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Post by Joanna on Apr 5, 2011 14:36:00 GMT
Hello, I was wondering whether anyone else's male cat has suffered from bouts of the above? Our little (well, big if I am being honest) boy is suffering again from this, and we have been to the vets again. Today's vet (shame here, as we never manage to see the same vet more than once) was talking about putting him on a prescription diet for life of Hills biscuits (for this type of ailment). Another vet told us that wet food was the way to go, and he may just suffer from it from time to time. Actually, today's vet used the phrase "ticking timebomb" which alarmed me! I want to do the best for him, but am wondering if anyone else can speak from experience? If I have to pay for expensive cat food - I will, but I want to know that it is the best sort, and I really get the impression that wet food would be far better than dry? Any thoughts etc. would be really appreciated! Joanna x
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Post by Chris - Cats Protection on Aug 9, 2011 9:00:41 GMT
Sorry, the forums havent been used much recently so I have been very lax at checking them.
Hopefully we can revive them once again.
Re this condition, yes its very common indeed, especially in male cats, but can be seen in a female, although its quite rare.
Diet is the way to go, thats for sure, however, Flutd is a name commonly used to cover urinary infections, Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease, of which Cystitis can be a symptom, but lets remember Cystitis, is an inflammatory condition, brought on by infection or even stress.
Many folk try to keep Cystitis at bay by adding Cranberry powder or extract to food and water, which is one of natures own treatments, but of course there is a question mark as to how effective this is, after all you cannot prove that it was the Cranberry that kept the condition at bay, rather than the cat never being stressed or having an infection.
Often in a male cat Flutd can cause a build up of crystals, and this is the nightmare, as it can stop the cat from being able to urinate, should this occur, a very quick visit to the Vet is in order.
Any condition can be described as serious, but with careful observation on the part of the owner, Flutd can be managed very well, so please do not panic with this diagnosis.
Can cats recover from it?
Well it has been known for a cat to shed off all symptoms for long periods of time, sometimes with them never returning, but I think this is mainly due to good management of diet, and more a case of keeping the condition in check.
Pay attention to behaviour, if the cat is squatting in areas other than its litter tray, then this could be a sign of being unable to pass urine with ease.
Strong smelling urine is also an indication that a close eye must be kept.
Re diet... well there are two lines of thought as you have found out.
I have used both, as not all cats will adapt well to eating a dry diet. Hills do make a dry food, as do one or two other manufacturers designed to assist a cat suffering from Flutd.
And wet food contains a lot of water, but, like in the human disease of Gout, you have to be careful what oils are within the food, for example, sardines, herring are attractive to cats and I feel sure that many wet foods contain these fish, but the oils they contain actually inflame the condition, so great care needs to be taken.
One benefit of dry food, is that they have to drink to keep fluid levels up, and you can then monitor the intake, its harder to do with wet food.
Plus with dry food, even prescription diet, you will be surprised how cost effective it can be.
Personally, I would do the following:-
Find one Vet you like and trust, and always ask to see that Vet, even if it means changing practices.
Listen to the advice given by that Vet and follow it.
Question anything you dont understand.
Hope this helps.
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