Symptoms and Treatments For Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)

What is Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease? 

One of the most common reasons people take their cats to the veterinarian is because of urinary tract problems. When the bladder is not able to empty correctly due to infection, bladder stones, blockage of the urethra (urethral plug) or inflammation, your cat may be diagnosed with Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD). Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) is a term to describe a variety of conditions that affect the bladder and urethra of cats. The most common conditions include: infections, inflammation, idiopathic, cystitis, urolithiasis (stones) and urethral obstruction (plugs).

Symptoms of FLUTD:

• Urinating outside the box
• Straining to urinate 
• Frequent trips to the litter box 
• Excessive licking of their private area 
• Crying out while urinating 
• Visible blood in the litter box 

While FLUTD can occur at any age, it is often seen in middle-aged, overweight cats that get little exercise, use an indoor litter box, have little or no outdoor access, and tend to eat a dry diet. Factors such as emotional or environment stress, multi-cat households, and abrupt changes in daily routine may also increase the risk that a cat will develop FLUTD. If you suspect a urinary tract problem, it is important for you to seek veterinary care and find the underlying cause. Your veterinarian will usually conduct a physical exam, a urinalysis, urine culture, bloodwork and possibly x-rays and/or an ultrasound. 

Once the cause is determined, using a few natural supplements along with making important diet changes can be life-changing for your cat. Please be sure to include your cat's diet and treats on the order form at checkout and we will provide a few diet tips on the packing slip that comes with your AskAriel.com order.

Supplements for Cats with FLUTD and Bladder Conditions

Pet UTI Prevention Formula--acidifies the urine, contains key nutrients scientifically proven to support bladder health. Helps keep bacteria from collecting on bladder walls.

Power Probiotic--fights infection and yeast--promotes the growth of good “friendly” bacteria in the urinary tract. All natural, safe and absolutely no fillers! Taking antibiotics can reduce the population of friendly bacteria, increasing the possibility of yeast and decreasing your pet's overall immunity. Power Probiotic replenishes healthy bacteria helping your pet fight off further infection.

Akutur - provides pain relief in the urinary tract, reduces inflammation and helps restore balance in the bladder and pelvic floor--especially important for interstitial cystitis

NotaSAN-infection fighter--this homeopathic remedy is excellent for long-term use to support a healthy immune system and prevent infections from returning. These easy to administer, tasteless drops are a best seller for cats.

Diet Changes: Diet is a huge issue when it comes to managing bladder infections, FLUTD and cystitis. It's important that you take a look at all of your pet's food, table scraps and treats to ensure you are not feeding any grains, allergens such as dairy, fish or poultry, or dry food. Starchy carbohydrates can contribute to chronic urinary tract problems, especially gluten containing grains such as rice.

Please include your cat's diet and treats on the order form at checkout.  Based on the information you provide, we will include a diet suggestion for your pet on the packing slip that comes with your product directions.

Blind Pug With Collapsed Trachea and Bladder Stones Improves With Natural Remedies

Kai

"My Kai is blind, has collapsed trachea and had bladder stones. Having had antibiotics 4 times this year with a urinary infection that kept coming back. I found Ask Ariel online, looking for homeopathy. Kai has been on Immune Support Kit, also Akutur and Renelix. She has improved a lot and is spunky with energy too!

Thank you so much for an alternative from the usual veterinary care available in my area."

Valerie, CA

When Was Your Pet's Last Blood Test?

It’s hard to believe the holidays are rapidly approaching. Time flies! That is why it is SO important to check your files and see when your pet last had a blood test and urine analysis. Sadly pets’ life cycles are more rapid than a human’s and if it has been more than a year for your dog for example, that is the rough equivalent of 7 years! Would you wait 7 years before having your lab tests done? Lab tests are very important because pets can have health issues cropping up without any outward symptoms. A classic example is kidney disease.  Typically, getting your senior pet's blood tested every 6 months  nd a young pet's blood tested annually is recommended by veterinarians.

Before the holidays get too crazy, please schedule a date to bring your pet to the vet. Yes it’s a hassle and yes it’s expensive —— but early detection saves lives!

Natural Remedies Help Pomeranian With Collapsed Trachea

"I am very happy with your products.  In 2016, Bianca had her teeth cleaned and it caused partial damage to her trachea.  It was so bad that the medicine they put her on wasn't helping.  That's when someone from Facebook told me about your company and your Ultraflex Collagen Product.  It worked miracles for Bianca and she was able to get off the other medicine.  In 2018, she developed kidney disease.  I purchased your Kidney Health Protein Support and Bianca was tested again and her kidney function has improved.  That is amazing!  I am so grateful for your company and knowledge."  Shelly, AZ

To learn more about natural remedies for dogs with collapsed trachea, please click here.

Keep Your Pet On A Regular Feeding Schedule With At Least 2 Meals A Day

Every pet will have its own unique needs regarding nutrition, depending on their age, activity level, and physical conditions. However, all pets thrive on routine and keeping a regular feeding schedule of smaller more frequent meals (be sure to keep calorie count within their daily allowance to avoid becoming overweight) can keep your pet happy and healthy.   3 meals a day is ideal but for many who work full time, it may not be possible. On days you are home,  try to feed your pet a mid-day snack or lunch.  Keeping your pet's blood sugar regulated keeps destructive behavior to a minimum. We all know what it feels like when we are famished and pets feel the same way too.  Free feeding of dry food is not recommended but if you need to leave something out, consider freeze dried raw as it does not contain starchy carbohydrates the way dry food does.   To learn more about pet nutrition, please read our library of articles about pet diets, supplements and holistic pet care. 

Natural Remedies For Cats With IBD and Pancreatitis

                                                                   Clawdia

"Clawdia has IBD and pancreatitis.  At 9 years old she was in the hospital twice, the diarrhea and vomiting was so bad, after a month her doctors said they had done all they could.  We started slowly adding Power Probiotics and NotaSan then later the Lypozyme.  The proof is in the results, at age 12 we still remain in good control." 

Amy, Tenn.

Halloween Pet Toy Contest Winners

Halloween Toy Contest Winners: A big THANK YOU to the adorable pet contestants as well as the wonderful participants who voted for your favorites. Everybody wins! We are giving a FREE SHIPPING Ask Ariel coupon to all of the participants. We also awarded a few extra prizes because some of the votes were VERY close. Here are the winners:

1st Place Amber Rose (Mom: Cheryl)

2nd Place Two Winners: Buster (Mom: Marti) and Clawdia Louise (Mom: Amy)

These three pets and their Moms will win the Grand Prize Goodie Giveaway.

We will also be sending a Halloween Toy to these winners with 27 or more likes:

Sangria and Flirt (Mom: Laura)
Baxter, Bailey, Lily, Bandit and Brody Bear (Mom: Tammi)
Bianca (Mom: Shelly)
Kai (Mom: Valerie)
Chip and Princess (Mom: Sharon)
Pebbles (Foster Mom: Gina)

Congratulations to all of the winners! Thanks again for all of your participation!