What is FLUTD in Cats: Causes, Symptoms & How Diet Can Reduce Risk by 40%

Cats are known for hiding pain, which means many health issues can go unnoticed until they become serious. One common problem that affects many cats—especially indoor and adult ones - s FLUTD, or Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease.

FLUTD is not just one disease but a group of problems related to your cat’s bladder and urethra. It can cause pain while peeing, blood in the urine, and changes in your cat’s behavior. Although it’s more common in older cats, younger cats can also get affected.

While there are multiple contributing factors, diet and hydration play a crucial role in maintaining urinary health. Cats have low water intake. A well-formulated, balanced feeding routine using both dry and wet cat food can support bladder function and reduce the risk of urinary discomfort by up to 40%.

One of the biggest reasons for FLUTD is poor diet and low water intake. Many dry foods lack enough moisture, which increases the risk of urinary infections. Studies show that giving the right healthy cat food can lower the chance of urinary issues by up to 40%.

Whether you’re already dealing with urinary infection in cats or want to avoid it in the future, this blog will give you useful and easy tips. 

What Causes FLUTD in Cats?

There are many reasons why a cat may develop Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease. The most common causes include:

• Stress: Changes in routine, a new pet, or loud noises can stress your cat
• Bladder stones or crystals: These can block urine flow and cause pain
• Not drinking enough water
• Poor-quality diet: Foods that have too much magnesium, ash, or not enough moisture
• Obesity: Overweight cats are more likely to have urinary problems
• Lack of activity: Especially in indoor cats
  

Indoors cats often eat more dry cat food and don’t move around much, which increases the risk of FLUTD. Giving proper cat nutrition food and encouraging more water intake can make a big difference.

Cats with sedentary lifestyles may not consume enough water. This is why it's essential to combine nutritionally balanced dry cat food and moisture-rich wet food with complete access to ad libitum water to elevate your cat’s overall health.

Indoors cats often eat more dry cat food and don’t move around much, which increases the risk of FLUTD. Giving proper cat nutrition food and encouraging more water intake can make a big difference.

Common Symptoms of FLUTD

If your cat has a feline urinary tract infection, you may notice these signs:

• Trying to pee often, but only a few drops come out
• Crying or showing pain while urinating
• Blood in the urine (you may see a pinkish stain)
• Peeing outside the litter box
• Licking their private parts too often

Any of these symptoms mean your cat should see a vet. If left untreated, FLUTD can become dangerous. Also, notice any cat behaviour change, like becoming quiet, hiding, or avoiding you—this can also be a sign of discomfort.

How Diet Helps Prevent Urinary Issues

One of the easiest and best ways to protect your cat from urinary problems is through proper food and hydration. Here’s how diet helps:

• Feed wet cat food regularly—it contains moisture that supports bladder health
• Choose gravy foods made from chicken or tuna to encourage drinking and provide flavor
• Look for nutrients like taurine, omega-3, and DL-methionine—they support urinary health
• If you give dry food, make sure it's good cat food with proper ingredients and no harmful fillers
• Give your cat the right supplements, as they are essential for urinary health. Supplements also minimize the incidence of urinary tract-related diseases in the long run.
• Ensure there is complete access to clean and clear drinking water (at all times)
• Mix and rotate between wet and dry food to balance taste, hydration, and nutrients

A moisture-rich and well-balanced diet keeps your cat’s bladder clean and reduces inflammation. For your furry loved ones, you can feed them Purrfeto’s healthy wet food. Purrfeto cat dry food is available in 6 rich flavors and enriched with DL methionine (an essential amino acid). Its food has also been fortified with cranberries (a rich antioxidant). These essential elements reduce the incidence of struvite crystal formation, which is the most common type of urinary crystals in cats. 

• Feed wet cat food regularly—it contains moisture that supports bladder health
• Choose gravy foods made from chicken or tuna to encourage drinking and provide flavor
• Look for nutrients like taurine, omega-3, and DL-methionine—they support urinary health
• If you give dry food, make sure it's good cat food with proper ingredients and no harmful fillers
• Mix and rotate between wet and dry food to balance taste, hydration, and nutrients

A moisture-rich and well-balanced diet keeps your cat’s bladder clean and reduces inflammation. For your furry loved ones you can feed them Purrfeto’s urinary health wet food. They are made using real ingredients which are suitable for all Indian cats. 

Best Cat Food for FLUTD-Prone Cats

If your cat is prone to FLUTD or has had urinary issues in the past, here are some food options to consider:

• Wet cat food with chicken or tuna gravy—helps with hydration
• Cat dry food with DL-methionine and cranberry – supports urinary health
• High-protein dry food that is low in ash and magnesium
• Look for ingredients like taurine, DL-methionine, or cranberry extract
• For kittens, use soft-texture meals with more water—like chicken gravy for 1–2-month-old kittens

Whether it’s kitten food or cat food for adult cats, a good diet can protect your cat from future problems.

Tips to Support Urinary Health at Home

Along with food, small daily habits can help improve your cat’s urinary health:

• Place clean water bowls in different areas of your home
• Try using a cat water fountain to encourage more drinking
• Keep the litter box clean—dirty boxes may lead to holding in urine
• Reduce stress by avoiding sudden changes and loud noises
• Watch your cat’s pee habits—if something seems off, call the vet early

Whether it’s kitten food or cat food for adult cats, a good diet can protect your cat from future problems.

Whether you feed cat and kitten food separately or together, make sure it's healthy cat food that suits their age and lifestyle.

FLUTD in cats is a manageable condition if you focus on the basics—good hygiene, clean water, low stress, and most importantly, nutritious rich food. A little care every day can help prevent infections and make your cat’s life more comfortable. Choosing the right food is one of the best ways to avoid urinary issues.

Explore Purrfeto’s wet and dry food range, specially designed for Indian cats. Whether you’re looking for kitten gravy or adult dry cat food with the right ingredients, Purrfeto offers healthy cat food that supports complete wellbeing.