#Ad: This post is sponsored by Nestle Purina PetCare Company and the Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR Urinary St/Ox Feline Formulas and we are being compensated for sharing this information. #PurinaPartner
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease, commonly known as FLUTD, is something that is fairly complicated, often misunderstand by cat owners, and can be challenging to treat and manage. As many of you know, Brian was diagnosed with FLUTD earlier this year. Sometimes getting to that diagnosis isn’t easy.
Often, to get to a FLUTD diagnosis, several other issues must be evaluated first such as a urinary tract infection, crystals or stones, cancer, blockages and other conditions. Some of the typical symptoms are making frequent trips to the litter box, crying when attempting to urinate, straining to urinate with little success, excessive licking of the genital area, urinating outside of the litter box, and even showing signs of anxiety and stress, even hiding. Brian actually exhibited all of these symptoms. As you can see, individually these could quickly be mistaken for a UTI.
Brian had all of the diagnostics over a period of time. He had bloodwork, urinalysis, urine cultures, x-rays, ultrasounds and still was experiencing major difficulty. Brian was going to the litter box as often as every five minutes. His stress level was through the roof. Brian was specifically diagnosed with Idiopathic Cystitis, which basically means that he has an inflammation of the bladder without any specific or identifiable cause. We also learned that this is not uncommon at all and that a high percentage of cats have no underlying disease that the Vets can point to when making a diagnsis
So, is your cat at risk for FLUTD? Age, gender, physical activity and diet can help indicate whether or not your cat is at a higher risk for developing FLUTD and some breeds are more susceptible than others.
Age: Typically young adult cats between the ages of 2 and 6 years are more likely to have lower urinary tract disorders, but cats of any age are susceptible. Brian happened to be 7 years old when he was diagnosed.
Gender: Both male and female cats can experience urinary tract disorders, but since male cats have longer and narrower urethras, their urinary tracts are more likely to be obstructed by crystals and mucous.
Physical activity: Indoor cats seem to be more susceptible to lower urinary tract disorders. This may be because confinement reduces physical activities, which in turn may reduce the amount of water consumed and frequency of urination, allowing crystals to form in the urine.
Diet: High levels of ash and magnesium in the diet were once thought to cause crystals. However, more recent research indicates that urine pH and concentration are more important factors in the development of FLUTD. Increasing water intake is highly recommended to help reduce the risk of FLUTD.
Breed: Urinary problems are more common in certain breeds, such as Persians, where there is a lower incidence in Siamese.
Fortunately, when the FLUTD diagnosis was made we were able to establish a protocol of medications coupled with a proper diet and the right food. Brian’s medication list includes prazosin, prednisolone and amitriptyline, all of which have anti-inflammatory properties. Brian’s diet consists of dry food and wet food, and recently we’ve began transitioning to a primary wet food diet.
Then we needed to tackle Brian’s dietary needs. Our wonderful Vet, Dr. Carolyn Anderson, from The Cat Clinic of Greenville, recommended we try Purina Pro Plan UR Urinary® St/Ox® Feline Formula and it seems to have not only the yum factor, but it also promotes a urinary environment unfavorable to the development of both struvite and calcium oxalate crystals, which is just what Brian needs.
Since we are making the conscience decision to transition to a mostly-to-exclusively wet food diet, we’re excited to tell you about some of the new wet food formulas in the Purina Pro Plan UR Urinary® St/Ox® Feline Formula Family.
Turkey and Giblet Recipe and Salmon Recipe will aid in Brian’s transition to a wet food diet.
If you would like to try the Purina Pro Plan UR Urinary® St/Ox® Feline Canned Formulas, we’re please to offer you a $15 Mail in Rebate.
Purina Pro Plan UR Urinary® St/Ox® Feline Canned Formula $15 Rebate
FLUTD is more common than you might think. In fact, FLUTD plagues three percent of all cats seen by veterinarians. The symptoms are sometimes dismissed by owners as common litter box problems. Don’t let this be the case for you.
We sure recommend that you check out the Purina Pro Plan UR Urinary® St/Ox® Feline Formulas which are commonly prescribed for the nutritional management of cats with Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD). You can also check out the Purina Veterinary Exchange on Facebook and follow @PurinaVet on Twitter.
Did you know that Purina was named the Most Trusted Pet Food by Reader’s Digest – Reader’s Digest asked more than 4,500 Americans to vote for products they trust across 40 categories and Purina was named Most Trusted Pet Food. To read more about Purina and the other trusted brands, click here.
#Ad: This post is sponsored by Nestle Purina PetCare Company and the Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR Urinary St/Ox Feline Formulas and we are being compensated for sharing this information. #PurinaPartner
Brian I’m glad that you have such a good vet… that’s a sneaky thungy… and like always we often miss to see the signs…
We hope that Brian’s FLUTD is under control! Purrs to him!
That is one terrific post and very informative. I sure did not know all this. Will keep it in mind. Glad that they finally found the right medicine for Brian. Have a great day. The ark is all ready to go.
We’re sending lots of purrs to Brian and hope the new medicine will keep him well.
Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx
Glad they found some meds that work. Been through it with Orlin ad as long as I keep him on the S/O he is fine down below.
I am glad Brian is winning the pee wars battle. I figured it was even more common than 3 % being that there are a lot of foods made for it.
Wonderfully done!!!! I am sad that Brian has FLUTD but that made this post extra fantastic.
