Let’s start by saying that urinary tract issues are incredibly common with cats, so don’t worry too much if your pet has suffered one. Just bear in mind, they can become serious, so keep an eye out for things like:
- Frequent and/or prolonged attempts to urinate
- Peeing outside the litter tray
- Very little or no urine
- Straining to urinate
- Blood in the urine
Obvious discomfort during urination or blood in the pee are also indicators your cat needs to visit the vet.
You’re probably wondering ‘what exactly are urinary tract issues?’ and ‘how can I stop my pet suffering from them?’
The most common issues are:
- Cystitis
- Crystals in the urine
- Bladder stones
- Blocked urethra
These in turn are all interconnected symptoms of FLUDT – Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease. Cats are super susceptible to them because they have sensitive bladder walls and a tendency to become stressed.
To reduce the risk of your cat falling foul of FLUDT there are a couple of things you can do.
Keep their stress levels low
Most cats are affected by significant changes in their environment. Things like new houses, new furniture, new people and new pets can all cause them anxiety. You can manage their stress levels to a degree by keeping them distracted and active – giving them loads of toys to play with and paying them lots of attention. But, you should also pay particularly close attention to their peeing habits when their environment or routine is disrupted.
Consider changing the quantity and quality of food your pet consumes
Higher quality foods tend to have the right amount of magnesium, phosphorus, protein and calcium to reduce the risk of crystal formation in urine. Including wet, as well as dry, food in your cat’s diet is also a great way of keeping them better hydrated and protecting them from urinary tract infection. Finally, think about reducing your cat’s calorie intake. Overweight cats tend to be more susceptible to FLUDT, so reducing the amount they eat and encouraging them to exercise more are great ways to improve their urinary tract health. If you do decide your feline friend could benefit from a diet change, be sure to transition their food over a safe period.
Wondering exactly what to feed your cats? Applaws dry food contains 50% premium meat and Applaws wet food contains up to 75%, making them both extremely high quality. By combining the two, you can give your cat the ideal diet and minimize the risk of them suffering from urinary tract issues. To view the Applaws range, click here. If you do have any concerns about your cat’s health, always consult your vet.
