Urinary problems are surprisingly common in cats and can quickly become serious. From painful urination to life-threatening blockages, knowing the signs and taking early action can make all the difference.

Contents

• What is Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)?

• Signs something is wrong

• What causes urinary problems in cats?

• How it’s diagnosed

• Treatment and long-term care

• Can raw feeding help?

• Natural support and home care

• Where to get help

• Top 5 Takeouts

What is Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)?

FLUTD is not one single disease. It’s an umbrella term for a group of conditions affecting the bladder and urethra. These include:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

• Bladder stones or crystals

• Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC)

• Urethral plugs or blockages

Some of these are painful and frustrating. Others, like a blockage, can be fatal without urgent treatment.

Signs Something is Wrong

Cats are brilliant at hiding discomfort. That’s why urinary problems often go unnoticed until they are severe. Look out for:

• Straining to pee or visiting the litter tray often

• Crying out when urinating

• Licking around the genitals

• Blood in the urine

• Accidents outside the litter tray

• Peeing in strange places (like the bath or sink)

• Lack of urination (a medical emergency)

If your cat is straining to pee and nothing is coming out, go to the vet immediately. A blocked bladder is life-threatening.

What Causes Urinary Problems in Cats?

There are several possible causes. These include:

• Stress: A major trigger, especially for idiopathic cystitis

• Dehydration: Cats are often poor drinkers, which can lead to concentrated urine

• Diet: Some processed foods are too high in minerals that promote stone formation

• Obesity and inactivity: These raise the risk of urinary issues

• Infection or inflammation: More common in older cats

• Anatomy: Male cats have narrower urethras and are more prone to blockages

Many cases of FLUTD, especially FIC, have no clear cause. But stress and diet are almost always part of the puzzle.

How It’s Diagnosed

Your vet may use several methods to work out what’s going on:

• Urinalysis

• Urine culture (to detect infection)

• X-rays or ultrasound (to check for stones or abnormalities)

• Blood tests

• In some cases, stress and diet history help diagnose FIC

Treatment and Long-Term Care

Treatment depends on the cause.

• Infections: Often treated with antibiotics

• Crystals or stones: May need diet changes, and in some cases, surgery

• FIC: Managed through stress reduction, increased water intake and dietary changes

• Blockages: Require emergency veterinary intervention and possibly catheterisation or surgery

Ongoing care includes:

• A calm, stable home environment

• Plenty of water sources

• A clean, accessible litter tray

• A species-appropriate diet

• Weight control and gentle exercise

Can Raw Feeding Help?

Yes. A natural, raw diet can support urinary health in several ways:

• Naturally high in moisture, helping to dilute the urine

• Free from artificial additives and preservatives

• Low in excess minerals that may promote crystals

• Biologically appropriate for cats as obligate carnivores

Raw-fed cats typically pass smaller, less odorous, more frequent urine, which keeps the urinary system flushed and functioning well.

💡 Poppy’s Tip: Our gently balanced cat meals contain everything your cat needs to support healthy hydration and urinary health.

Natural Support and Home Care

There are also gentle therapies that can help, especially for stress-related urinary issues:

• Pheromone diffusers (like Feliway)

• Herbal remedies (e.g. cranberry, marshmallow root or corn silk)

• Homeopathy (under guidance from a qualified vet)

• Acupuncture or osteopathy

• Probiotics to support gut and immune health

Always work with a qualified practitioner when using holistic treatments.

Where to Get Help

At Poppy’s Picnic, we understand how stressful urinary problems can be. If you’re wondering whether diet could help, we can:

• Recommend moisture-rich, raw meals tailored to your cat

• Support you in identifying triggers and making gentle changes

• Connect you with holistic professionals for additional help

You should also speak to your vet for diagnosis, especially if your cat has repeated symptoms or is in pain.

Top 5 Takeouts

• Urinary problems are common and can become serious quickly.

• Stress, dehydration and diet are key contributors to FLUTD.

• Male cats are more likely to suffer life-threatening blockages.

• Raw feeding helps by boosting hydration and reducing urinary strain.

• Natural therapies can support recovery and long-term balance.