Feline Urinary Tract Infection 101 -- Basics of Feline Urinary Disease

If you're like me, you're probably confused about all the different terms used to describe feline urinary tract infection.  FLUTD, UTI, FUS, what does it all mean?  In this article, we're going to sort through the terms used to describe cat urinary problems, and put the confusion to rest.

FLUTD Or Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease

FLUTD is basically a catch-all phrase that described any kind of problem your cat may have in his lower urinary tract, which includes his bladder and urethra.  Inappropriate urination, which means urinating someplace other than the litter box, is the most common symptom of FLUTD.  Unfortunately, many cat owners just assume inappropriate urination is a behavior problem instead of having their cat checked for feline urinary disease.

Feline Cystitis

The word "cystitis" means an inflammation of the urinary bladder.  Sometimes this term is used interchangably with FLUTD, but to be exact, "feline cystitis" refers only to a cat bladder inflammation.

Feline Idiopathic Cystitis

"Idiopathic" means that there doesn't seem to be a reason for it.  Feline Idiopath Cystitis (or FIC) has been linked to cat stress, since it seems to show up after some event happens that causes stress for your kitty.  This can be as simple as changing his food, or as major as moving across the country. 

Feline Urological Syndrome, or FUS

This was the old name for Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease.  However, FUS included cat bladder stones, or uroliths.  Since most cases of FLUTD don't involve bladder stones, vets stopped using this term, so you don't hear it much any more.

Feline Urinary Tract Infection, Or Feline UTI

Many people use this term interchangably with FLUTD, but in reality, UTIs aren't that common in cats.  Surprisingly enough, most cats with Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease don't have bacteria in their urine.  No bacteria means no infection, so giving a cat antibiotics for FLUTD is a waste of time. 

If your cat does have bladder stones, his chances of actually having bacteria in the urine increase.  This is because the sharp edges of the stones irritate and inflame his bladder, causing cystitis, and making it easier for an infection to develop.

Struvite Crystals

These crystals are made up of magnesium, ammonium, and phosphate.  They usually form if your cat's urine is too alkaline.  They used to be very common, but since most cat food is formulated now to make your cat's urine more alkaline, they're not seen as often as they used to be.  They can often be dissolved by changing your cat's diet

Calcium Oxalate Crystals

Older cats and certain breed of cats, including Persians and Himalayans, are more prone to this type of cat bladder stone.  These can form if your cat's urine is too acidic.  Unfortunately, these stones usually can't be dissolved by changing your cat's diet.  Surgery is the only way to remeove them.

Other Feline Urinary Disease Terms

Your vet may use several different words you don't understand:

• Dysuria means your cat is hurting when he urinates.


• Stranguria is when your cat leaves lots of little spots of urine in the box, as opposed to the normal large two or three clumps.  This is usually caused by a cat urinary blockage.  Don't ignore this, because it can be fatal if the blockage becomes complete.


• Hematuria means there's blood in your cat's urine.


• Polyuria (or pollakiuria) refers to your cat urinating frequently.


• Urolith is a fancy word for a cat bladder stone.


• Feline urolithiasis means your feline friend is passing crystals in his urine.

Can You Prevent Feline UTI?

After all this, we come to the hundred dollar question:  how can feline urinary tract infection be prevented?  It all comes down to getting more water into your cat.  Most cat urinary problems can be prevented with an adequate water intake.

In conclusion, natural remedies for pets can help, too.  Do your homework and learn which herbs and homeopathic remedies are beneficial for preventing cat urinary problems naturally.