Feline lower urinary tract disease affects the bladder and urethra and can be caused by bladder infection, inflammation, obstruction, tumour and stones. Another very common cause is stress.  

The symptoms are frequent urination, straining to urinate, blood in the urine, painful urination, urinating outside of the litter box, inability to urinate, lack of appetite and irritability.   

Diagnosing the cause is vitally important to provide the most appropriate treatment.

Cats experiencing bladder obstructions are at the greatest risk as they will be unable to pass adequate amounts of urine leading to toxins building up in their system.

Obstructions must be handled as a matter of emergency and if left untreated, are almost always fatal.   

Treating cats with feline lower urinary tract disease can vary from simple antibiotic treatment for infections to surgical intervention in the case of a blockage or bladder stones.  

Your veterinarian may also recommend a special diet if your moggie suffers from bladder stones. This will help prevent new stones from forming and lessen the chances of relapse.

Encouraging your cat to drink plenty of water or tuna brine will also help combat urinary tract disease.  

If your cat is suffering from stress-related disease you need to consider their environment and provide them with appropriate cat toys, scratching poles, hiding places and perches.  

A pheromone diffuser which releases a chemical into their environment can also help.