What can I do to prevent my cat from getting urinary problems?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
What are the best ways to reduce the risk of urinary issues in cats?
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on March 9th, 2018
Urinary issues are quite common in cats. Different issues can include urinary tract infections, crystals in the urine, bladder stones, feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) that is often related to stress, among many other conditions. As with most health-related issues, prevention is the name of the game. Offer your cat ample quantities of water to assure that they are drinking appropriate volumes. Some cats prefer running water sources, so a water fountain designed for cats may be helpful. Water can also be mixed in with canned foods or added to dry food. Monitoring your cat at home for changes is another critical step. Always be sure that your cat is using the litter box appropriately by urinating normal volumes several times per day and is not straining excessively in the box. Too much or too little urine volume can indicate changes that warrant veterinary attention, as can straining to urinate, vocalizing while urinating, or blood in the urine. If a cat has been previously diagnosed with bladder stones or crystals, your veterinarian may recommend a prescription diet to regulate the pH of the urine and mineral content of the diet to prevent the recurrence of these issues. Cats with previously diagnosed FLUTD may also benefit from calming pheromone collars or diffusers to keep their stress levels at bay.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on June 13th, 2017
Good question and thank you for considering adopting this kitty. I'm guessing what they mean he has is feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD). This is a condition that seems to be brought on by stress and is typically characterized by frequent blood in the urine, straining to urinate, producing small amounts of urine, and urinating outside the litter box. Treatment is usually prescription food (especially canned to dilute their urine) and certain medications (anti-anxiety meds, pain meds, anti-spasmodics). Some cats can be managed well with diet and only need medications when they are stressed or having a flare up, while others need medication all the time. It all depends on the cat. I would find out more about his history and what treatment they are using and call your veterinarian to discuss, or post further questions on the forum, or you can request a consultation.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on November 8th, 2020
Some cats are very sensitive to change and stress and can develop urinary issues because of it. There are also calming food and treats that you may consider trying, Hills and Royal Canin both offer excellent diets for this. He may need time to settle in, he may need further medications to ensure his UTI is cleared, it may have recurred because of the stress of travel, he may have a condition called Feline idiopathic cystitis. This is cystitis or an inflamed bladder which has an unexplained medical cause. It is a common condition and is not normally a serious health concern, but can be very uncomfortable for your cat. FIC is more common in younger felines and episodes tend to resolve as they get older. FIC is different from a bladder infection, bladder stones or more serious urinary tract conditions, but can often present the same symptoms. I recommend getting him back in to see your vet and discuss these possibilities with them.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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