Lower urinary tract diseases in cats, which mainly affect the urinary bladder and urethra, are common and often recurrent pathologies. They can cause significant discomfort and, in some cases, put the animal's life at risk if not treated promptly.

Main Associated Diseases

1. Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC)

It is the most frequent cause of FLUTD, especially in young and middle-aged cats. It is an inflammation of the bladder wall without a clear infectious cause, although in some cases bacteria, viruses, or fungi may be involved. Stress is a key factor in its onset and can be triggered by:
•    Changes in the environment (moving, renovations, arrival of new people or animals).
•    Territorial conflicts with other cats.
•    Altered routines or veterinary visits.

2. Urolithiasis (Crystals and Stones)

The most common urinary stones in cats are struvite and calcium oxalate, and their formation is usually related to:
•    Low-quality diets or mineral imbalances.
•    Low water intake.
•    Recurrent urinary infections.
These crystals can cluster and form stones that irritate the bladder mucosa and may block the urethra, especially in male cats.

3. Urethral Plugs

They occur when struvite crystals, dead cells, and mucus accumulate, forming a pasty mass that partially or completely blocks the urethra. This condition is a veterinary emergency, as it prevents urine elimination and can cause bladder rupture or acute kidney failure.

Common FLUTD Symptoms

Clinical signs are usually very similar in all variants of the disease:
•    Your cat urinates outside the litter box.
•    Frequently visits the litter box but does not urinate or does so in small amounts.
•    Meows in pain when urinating.
•    Hematuria (blood in urine).
•    Excessive licking of the genital area or lower abdomen. In severe cases, they may pull out hair from the area.

Causes and Risk Factors

Although any cat can develop urinary tract diseases, there are certain factors that increase the risk:
•    Obesity, which reduces physical activity and can alter metabolism.
•    Previous presence of crystals or stones.
•    Advanced age, especially in spayed females.
•    Medical conditions, such as:
       o    Diabetes mellitus.
       o    Hyperthyroidism.
       o    Chronic kidney disease.

Prevention and Home Care

1. Balanced and quality diet

An adequate diet is essential to prevent crystal formation and maintain a healthy urinary pH. Consult your veterinarian about the most suitable food for your cat, especially if they have had FLUTD episodes.

2. Encourage increased water intake

Many cats do not drink enough water. Useful strategies include:
•    Use of moving and clean water fountains.
•    Distributing several bowls of fresh water around the house.
•    Incorporating wet food (cans) into their diet.

3. Reduce environmental stress

Environmental enrichment and stress control are fundamental:
•    Interactive toys, scratching posts, elevated resting areas.
•    Stable routines.
•    Synthetic pheromones.
•    Separate areas for food, water, litter box, and rest.

Superpinkkun

At Kunkay we offer you Superpinkkun, a nutritional supplement specially formulated to promote urinary tract health in cats and dogs. It is ideal for animals with recurrent urinary infections or discomfort associated with the lower urinary tract.
This supplement can help to:
•    Reduce bladder inflammation.
•    Minimize struvite crystal formation.
•    Support urinary and kidney balance naturally.

⚠ Always consult your veterinarian before introducing any supplement into your pet's diet.