I have to admit the following comes from my wife, Michelle (AKA “the Catwoman!). I am just not this smart!
Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) describes a variety of conditions that affect the bladder and urethra of cats. Cats with FLUTD most often show signs of difficulty and pain when urinating, increased frequency of urination, and blood in the urine.
Owners should be educated about stress reduction and weight control, both of which are important components of FLUTD management.1,4 Any stressful change of routine, such as a new caretaker or reduced play time, has been shown to trigger a variety of sickness behaviors, including inappropriate urination.4 Adherence to routine and environmental enrichment (eg, proper hiding and perching locations) may help prevent recurrence of FLUTD.1,4
Focused dietary options such as Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare and Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Feline Stress, coupled with behavioral counseling, can help make cats with FLUTD more adoptable or able to rejoin their family.
Other foods recommended by your vet may be available also.
Dietary management has been shown to influence FLUTD recurrence.5 Along with mineral concentrations and maintenance of urinary pH, antioxidant levels and omega-3 fatty acids can influence urinary health.5 A prospective, randomized, double-blinded study showed that Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Feline reduced the recurrence rate of feline idiopathic cystitis signs in client-owned cats by 89% over a 12-month period as compared with a control food.5
A therapeutic food can also help alleviate stress; dietary supplements L-tryptophan and hydrolyzed casein have both been shown to manage stress in cats.6,7 These supplements have been added to Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Feline to create Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Feline Stress, which provides Hill’s primary solution to help prevent FLUTD in cats in potentially stressful situations (eg, relinquishment to a shelter, conflict with other pets, rehoming, new baby, travel).8
So, bottom line, FLUTD can be managed and improved with the right diet!
Please feel free to call Michelle and me to discuss ideas and issues with your “best cat ever!”
Catman!