Bobo had kidney stones but not FLUTD
Mine is supposed to be written for tomorrow, how can I top this? Might link to you in my post if that’s ok!
Of course my friend!
Thanks for the rebate link! I just may have to take advantage of that when I get paid. We are all out of the UR ST/OX canned food here, and it is one of the very few urinary tract foods Carmine will actually eat in his rotation. As you know, Carmine has FLUTD with struvite crystals. Thankfully his diagnosis was an easy one and it has been managed well for the past six years. Carmine was only 4 when he developed the FLUTD. We can also attest that the food is tasty and does its job. We hope that others… Read more »
dood….we iz sorree that de diagnoziz came two thiz, but we iz happee therz sum thin that can be done….we hope with thiz food it will be managed N yur never havin ta rite
bout” jinx & noe jinx” & de place oh eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeevil
total lee awesum ree view by de way…..we haz been a Purina familee for like decadez ~~~
♥♥♥
We are so glad that Brian is able to manage his FLUTD with his special diet and medications. We know it has relieved a lot of stress for all of you!
Thank you for all the information about FLUTD, Brian. I hope your condition gets better with medications and new diet!
Hello handsome friend!!
Oh Brian you are so fortunate you are loved to bits by devoted peeps who kept on keeping on until they found the FLUTD!!! It is amazing all the special foods our buds at Purina make for us kitties and puppies too.
Hugs madi your bfff
Brian you have such dedicated pawrents, they take super good care of you and we glad your FLUTD is under control and you have some nommie noms to enjoy too.
Gostei do post foi muito esclarecedor. A minha primeira gata era persa e tinha problemas no trato urinário, era horrível vê- la sofrendo tentando fazer xixi até o ponto de sair sangue e sem falar nos medicamentos que ela detestava.
Bem Brian acho que agora você está no caminho certo, fico contente.
My cat bro Bert has had urinary issues and has been on a special diet for a couple years now and has been doing great.
It has been a lot of work getting your problem under control, Brian! I am glad to know that it is working out for you.
Thanks for this very informative post. Is this food comparable to the Hill’s prescription CD/stress, which is what our kitties are eating? Does the Purina require a prescription or can we get it at Petco or Pet Smart? We are so happy Brian is doing well on this food. Hugs, Janet
I can’t answer the compatible question but it is an Rx food.
Hope this is keeping things under control. We don’t use any Purina products ourselves tho.
Weez so glad dat yous found out what was wrong and how to fix it. Weez just hated when Brian was sick and havin’ da pee wars. Weez not like fur our furiends to be in pain or stwessed out. And we fur sure know what dat’s like. Da noms sound weally yummy. And dat’s gweat dat yous be switchin’ to a all wet diet. Mommy wishes me wuld eat nuffin’ but da wet noms too. But me still insists on sum kibble everyday. Hope y’all have a pawsum day.
Luv ya’
Dezi and Lexi
We are glad all the combined foods and meds are making you feel better Brian 🙂 That is interesting that urinary tract problems are less frequent in Siamese cats. Good info all around!
the critters in the cottage xo
I am glad that once Brian was diagnosed, that getting him on the right meds and the best food for his condition is helping him win his pee wars.
Brain a great post..Dinnermintz had an issue when we moved here..she was in a bad way..we went special vet feeds and the problem got sorted…hers was we think stress related and she has resumed a diet more like her usual one..limited kibble though much to her chagrine 😉 my sister had a male tabby who developed this problem and his got so bad he had an operation…poor thing..so any great diets that can help prevent outbreaks of nasty peemail wars is wonderful ) Loves Fozziemum xxxx
Great information for cat owners. We had this issue with one of our Adult males around the age of 9. He’s doing great now with special diet.
It’s worrisome for humans and tough for us kitties when this happen. Knock on wood no more UTI for Emma.
Hello kitties. We have not been around over the weekend.
Excellent review pal. M is going to send the coupon in, and she’s going to check with the vet to see if maybe I should eat this food as a prevention. Her first kitty (Pepper) had quite a time with this disease, and he had to be on a prescription diet. Back then it was thought too much Ash content could cause it, but as you mentioned, that is not really the case. We sure hope you continue to get better and better, and we’re so happy you are already on the road to recovery.
Brian, we’re SO glad that the meds and diet are helping you win the pee war. We’re still purring for you.
Is this food prescription or can we just pick it up at PetSmart? I don’t need it but Chizzy was 6 when he developed crystals. He was in and out of the vets with blockages. At the time ash was considered the culprit. TW’s vet tech friend told us that if a cat didn’t get it by the age of 7 they were less likely to get it. All info that you have have.
Hey CK, it’s an Rx food.
Oh Brian, that sounds like really serious stuff. I guess I’ve been lucky with just having the crystals… twice… due to stress… due to Nosey-Neighbour-Cat practically living in my house. MOUSES!
But more importantly, I’m super glad that your condition was diagnosed and that you have it pretty much under control. Super glad for that, for sure.
Purrs,
Seville
Lots of great info in your post.
Hopefully that food keeps your urinary tract healthy for a long time.
I hope Brian’s problem can be solved permanently! Hugs!
Informative blog Brian! Thank you for the info. I am relieved & happy your Dad & mom found out what is wrong & how to help keep you stable! They are THE BEST!
Love } Sherri-Ellen & *nose bumpss* Siddhartha Henry xxxxx