One of the most common reasons for feline admission to a veterinary hospital is for Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD). This covers a range of urinary tract problems which can sometimes be more specifically labelled but all-too-often have unknown causes. Thought to affect around 1% of all cats, FLUTD has symptoms you can notice at home. Straining to use the litter box, blood in urine, crying out while toileting, and inappropriate urination (often occurring on smooth, cool surfaces) can be a sign that something is up, down there. Of course, the advice here is to take your cat to the vet as soon as possible, as there are a number of symptoms that can worsen and cause your cat increasing levels of distress. As told by Dr. Boulay, “Most cases of feline cystitis are sterile, rather than having a bacterial cause. Your vet will take a urine sample to check under a microscope to then prescribe the best medication for your cat.” Though in many cases it is out of your hands, there are things you can do to reduce the chances of your cat developing FLUTD through bacterial means. They’re all pretty much just ‘best practice’ tips anyway and will make for a happier and healthier cat all round! They include keeping the litter box clean; ensuring access to clean, fresh water; and boosting your cat’s levels of physical exercise. As indoor cats are more prone to this particular ailment, it may be on you to work out a workout for your cat within your four walls.