Behavioral enrichment can include things as simple as more toys that allow for the cat to engage in “hunting” activities. Initially, an owner may notice that the cat is spending … Although it may seem like cats have easy lives, the truth is, cats can get stressed very easily. Symptoms of urinary tract problems in cats include: Difficult urination, this may appear like constipation straining while actually trying to pass urine Frequent urination which might produce only small … Urinary problems can lead to a serious, urinary obstruction, especially in male cats. Inflammation is a useful aspect of the body’s immune response, serving to increase blood flow to an injured or infected area to facilitate healing. But depending on the root cause, worry not! However, some cats may show signs of urinary stress without any warning. That's one of the reasons why we picked Royal Canin’s … Cat urinary tract disease: a common health problem. Luckily, there are effective strategies for reducing the number of flare ups in a cat. Urinary tract disorders are relatively common in cats, according to Dr. Arnon Gal, a veterinarian who specializes in small animal internal medicine at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana. Although the introduction of a new pet requires some time for adjustment and temporary stress is expected, when two or more cats have a tense relationship, this may lead to urinary stress symptoms that can lead to an unhealthy environment for everyone. If you have cats that do not get along, feed them separately and give them each their own litter box, bed, and hiding space to retreat to if things get stressful. If she's more of a loner, there are plenty of great pet yoga videos on the internet for the both of you to enjoy at home. Depending on your cat’s energy levels, it can’t hurt to take a bit of extra time to keep your cat … It’s crucial to take your cat to the … Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease or FLUTD is a common condition seen in cats. What's most disconcerting, however, is that when your cat is stressed or anxious, it can impact his or her health. Because idiopathic cystitis can cause crystals, the narrow urethra of male cats can get blocked by crystals being lodged in the tube. Ways do this would be to feed wet food, or by adding more water bowls throughout the house. Important Information on FLUTD & Urinary Tract Infections in Cats. ), try to prepare your cat by finding items and toys she enjoys. Stress often arises because a cat feels intimidated by another cat in the house, according to Dr. Gal. Once you identify what is causing feline urinary stress, and find ways to reduce your cat's stress level, it is important to help manage her stress appropriately moving forward. When a cat shows an obvious urinary tract problem, Buffington suggests that this can be just the tip of the iceberg — the cat with urinary tract symptoms may be suffering from a Pandora’s box of other ills or “sicknesses.” Pandora’s … Cookie Consent Tool, Dominican Republic - República Dominicana, Greater China - Hong Kong SAR – (English). Reducing a cat's stress may lower their chance of lower urinary tract diseases, including urethral blockage. Cats are susceptible to stress-related lower urinary disorders, including cystitis and urethral spasms, which can result in blockage. In addition, pain therapy during flare ups will help keep the cat comfortable. Feline urinary problems can be one of the first signs your cat is experiencing some type of stress. min read. Pheromonal therapy includes the addition of pheromones to a cat’s environment. It is important for cat parents to know what the symptoms look like and how to help their feline friends. Inflammation of the Bladder Commonly referred to as a urinary tract infection, this problem in cats is more properly called … As soon as a cat shows signs of urinary stress, it is important to call your veterinarian to determine if a visit is needed or if you should try some interventions at home first. Depending on her stressors, your vet may prescribe medication and/or adjust her diet with therapeutic cat food, which can help relieve some urinary issues and get her on the path to feeling well again. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease is common among many cats. Although it may seem like cats have easy lives, the truth is, cats can get stressed very easily. If your cat is experiencing urinary stress, a visit to the vet is likely needed. Feline urinary problems can be one of the first signs your cat is experiencing some type of stress. Learn how to spot symptoms and info on prevention, treatments & stress factors. If your cat is experiencing urinary issues, don't delay the trip to the vet. Chances are if your daily routine has been interrupted, so has your cat's. Urinary stones are only one of the causes of urethral … Even a small change in routine can cause painful health issues … Know these 4 facts about feline urinary tract infections, the symptoms, and when to call your vet. If your cat is posturing to urinate and little or no urine is coming out, your cat … Instead, the problem in cats is usually stress induced. Hill's Science Diet Urinary Hairball Control … Symptoms of Urinary Crystals In Cats: A cat with urinary crystals may show a multitude of signs and cats are affected to varying degrees. The condition can affect cats … If you have any questions or concerns about a possible urinary tract infection in your cat, contact your local veterinarian. It is … Treatment of urinary problems in cats . For most cats suffering from urinary issues such as crystals or bladder stones, wet food is best, since it has more moisture to keep your cat hydrated. Feline urinary problems can be one of the first signs your cat is experiencing some type of stress. Another huge factor to managing your cat's stress is to provide her with consistency. When she is not teaching or writing, Chrissie enjoys spending time with her family and traveling. A differentiating symptom is a cat that seems to cry out in pain. Stress and Feline Urinary Problems: How to Deal With It. While male cat urinary blockages are common, they can be life-threatening. “Generally speaking, infectious agents such as bacteria are infrequent in