Cleaning the litter box may be your least favorite chore, but the contents of the box could tell you if your cat has Feline Urological Syndrome (FUS). A problem that affects male and female cats of all ages (although less common in females), FUS involves urinary infections or urethral obstructions that can be life threatening. A quality diet and constant fresh water can help prevent it.
FUS includes four common disorders:
- Cystitis: Inflammation of the wall lining of the urinary bladder.
- Infections: Bacterial infections caused by accumulated blood, mucus and debris from inflamed tissue.
- Urethral Blockage: This is a life-threatening blockage of the urinary outflow tract.
- Uremia: An accumulation of poisonous wastes in the bloodstream that is life threatening.
FUS symptoms:
- Crying out or straining while urinating (may be mistaken for constipation)
- Urinating a small amount or not at all
- Unable to use a litter box
- Urinating in a sink or bath tub
- Passing blood in his urine
Avoid FUS by:
While the exact causes of FUS aren’t known, there are some steps you can take to help prevent it.
- Fluids – Give your cat plenty of fresh water and encourage drinking.
- Diet – Feed your cat a balanced diet. Poor-quality cat foods can contribute to the onset of FUS, so choose carefully.
- Exercise – Help your cat stay fit and trim.
- Waste – Check the litter box for signs of blood or unusual deposits.
Pet Supermarket carries premium cat food brands that are formulated to help prevent FUS.
