Cats are fairly easy to take care of, but there are times when they need a little bit of special attention. This is to make sure that their health will stay in good condition and that they’ll be fit and healthy for the rest of their life.
As a cat owner, one of the most common conditions you need to be aware of is Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD). This could prevent your cat’s bladder from emptying correctly and even cause a blockage in their urethra, a tube that connects the bladder to the outside of the cat’s body (its urinary opening).
The Cause
Lower urinary tract problems in cats could be due to bladder infection or inflammation, stress, an injury to the urinary tract, spinal cord problems, congenital abnormality, or incontinence from drinking water excessively. FLUTD doesn’t affect cats below the age of one, but you have to be wary if they’re already four years old and above.
The Solution
The good news about this health problem in your cat is there’s a way to save them. Apart from going to the vet, there are things you can do at home.
Here, we will discuss how you can prevent urinary problems in your cat and why giving them the right cat food for urinary health is important.
- Keep an Eye on their Diet
Watch what you feed your little furbaby, as their diet greatly affects their urinary and overall health. Some or most dry cat food in the market contains a lot of salt and sodium, which can be bad for your cats. Ask your veterinarian about special cat diets and which cat food to buy to make sure that your pet is getting the nutrition they need without having to suffer from urinary problems.
- Keep their Weight Ideal
Cats that are overweight and obese are more likely to get diseases and illnesses, such as urinary tract infection. Make sure to feed your cat the right amount of food and steer clear of feeding them too much no matter how much they beg for it.
Cats that are overweight also tend to drink smaller amounts of water and be less active than leaner cats, which can be a huge problem that can lead to health issues.
- Keep Them Stress-Free
Stress is one of the main reasons why your cat gets ill. One of the most common illnesses that they get when stressed is urinary tract infection, so make sure to keep them stress-free to keep them away from getting sick.
Always clean their litter box, as having a dirty and soiled litter box can easily strain your cat. You also should limit their exposure to new people and environment, as a change of scene can easily upset cats.
Always keep their water bowl clean and fresh at all times. Cats are sensitive when it comes to their food and water. If they feel like their food or drink is dirty, they would not eat or drink it. Talk to your vet for a more balanced diet and nutrition for your cat if possible.