urinary tract disease in cats,” says Dr. Gal. Excessive sleeping or lack of sleep are common symptoms in humans who are stressed. By preparing for stressful situations and keeping an eye out for the initial signs that your cat is becoming overwhelmed, you can help your cat avoid feline urinary problems and lead a healthier and happier life. “Avoid placing litter boxes in high traffic areas or where there is a lot of noise.”, Dr. Gal also warns against litter with scents. We cannot stress enough the importance of resolving your cat's urinary tract problems. The most dangerous problem seen in cats with LUTS is urethral obstruction, or blockage of the urethra, a potentially life-threatening condition. By the same token, the problem can’t be treated with antibiotics or other medications. Sometimes, however, all you need to do is spend a little more time with your cat and give her positive attention to ease her mind. If … Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is actually a complex of diseases and includes illnesses such as bladder infections, bladder stones, inflammation in the bladder and even, in rare … It is important for cat parents to know what the symptoms look like and how to help their feline … According to Live Science, researchers found the most common long-term stressor for cats was unfriendly relationships with other cats in the house. Research suggests that these issues are most common among cats older than one year, but also younger than four years. If the stressor is identified quickly and the cat gets the special attention she needs, the urinary issues may quickly subside. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Urinary Hairball Canned Cat Food. Trademarks owned by Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. Cats can also suffer from urinary problems due to stress at home. While most cats adjust within a reasonable amount of time, some cats remain stressed which can lead to urinary problems. A little extra pampering will help her feel more secure and may even distract her from the changes to come. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. If the problem is ignored in male cats, due to their anatomy a potentially lethal blockage can occur. Since idiopathic cystitis isn’t caused by an infectious agent, other animals in the household can’t catch the disease. Here's what you can do about common urinary problems … The more challenging stress sources are long-term situations that may not have quick fixes and can cause more serious urinary problems. So, even if your cat is only urinating once … Cat urinary problems or Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD for short) are very common cat health problems. Learn how to identify and reduce the chances of feline urinary issues by helping alleviate stress in her life. … Feline Urethral Obstruction: This is the most worrisome cat urinary problem and refers to either complete or partial blockage. © 2020 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. Urinary problems aren't always a result of stress or natural instinctive feline behavior. Have you been stressed lately? “This is a multi-systemic disorder in which the urinary system is just one aspect that is affected,” explains Dr. Gal. Urinary tract problems in cats can develop at any time in a cat’s life. Untreated FLUTD has the potential to cause partial or complete obstruction of the urethra. How to prevent a cat urinary problem Preventing urinary infection in cats is aimed at addressing behavioural issues and helping to reduce stress for the cat. Know these 4 facts about feline urinary … Feline urinary problems can be one of the first signs your cat is experiencing some type of stress. Cat urinary problems can be one of a pet parent's greatest nightmares! If a cat and their owner have a strong relationship, the cat can even pick up on an owner’s stress, which can result in health problems. This can be caused by urinary stones or urethral … “Treatment involves behavioral enrichment, pheromonal therapy to decrease stress, dietary modification, and practical household measures, such as placing several litter boxes throughout the house,” explains Dr. Gal. Although it may seem like cats have easy lives, the truth is, cats can get stressed very easily. Some large cities offer pet yoga classes, according to Pupcycled, which is a great idea for the kitty's that are friendly with other cats and dogs. However, if your cat starts exhibiting any of the following behaviors, she may be experiencing feline urinary stress or feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD): Most cats will show the above signs when they have reached their stress limit or are having a medical issue, so some earlier signs of stress might be that your cat is hiding more, is less affectionate, is changing her eating behavior, or is only urinating or defecating in her litter box (not both). Has stress started to interrupt your daily routine? These can come in various forms, such as wipes, sprays, and plug-in diffusers, and are used to relieve stress in cats. Male cats are more likely than female cats to have this problem. Crystals, irritation, inflammation, and other feline urinary problems usually present with frequent attempts at urination with very little actual urine produced. But unlike urinary tract infections in people, in cats these problems are not usually caused by bacteria. If you know your routine will change soon or a big life change is on the horizon (a move, new person in your house, new animal, etc. Published by. According to Dr. Gal, clinical signs of a urinary tract disorder in cats include, but are not limited to, frequent urination, straining to urinate, and the presence of blood in the urine. Know the warning signs and how nutrition can play a pivotal role in preventing FLUTD. Home / Pet Health Columns / Stress, Maleness Linked to Urinary Tract Disorders in Cats. Spraying can be the sign of a larger urinary health issue for cat. It’s important to address urinary tract disorders in cats because of the other health consequences of stress-related disease. 