First, I want to say that I'm so sorry for your loss It's always hard to lose a beloved pet. **hugs**

From the description, I gather that he must have had some sort of advanced UTI disorder. Unfortunately it's pretty common in males cats, so anytime they seem to have difficulty at the litterbox, or start eliminating outside of the litterbox (basically anything out of the norm having to do with your cat mis-using the litterbox, straining or excessively eliminating)...a trip to the vet is an absolute MUST! The reason being, is the UTIs can kill cats when left untreated in just a matter of days. My Scooter suffers from UTI, but it is possible to keep it under control. He is on a special diet for urinary tracts by Science Diet...which is prescribed by the vet and my cat has to be on it for the rest of his life. As long as the cat is taken to the vet at the first sign of any kind of problem, it can be treated successfully.
I thought I would include this informational article about urinary problems in cats, what to look for, and how to treat it so maybe it can help answer some questions you might have.
Again, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your Malysh, and you and your family are in my thoughts. **hugs** I hope you find this article helpful.
**hugs**

Conquering kitty's urinary problems

by Sandra L. Toney

If you're a Pet Parent who has ever personally experienced a urinary tract infection (UTI), you can certainly sympathize with felines who suffer from this painful disorder. As with ALL illnesses that affect our cats, however, we have to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of urinary tract infections in our furry friends before we can even begin to help them overcome it! It isn't always easy to note the signs, but it's imperative to take immediate action when you do, as your cat could become seriously ill and even die if no measures are taken!


"Call it whatever you want...just help me get rid of it!"

Naming the condition
FUS?

LUTD?

UTI?

FLUTD?

The past few years of veterinary medicine have found differing names for basically any condition concerning the urinary tract. Unfortunately, this can lead to some confusion on the part of Pet Parents. If you are trying to locate information on the Internet or in a kitty health care book, the name of this condition is probably going to vary. For years, veterinary professionals referred to urinary tract problems as Feline Urologic Syndrome or FUS. Recent years, however, have found that a more suitable name (and the name know being used by most veterinarians and specialists) is Lower Urinary Tract Disease (LUTD). Or, if you put the word FELINE front of it, it becomes known as FLUTD. But whatever name it goes by, it is a serious and uncomfortable condition.

Recognizing the symptoms
"The most common things cat owners will see is that the cat makes frequent attempts to urinate, straining in the litterbox with little or no urine produced, excessive licking of the genitals (UTI is more common in the male, but occurs in females too), blood in the urine, vomiting, depression and dehydration," explains Lori Renda-Francis, BS, LVT, a Professor at Macomb Community College in Clinton Township, Michigan.

"I have heard many times the owner explain that they think the cat is constipated," says Francis, a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) as well as the Director of the Veterinary Technician Program at the college. "When they see them straining in the litterbox, they have a hard time telling if the animal is attempting to urinate or defecate. So I always teach my students to continue to ask questions of the owners. A big key to diagnosing is the history of the animal, and because they can't talk we need to rely on the owners."

Diagnosing the illness
Once a Pet Parent notices that something is wrong with kitty, the first step should be an IMMEDIATE visit to the veterinarian. In male cats, a blockage in their narrow urethra (females' urethras are not quite so restricting) can be life-threatening. This is because an obstruction--such as a stone crystal buildup--will prevent the cat from being able to urinate, leading to a quick build-up of toxins (or poisons) in the bloodstream and kidneys. Death often follows within hours.

Once at the veterinarian, a physical exam will be performed and the size and feel of the abdomen will be the doctor's first concern. A urinalysis will also be necessary and a culture may be needed to properly diagnose just exactly where the infection or blockage is occurring. "Collecting the urine can be done in several ways," says Francis, who is currently the President of the North American Veterinary Technician Association (NAVTA), "The easiest and most important way to obtain a culture is by cystocentesis. This is when a needle is inserted into the abdomen and into the bladder and the urine is aspirated. It is very quick and easy to do."

Treating the disease
The treatment of any FLUTD usually involves antibiotics. Pet food manufacturers are now making special formulas for cats who suffer recurring episodes of urinary tract problems (lowering the magnesium in the food as well as formulating it to reduce the pH levels in kitty's urine--both supposed causes for FLUTD). Of course, before feeding your cat any new food or diet, you should check with your veterinarian to see if it's suitable for your particular feline (and if you have more than one cat, check to see if it's suitable for them as well. Otherwise, the food bowls may have to be isolated). Plenty of cool, fresh water is also a necessity for cats suffering from FLUTD. The same, of course, is true for all animals--even those who aren't suffering from a urinary tract condition.

So, if you are the Pet Parent of a cat who suffers from FLUTD, it doesn't have to mean a lower quality of life or even a certain "death sentence" for your cherished companion. And, even if your cat has never had such problems in the past, make sure you know what to look out for, as it can occur at any time. If you watch out for the signs and symptoms, get kitty treated by a veterinarian immediately, and learn to maintain your cat's maximum level of urinary tract health, deciding on which term to use--FUS, FLUDT, UTI, or LUTD-- really won't matter because your favorite feline will be on the road to a happy and healthy urinary existence.