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If your otherwise
healthy cat should suddenly start urinating outside the litter box,
should you be concerned? The answer is yes. You should take your
pet to your veterinarian immediately. Inappropriate urination can
be the result of Feline Lower Urinary Track Disease (FLUTD). This
is a problem that only your vet can diagnose and treat. If your
pet is suffering from a complete urinary blockage, the condition
can quickly lead to death, so time is of the essence.
So, what are the
FLUTD warning signs? According to Cornell University College of
Veterinary Medicine, "Most cats with lower urinary tract disease
show remarkably similar signs, but to varying degrees. Cats will
strain and make frequent and prolonged attempts to urinate, but
usually the amount of urine passed during each attempt is quite
small. Affected cats tend to lick their genital area excessively,
and sometimes they will urinate outside the litter box, often preferring
cool, smooth surfaces like a tile floor or a bathtub. Occasionally,
there will be blood present in the urine."
There are several
possible causes of this condition, ranging from infections to a
build up of minerals in the urine. Only your vet can make a proper
diagnosis and recommend a course of treatment.
If you'd like to know more about this condition, your veterinarian
can likely provide brochures or other materials. You can also read
more at the Cornell University website: http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/resources/brochure.
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