Understanding Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease — Rollo’s Story

When Rollo, a much-loved male cat, arrived at the clinic recently, he was in serious trouble. He was blocked — meaning a stone in his urethra had prevented him from passing urine. This is one of the most dangerous emergencies we see in male cats and forms part of what we call Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD).

A urethral blockage is not something that can wait. Even a few hours can lead to:

• Life-threatening electrolyte disturbances
  
• Acute kidney failure
  
• Bladder rupture
  
• Severe pain and shock 

Longer-term complications may include chronic kidney disease and a hypotonic bladder (a bladder that can no longer contract effectively).

Fortunately, Rollo’s owner recognised the danger early and brought him in immediately — which saved his life.

How We Treated Rollo

On examination, it was clear that Rollo’s bladder was dangerously enlarged and he was unable to urinate at all — a red-flag emergency.

Here’s what we did:

1. Cleared the blockage to allow urine to pass. 
2. Passed a urinary catheter, which we stitched in place to keep it secure. 
3. Started IV fluids to support his kidneys and flush out crystals. 
4. Placed him in a collar so he can’t pull out the catheter. 
5. Ran blood tests to check his kidney function and electrolyte levels. 
6. Admitted him to hospital for monitoring. 

The catheter will stay in for about two days to keep the bladder empty and prevent it from overstretching — an important step in avoiding a hypotonic bladder later. After removal, Rollo will stay with us for one more day to ensure he doesn’t block again.

Thankfully, he is doing really well so far.

What Is FLUTD?

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) refers to a group of conditions that affect the bladder and urethra in cats. Male cats are particularly at risk because their urethra is narrow and more easily obstructed.

There are several different forms of FLUTD, including:

1. Urethral Obstruction (Blocked Cat)

Often caused by crystals, mucus plugs, or stones that block urine flow. This is always an emergency.

2. Urolithiasis (Bladder or Urethral Stones)

Stones can irritate the bladder, cause bleeding, or lead to full obstruction — as in Rollo’s case.

3. Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC)

A very common condition linked to inflammation, stress, and environmental factors. Symptoms mimic an infection but occur without bacteria.This disease also occurs in female cats.

4. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

More common in older cats or those with other health conditions like kidney disease or diabetes.

5. Urethral Spasm

Muscle spasms around the urethra can make urination painful or difficult.

6. Trauma or Anatomical Abnormalities

Less common but still part of FLUTD.

Signs of FLUTD You Should Never Ignore

Contact a vet immediately if you notice:

• Straining in the litter box
  
• Producing only drops of urine
  
• Pain or crying while urinating
  
• Frequent trips to the litter box with little output
  
• Blood in the urine
  
• Excessive licking of the genital area
  
• Vomiting, lethargy, or collapse (late, severe signs) 

For male cats, straining to urinate is always an emergency. Even if they produce a few drops, they may still be partially blocked.

Can FLUTD Be Prevented?

In many cases, yes — especially when caused by crystals or inflammation.

Prevention may include:

• Monitoring for early symptoms
• Prescription urinary diets
  
• Improving food quality, as less nutritious and unbalanced diets increase the incidence of crystals in the urine and hence blockages
  
• Increasing water intake
  
• Weight management
  
• Reducing stress and improving environmental enrichment
  
• Regular veterinary checks including urine evaluation and blood tests 

Your vet will recommend a long-term plan based on which form of FLUTD your cat has.

Rollo’s Prognosis

Thanks to early treatment, Rollo is recovering beautifully. He will stay with us for monitoring after catheter removal to ensure he doesn’t re-block — a risk in the first few days.

His story is a powerful reminder: If your male cat is struggling to urinate, act fast. It truly can be the difference between life and death.