Urinary Tract Infection

Kitten & Cat Owner Warning: Urinary tract infections in cats are fatal if left untreated!

It is important to get a diagnosis in the early stages of an UTI to result in successful treatment and identify additional health risks caused by the urinary tract infection. Very common causes of a urinary tract infection can be getting a cat fixed or dirty cat litter (What seems clean to the naked eye is not always clean).

Bladder infections in felines or urinary tract infections are a common problem in cats that can reoccur after a successful treatment. Some cats are prone to get an infection several times in a row. Frequently UTI’s are seen in female and male cats both neutered female and male cats or intact female and male cats. Cats tend to disguise signs of pain and discomfort so a urinary tract infection can go unnoticed. A feline UTI can lead to the blockage of the urinary tract leading to permanent damage or death. Getting a proper diagnosis of a feline bladder infection is essential. Left untreated this infection can lead to permanent kidney damage and urinary tract damage or death. If it is noticed or suspected a cat can not pass urine, seek veterinary care immediately. Schedule an appointment with a veterinarian to obtain a proper diagnosis.

Urinary Tract Infection Causes

• Diet – Choose cat food with low levels of magnesium to reduce the risk of kidney stone development.
• Environment – Ensuring the litter box is clean, adequate fresh water is available and a clean home environment will reduce the risk of feline UTI’s. Fixing a cat can also cause a urinary tract infection.
• Stress – Exposure to stressful changes, including changes to the environment or diet can increase risk factors.
• Gender – Male cats are at increased risk for developing urinary tract infections, development of kidney stones and blockage of the urinary tract.
• Age – The risk of developing urinary tract infection increases with age. Cat owners should have their pets kidney function tested on a regular basis once they reach 7 years of age to detect infection, fungus, kidney stones and feline kidney disease.
• Urolithiasis – Urolithiasis is the formation of kidney stones in the urinary tract. They can cause infection, block the pathways of the bladder and damage the urinary tract if they are passed.

Symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection

• Urinating outside the litter box. Its very common for cats with UTI’s tend to urinate in cool areas or unusual places. Some locations include tile floors, the bathtub or sink, concrete or the corners of your home.
• Excessive crying or howling when using the litter box or during urination
• Strong urine smell
• Drooling at the mouth
• Running around like the cat is crazy (Actually a sign of distress)
• Sensitivity to touch
• Straining to urinate
• Bloody urine
• Excessive thirst
• Excessive licking
• Redness or irritation of the bladder area
• Inactivity
• Agitation or aggression along with the above symptoms

Diagnosis

• Tumors
• Kidney failure
• Viral infections
• Trauma
• Crystal formation – Early stages of kidney stone development
• Kidney Stones

Proper treatment

If a feline UTI is confirmed antibiotics normally are prescribed by a veterinarian. Discuss all possible treatments. Get a second option if you vet is not giving you straight answers or feels unsure of the diagnosis. Not all vet know what they are doing! Once a cat gets a urinary tract infection the odds increase for another future infections. When a cat has a urinary tract infection you should be careful to not let the cat get dehydrated. Some owners set up a rabbit water bottle that hangs so that cat is encouraged to drink small amounts regularly. Home remedies are also available but a vet consult is critical.

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