FUS or FLUTD or Feline Cystitis-A Painful Condition No Matter What It's Called

Feline urinary problems like feline urologic syndrome (FUD) and feline urinary tract disease (FLUTD) are umbrella terms for all disorders of the lower urinary tract that cause urethral obstruction of frequent, painful, difficult, or bloody urination. Feline cystitis is any inflammation of the urinary bladder, but often used to describe bladder inflammations that are caused by bacterial infection. All cat urinary conditions need medical intervention to help your cat heal.

The acronym FUS stands for feline urologic syndrome and is an older term. FLUTD is the preferred term these days and equals Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease. You vet may also refer to Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) as interstitial cystitis. If testing fails to confirm that your cat has urinary stones, then your vet may label the disorder as FIC. Stones can be more lethal, especially to male cats, the other forms of FLUTD can be more challenging to cure.

Symptoms of a feline urinary problems:

1. Frequent attempts to urinate, probably as a result of bladder discomfort;
2. Bloody urine, this may only be visible to your vet during testing;
3. Urination in the wrong places, kitty is really stressing and just picks any where to squat;
4. Squatting without urinating, you cat has the sense she must urinate all the time;
5. Reclusive
6. No evidence of urine in 24 hours -- Get your cat to the vet!

Feline urinary problems occur in both male and female cats. The disorder is very uncomfortable and in the case of cat bladder stones, excruciating. If you have a male cat with bladder stones, you have only hours to save him. A blockage can result in your cat's death in 24-36 hours. Time is critical. Don't wait to see if he get's better on his own.

Like most illnesses, feline cystitis probably doesn't arise from a single cause. Infection really doesn't seem to be a factor, but if it is your vet can treat with antibiotics. It is also possible to treat with homeopathic remedies that help get your cat's pH level back in sync.

Cat bladder stones called struvite crystals are composed of magnesium ammonium phosphate. These are sand-like mineral deposits in the urine of cats. This is the stuff that plugs the urethra and obstructs the passage of urine.

Formation of struvite is related to the amount of magnesium in your cat's diet and the acidity of the urine. A low magnesium diet inhibits struvite formation. Your vet can recommend a low magnesium diet for your cat.

These same diets may help create a more acidic level in your cat's urine. Veterinarians are also turning to homeopathic solutions to help with feline urinary tract disease. One of the benefits of using these remedies is that they can be used daily. So they can help cure your cat, but also prevent future outbreaks of feline urinary problems.

Kate Rieger is partnered with the Kentucky S.N.I.P clinic to provide affordable homeopathic alternatives for treating cats and dogs suffering from feline urinary tract and bladder problems. Visit her site http://www.Pet-Natural-Remedies.com to find out more about a natural treatments for pet care.