urinary tract disorders than other breeds. Ask your vet if your cat is a breed prone to FLUTD.
- Age - Cats between the ages of 2 and 6 are more likely to experience urinary tract disorders.
- Activity Level - Indoor cats have been shown to be more susceptible to FLUTD. Researches believe that this may be due to their decreased physical activity which results in even less water consumption and more infrequent urination. It is believed that this combination results in a prime environment for urinary crystals to form.
- Diet - While high levels of ash and magnesium in a cat's diet can play a role in FLUTD, recent research shows that highly concentrated urine due to low water intake is plays the largest role in the development of urinary tract issues.
FLUTD Symptoms
Because cats are so prone to urinary tract issues - especially male cats - it's important to be vigilant and watch for the signs that your cat may be experiencing urinary tract distress. The following are the common signs of FLUTD.
- Frequent trips to the litter box
- Vocalization when urinating
- Urinating outside the litter box
- Excessive licking at the genitals
- Straining while urinating, most often with little success
- Signs of anxiety and discomfort such as pacing, hiding, and vocalizing
What to Do if Your Cat has FLUTD
First and foremost, you'll need to change your cat's diet. Cats that have a urinary tract incident will more often than not continue to have them. That's why switching them to a prescription diet like Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR Urinary St/Ox Feline canned formula is important.
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR Urinary St/Ox Feline canned formula was designed by vets to reduce the chances of cats developing FLUTD. Just by way of being a wet food, it increases your cat's fluid intake, which is always good when it comes to FLUTD. In addition, it's made with ingredients designed to make your cat's urine's pH and the minerals within the urine a less favorable environment for the formation of struvite and calcium oxalate crystals, both of which play key roles in FLUTD.
Save $15.00 on UR Urinary St/Ox Feline Canned Formulas
FLUTD is a real issue in feline health. If your cat has it, it's essential to put it on a food that can reduce or eliminate the recurrence of this painful group of urinary tract issues.
That's why Purina is offering a $15.00 mail in rebate for their new Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR Urinary St/Ox Feline canned formula. This food is specifically designed to help maintain a cat's urinary tract health, so it's vitally important for a cat with these issues to be on it.
If you have a cat with FLUTD or you think it's showing the symptoms of FLUTD, see your vet right away. If it turns out that your cat has this issue, then take full advantage of Purina's $15.00 mail in rebate, and start your cat on a diet that can keep it feeling happy and healthy instead of miserable.
Find out more about Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets products here.
Does your cat suffer from FLUTD? Enter to win two vouchers (coupons) for a free bag of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR Urinary St/Ox Feline Formula just by commenting on this blog post to let me know that your cat has FLUTD! (NOTE: coupons would need to be redeemed at a vet clinic).
This giveaway is open to US residents and ends at midnight EST on October 15, 2015. Prize fulfilled by a third party.
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