2001 S Lincoln Ave. | Urbana, IL 61802, Your gifts support scholarships and animals in need, ©2021 University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, Medical District Veterinary Clinic at Illinois, Accreditation information for applicants and students, Stress, Maleness Linked to Urinary Tract Disorders in Cats. Additionally, keep the litter box very clean and find a quiet place for her to relax. This can be beneficial for your cat’s health and can actually prevent idiopathic cystitis. When did the unusual urinary behaviors begin? It can be because of a number of reasons - including problems in the urinary tract or stress. Urinary tract problems in cats are just one such example and urinary-related illnesses are rather common. As an owner, there are various ways you … The … Have there been any big changes within your household, such as a remodel, new pet, baby, or a death in the family. Urinary tract infections (FLUTD) can kill your cat. Supports the health of the whole urinary system with optimal levels of magnesium, Precisely balanced nutrition to help support the health of the whole urinary system, Preventative Nutrition Providing 5 Essential Health Benefits, Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful fur, Helping Your Cat Deal With Stress-Related Urinary Issues| Hill's Pet, feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), Important Information on FLUTD & Urinary Tract Infections in Cats, Feline Urinary Tract Diseases & Infections: Facts & Nutritional Tips, Male Cat Urinary Blockages: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment, crying out in pain while urinating or attempting to urinate. The stress causes numerous problems, so to have a happy, healthy cat, be sure to address possible behavioral or environmental stressors. One creative way to reduce stress for you and your cat is to do yoga together. In addition to prescription medication and food, your vet can also offer suggestions on how to improve your home environment to calm all the cats in your household. Cat Urinary Problems Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC) and Stress. “Stress does play a huge role in the incidents of urinary problems in cats,” Dr. Goldstein says. What other unusual behaviors are accompanying the urinary problems? As discussed in Part One, stress can often be either the main cause of your cat’s urinary tract problems, or a contributing factor. When there are multiple cats in the household, litter boxes should be placed throughout the house to allow the affected cat to eliminate in an area where the aggressor cat isn’t present. Also, try keeping the litter box and house very clean and make sure she is well-hydrated, which can relieve stress and reduce or eliminate the feline urinary problems. Have you made any recent changes in her food or litter? Big changes in a cat's life, like a move or an addition of a new pet in the house, could cause temporary stress. And don't forget to manage your stress better, too! “These cats have gastrointestinal and behavior problems as well.”. Although it may seem like cats have easy lives, the truth is, cats can get stressed very easily. Learn what it means and what you can do to help remedy it. “Because stress plays an important role in the origin of this problem, it is important to reduce stresses related to the litter box as much as possible,” says Dr. Gal. Stress affects our cats in much the same way it affects us. Stress and Feline Urinary Problems: How to Deal With It. Feline urinary problems can be one of the first signs your cat is experiencing some type of stress. This includes stress which may transfer from owner to cat, stress from living in a multi-cat household or stress from having … If your cat is showing unusual behaviors during urination or she is constantly urinating outside of the litter box, it is important to identify any stressors your cat may be experiencing. Urinary tract infections (FLUTD) can kill your cat. Unfortunately, for many cats, dealing with feline urinary stress may take weeks or months to alleviate. RT @rlsdvm_epivet: Great summary of our cautious optimism and continuing concern https://t.co/lt26qti1tp10:10 AM Feb 2nd, 3505 Veterinary Medicine Basic Sciences Building Although it may seem like cats have easy lives, the truth is, cats can get stressed very easily. Commonly referred to as a urinary tract infection, this problem in cats is more properly called “idiopathic cystitis” in veterinary terminology. When a cat notices these changes in her pet parent, she may start to become stressed and her symptoms could be exhibited in her urinary behaviors. Sometimes, urinary problems are a sign that your cat may be suffering from a medical issue; think urinary tract infection. It is important for cat … Stress and Feline Urinary Problems: How to Deal With It. About our Ads. Feline urinary tract disease can affect the urinary bladder (such as … “The scent of the litter in the box may stress some cats, so choose litter without a scent.”. Chrissie Klinger, a mother of two, and a pet parent to three dogs and a cat, enjoys writing pet related articles that help families bond and enjoy life with pets. These are often the result of a cat urinary tract infection, or crystals forming in the bladder. Your cat … Veterinarians recommend that the number of litter boxes in the house is one greater than the number of cats. Instead, the problem in cats is usually stress induced. In the case of cats with urinary tract disease, however, sensory neurons trigger the inflammation of the bladder not because of infection or injury but in response to stress. It is important for cat … ... Cat stress comes in three main forms: Immunity Stress – This is kind of like a double-whammy for our cats. Dietary modifications would help by diluting the urine. The main reason that cats experience immunity stress … When cats are happy and healthy, they use the litter box for both urinating and defecating. “Cystitis” just means inflammation of the bladder, while “idiopathic” means the problem arises spontaneously and without a known cause. When you call your vet to discuss your cat's symptoms, he or she may ask some questions to help you figure out what's stressing your cat, including: Another thing to consider is that cats are often tuned into their pet parent's feelings, so you may want to check in with yourself, too. 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