What is feline urinary tract disease or urinary tract syndrome?
Feline urinary tract syndrome refers to the lower urinary organs and is also called Lower Urinary Tract Disease (L.U.T.D.). It is an infection or inflammation of the bladder and/or the urethra (the canal that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body). In some instances, L.U.T.D. can lead to formation of stones in the bladder. Numerous factors contribute to the development of this disease. Examples are: improper mineral balance in the diet, diets that promote too high or too low a urine pH, bacteria, viruses, infrequent urination, decreased water intake, stress, obesity, tumors of the urinary tract, and congenital defects, etc. Signs of the disease can include: urinating in inappropriate locations, frequent or painful urination, blood tinged or strong smelling urine, excess licking of the genital area, etc. Untreated urinary tract disease can progress rapidly to a partial or complete blockage of the urethra (the canal that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body), a
