#PurinaPartner: How to Detect Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease, or FLUTD: Enter to win

This is a sponsored post, written by me on behalf of Purina.   I am being compensated for helping spread the word about the  Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR Urinary St/Ox Feline Formulas,  but Cat Chat With Caren and Cody only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers.

When I was first contacted by my friends at Purina asking if I would be interested in the opportunity to share important information about FLUTD with my readers, my first thought went to my Angel Bobo.  Bobo DID suffer from having SIX kidney stones (ALL AT ONE TIME! He takes after his Mama), when he was about sixteen years old. I found out he had them after he had been throwing up white foam numerous times during the day.  I asked my friends at Purina if the kidney stones that Bobo had were related to FLUTD.

I was provided with some interesting information from Purina Veterinarian Dr. Grace

Long, and learned that Urinary stones is a broader term and would encompass both kidney stones (stones actually in the kidneys) and bladder stones (stones in the urinary bladder).  

Per Dr.Grace Long, Purina Veterinarian, Stones are just one form of FLUTD. 

What is FLUTD?

 Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease, or FLUTD, is a group of diseases that affect both the bladder and the urethra in cats. The disease is sometimes caused by urinary stones or crystals, and it’s more common than you might think. Thanks to Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets, you will learn : how to identify if your cat has the risk factors, as well as how to recognize the symptoms which are sometimes dismissed by owners as common litter box problems.

FLUTD Risk Factors

Age, gender and physical activity can help indicate whether or not your cat is at a higher risk for developing FLUTD.

·         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.

·         Breed: Urinary problems are more common in certain breeds, such as Persians, where there is a lower incidence in Siamese.

·         Age: 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.

·         Activity Level: 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 through to cause crystals.

 However, more recent work 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.

How to Recognize the Symptoms

You will likely notice a change in your cat’s appearance or behavior if he or she is experiencing FLUTD. Look for common signs, such as:

·         Makes frequent trips to the litter box

·         Cries when urinating

·         Urinates outside the litter box

·         Licks genital area excessively

·         Strains to urinate, with little success

·         Displays signs of anxiety, such as pacing or hiding

   Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR Urinary St/Ox Feline Formulas  are scientifically formulated to meet the special dietary needs of cats that are predisposed to lower urinary tract conditions. 

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR Urinary St/Ox Feline Formulas promote increased water intake and encourages a urinary environment unfavorable to the development of struvite and calcium oxalate crystals. The wet and dry formulas are commonly prescribed by veterinarians for the nutritional management of cats with, or are predisposed to, FLUTD.

Purina is offering readers of Cat Chat With Caren and Cody a rebate!  Click here for a $15 off mail-in rebate for the new UR Urinary St/Ox Feline Canned Formulas.

You can also enter to win one of two coupons for a free bag  Entering is easy! Just enter on  the Rafflecopter below. Our apologies but the give-away is open to  U.S. residents only. Two winners will each receive one coupon which must be redeemed at a veterinary clinic. The winners will be announced on or around October 21st. Good luck!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TO LEARN MORE VISIT:

Proplan Veterinary Diet Website 

Purina Veterinary Exchange on Facebook

Purina Vet on Twitter