2025 iCatCare consensus guidelines on the diagnosis and management of lower urinary tract diseases in cats
2025 iCatCare consensus guidelines on the diagnosis and management of lower urinary tract diseases in cats
Open access
In our edition of: Apr 2025
In our categories of: small animals
our summary:
Taylor, S. et al (2025) 2025 iCatCare consensus guidelines on the diagnosis and management of lower urinary tract diseases in cats. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 27 (2)
The aim of these consensus guidelines was to provide primary care practitioners with easy-to-access practical information to assist in the approach to, and management of lower urinary tract diseases in cats.
The guidelines are based on the available literature, and the opinions and experiences of a panel of experts brought together by the International Cat Care (iCatCare) Veterinary Society (formerly the International Society of Feline Medicine [ISFM]). As terminology in this area has changed over time a glossary of terms used in the guidelines is given.
The guidelines start by discussing the presenting signs of lower urinary tract (LUT) diseases and the different underlying causes. The authors emphasise that since the diagnosis of the cause of LUT signs can be challenging a logical tailored approach to diagnosis is essential. An algorithm for the approach to cats with signs of LUT diseases is provided to support this.
The following sections then cover feline idiopathic cystitis, urolithiasis, urinary tract infections and subclinical bacteriuria, urethral obstruction, and other lower urinary tract diseases. For each information on pathogenesis, risk factors, diagnosis, management and prognosis are provided as well as algorithms and other tools to support decision.
The final section discusses environmental and behavioural considerations for the management of LUT diseases and the role caregivers can play.
The guidelines are supported by supplementary material including a questionnaire for caregivers of cats with signs of LUTS, a guide ‘Understanding urinary tract diseases and how to help cats at home’ and a video demonstrating the sacrococcygeal epidural (coccygeal block) technique in cats.
Limitations of the guidelines include the lack of an explicit statement of the methodology used to compile the guidelines or any explicit grading of the published evidence.
These consensus guidelines provide practitioners with an overview of current knowledge on the diagnosis and management of lower urinary tract diseases in cats and a range of supporting materials for both veterinary practitioners and clients.
Supplementary material
Questionnaire for caregivers of cats with lower urinary tract signs [International Cat Care][online] Available from: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/suppl/10.1177/1098612X241309176/suppl_file/sj-pdf-1-jfm-10.1177_1098612X241309176.pdf [Accessed 22 April 2025]
Understanding urinary tract diseases and how to help cats at home: a guide for caregivers [International Cat Care][online] Available from: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/suppl/10.1177/1098612X241309176/suppl_file/sj-pdf-2-jfm-10.1177_1098612X241309176.pdf [Accessed 22 April 2025]
The following may also be of interest
Weese, J.S. et al. (2019) International Society for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases (ISCAID) guidelines for the diagnosis and management of bacterial urinary tract infections in dogs and cats. The Veterinary Journal, 247, pp. 8-25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2019.02.008
An inFOCUS summary is available
Poole, A. (2021) ‘Don’t pee on that!’ Comparing environmental modification and medical management in cats with FIC. Veterinary Evidence, 6 (1), https://doi.org/10.18849/ve.v6i1.337
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