Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a blanket term for conditions affecting the bladder and urethra in cats. It is extremely common — affecting an estimated 1–3% of cats per year — and in male cats, a urinary blockage is a life-threatening emergency. Here is what every UK cat owner needs to know.

What Is FLUTD

FLUTD encompasses several conditions:

  • Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC): The most common cause (around 60% of cases). Inflammation of the bladder with no identifiable cause, often linked to stress.
  • Urinary crystals or stones: Mineral crystals (struvite or calcium oxalate) that form in the urine and irritate the bladder or block the urethra.
  • Urinary tract infection: Less common in younger cats but more frequent in older cats and those with kidney disease.
  • Urethral blockage: A complete blockage of the urethra, preventing urination. Almost exclusively affects male cats. This is a life-threatening emergency.

Symptoms

  • Frequent visits to the litter tray with little or no urine produced
  • Crying or straining while urinating
  • Blood in the urine
  • Urinating outside the litter tray
  • Excessive licking of the genital area
  • Emergency signs (blocked cat): Repeated unproductive straining, vocalising in pain, vomiting, lethargy, collapse

A male cat that cannot urinate is a veterinary emergency. Kidney failure and death can occur within 24–48 hours without treatment.

Treatment Costs

Uncomplicated FLUTD (cystitis without blockage):

  • Consultation: £30–£65
  • Urinalysis: £30–£60
  • Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication: £20–£50
  • Total: £80–£175 per episode

Urinary blockage (emergency):

  • Emergency consultation: £100–£300
  • Catheterisation under sedation/anaesthetic: £200–£500
  • Blood tests: £80–£150
  • IV fluid therapy (1–3 days hospitalisation): £200–£600
  • Monitoring and medication: £100–£300
  • Total: £500–£1,500 for uncomplicated unblocking

Recurrent blockage requiring perineal urethrostomy (PU) surgery:

  • Surgery: £1,500–£3,000
  • Post-operative care: £100–£300
  • This is a permanent surgical widening of the urethra to prevent future blockages

Bladder stones requiring surgical removal (cystotomy):

  • Surgery: £800–£1,500
  • Stone analysis: £50–£100
  • Post-operative care: £100–£200

Recurrence

FLUTD is highly recurrent. Feline idiopathic cystitis recurs in approximately 50% of cases within 12 months. This means ongoing management costs should be factored in:

  • Prescription urinary diet: £30–£60/month
  • Feliway diffuser (stress reduction): £15–£25 plus £8–£12/month for refills
  • Cystease or similar supplement: £10–£15/month

Prevention

While FLUTD cannot always be prevented, the following measures reduce risk significantly:

  • Water intake: Feed wet food rather than dry food. Cats on wet food produce more dilute urine, reducing crystal formation and bladder irritation. Add water to food if needed.
  • Stress reduction: FLUTD is strongly linked to stress. Provide multiple litter trays (one per cat plus one extra), safe hiding spots, and a predictable routine. Feliway diffusers can help.
  • Weight management: Overweight, inactive cats are at higher risk.
  • Multiple water sources: Cat water fountains encourage drinking (£15–£30).
  • Prescription urinary diet: If your cat has had one episode, a urinary diet can reduce recurrence.

Insurance

FLUTD treatment is covered by most pet insurance policies. However, once your cat has had one episode, it becomes a pre-existing condition and will not be covered if you switch insurers. Lifetime policies are essential for conditions with high recurrence rates like FLUTD.

Last updated: March 2026. If your cat (especially a male cat) is straining to urinate, contact a vet immediately — this is an emergency.