An Interview-Based Retrospective Study on Long-Term Outcomes of Shelter Cats with Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) and a History of Urethral Obstruction (UO)

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Introduction: Concerns regarding poor adoptability and guarded long-term prognoses have historically influenced some shelters to elect euthanasia or decline intake of cats with feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) and urethral obstruction (UO). Specifically, UO remains an acute life-threatening condition, and mortality can occur despite treatment. Recurrence of FLUTD signs has been reported in up to 51% and recurrent UO in 15–47% of cats that have previously experienced obstruction. This retrospective study evaluated long-term prognoses of shelter cats with a history of UO, including recurrence of urinary signs and UO and overall post-adoption outcomes, to assess adoptability and identify how shelters can prepare adopters. Methods: A standardized owner questionnaire evaluated recurrence of FLUTD signs and UO, lifestyle factors, and adopter experience in cats with prior UO adopted from a limited-admissions shelter between 2018 and 2023. Inclusion criteria required one diagnosed UO event in which a urinary catheter was maintained for at least 24 h, absence of comorbidities, successful adoption, and residence in the home for at least 3 months following the UO event. Results: Of the 78 eligible cats, 31 owners responded to the questionnaire (39.7% response rate). All cats were alive and remained in their adopted homes; 10 (32.3%) showed recurrent FLUTD signs, and two (6.5%) experienced recurrent obstruction. Lifestyle factors related to housing environment, household composition, or diet were not statistically associated with recurrence of urinary signs post-adoption. All respondents indicated that they would consider adopting another FLUTD cat. Conclusion: Adoption of cats with a history of UO in this shelter was associated with positive overall adopter experience and good long-term outcomes; low recurrence of FLUTD signs or UO, minimal need for hospitalization or surgery, and remained in their adoptive homes. These outcomes, however, should be interpreted with caution due to several study limitations.

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