Christopher- FLUTD

Critter Chat Pet Profile Christopher
Christopher Jacobsen

Pet profile- Christopher JacobsenStar sign : Leo . He is king of his domain, ruling the pet pen with ease, flair and determination.

Best feature

He’s very lovable, cheeky and likes to play the clown. Loves a bit of lap sitting and pats are ok too, and did we mention just a little bit cheeky.

Worst feature

“Nothing, he is just perfect,” say his owners, maybe they are a little bias??

Christopher presented at our clinic after his owners (Caroline and Gail Jacobsen) noticed him not urinating properly and in obvious distress. Diagnosis showed that Christopher had Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD).

FLUTD is a fairly common and potentially life-threatening condition, which requires urgent veterinary attention. Caused by the formation of crystals in the bladder which obstruct the urethra and so the cat is unable to urinate. FLUTD affects both male and females cats, but male cats are more likely to obstruct– as in Christopher’s case – because of their narrower urethra compared to female cats – a win for the ladies!!

There are lots of factors that lead to the formation of the offending crystals including diet, urinary tract infection, inactivity and obesity (sorry Christopher!) Treatment generally involves a hospital stay, insertion of a urinary catheter to clear the blockage and sometimes IV fluid therapy.

Thankfully there are ways to help prevent this disease from happening. These include trying to increase your cat’s urine output by feeding your cat regularly with wet foods and with urinary tract supportive dry food, and ensuring they have a constant supply of fresh drinking water. Commercial water fountains are available that provide constantly circulating filtered water; these are often successful as some cats prefer to drink running water. This and keeping your cats at a healthy weight will help to prevent this disease occurring.

Christopher spent a week in hospital recovering but is now healthy and happy once more ruling his subjects in Captain Creek.

If you think your cat is presenting with signs of FLUTD, especially if they are urinating abnormally, please contact our clinic without delay to arrange an appointment.