Doença do Trato Urinário Inferior Felino (FLUTD)
A FLUTD é um grupo de condições que afetam a bexiga e a uretra em gatos. A obstrução urinária em gatos machos é uma emergência.
Source: Veterinary knowledge. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) is an umbrella term for conditions affecting the bladder (cystitis) and urethra in cats. While FLUTD encompasses several conditions — idiopathic cystitis, urinary stones, urethral plugs, and infections — the most dangerous complication is urethral obstruction, where a male cat becomes unable to urinate. This is a true emergency: without treatment within 24-48 hours, the cat can die from kidney failure and electrolyte imbalances. In Macau, FLUTD is one of the most common reasons for emergency veterinary visits.
Key Points
- FLUTD affects up to 1% of the cat population annually
- Male cats are at higher risk of life-threatening urethral obstruction
- Straining to urinate, frequent trips to the litter box, and blood in urine are warning signs
- A cat that cannot urinate for 24+ hours is a medical emergency
- Stress is a major trigger — FLUTD flare-ups often follow environmental changes
- Diet modification and increased water intake are key long-term management strategies
What Causes FLUTD?
In about 60-70% of FLUTD cases, no specific cause is found — this is called feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC). It is believed to be related to a combination of stress, bladder lining defects, and neurogenic inflammation. Urinary stones (uroliths) — most commonly calcium oxalate or struvite — account for about 15-20% of cases. Urethral plugs (a mixture of crystals, mucus, and inflammatory cells that block the urethra) cause obstruction in male cats. Bacterial urinary tract infections are relatively uncommon in young cats (only about 2-5% of FLUTD cases) but become more common in cats over 10 years old.
Signs Every Cat Owner Must Know
The signs of FLUTD include frequent trips to the litter box with only small amounts of urine produced, straining to urinate (often confused with constipation), blood in the urine (hematuria), crying or vocalizing while in the litter box, urinating outside the litter box, and excessive licking of the genital area. CRITICAL WARNING: If your male cat is straining to urinate and producing no urine, this may be a urethral obstruction. Other signs of obstruction include vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and collapse. A blocked cat will die within 24-48 hours without emergency treatment. Do not wait until morning — go to the emergency vet immediately.
Emergency: Urethral Obstruction
Urethral obstruction occurs almost exclusively in male cats because their urethra is narrower and longer than in females. When the urethra is blocked, urine backs up into the bladder and then into the kidneys. Toxins (especially potassium and creatinine) build up in the blood. High potassium causes cardiac arrhythmias that can be fatal. Treatment involves placing a urinary catheter under sedation to relieve the obstruction, flushing the bladder, and starting IV fluid therapy to correct electrolyte imbalances. The cat is hospitalized for 2-3 days for monitoring. In recurrent cases, perineal urethrostomy (PU) surgery — widening the urethral opening — may be recommended to prevent future obstructions.
Long-Term Management
After a FLUTD episode, long-term management focuses on reducing recurrence. Increasing water intake is the single most important intervention — feeding canned/wet food instead of dry kibble significantly increases water consumption. Fountains and multiple water bowls encourage drinking. Prescription urinary diets (like Royal Canin Urinary SO or Hill's c/d) help dissolve struvite crystals and prevent both stone types from reforming. Stress reduction is critical for cats with idiopathic cystitis — maintain a consistent routine, provide environmental enrichment (scratching posts, perches, hiding spots), use Feliway pheromone diffusers, and minimize disruptions like moving furniture or introducing new pets.
When to See a Vet Immediately
- Your cat is straining to urinate and producing little or no urine
- You notice blood in the urine
- Your cat is making frequent trips to the litter box with small amounts
- Your cat is crying or vocalizing during urination
- Your male cat is lethargic, vomiting, or not eating
- Your cat is urinating outside the litter box (could indicate pain)
How RVC Can Help
Royal Veterinary Center provides 24/7 emergency care for urinary blockages — a condition that cannot wait. Our team can unblock your cat, provide IV fluid support, and develop a long-term prevention plan. If your cat is straining to urinate or producing no urine, call +853 6677 6611 immediately.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. If your pet is showing any symptoms, please contact Royal Veterinary Center immediately at +853 6677 6611.