Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in cats can be serious. UTIs cause inflammation of the bladder or urethra, making it difficult or painful for your cat to urinate. If left untreated, a UTI can lead to life-threatening complications such as kidney failure. Fortunately, there are some key signs that you can look out for so that you can get your cat the help they need as soon as possible.
What Is a UTI?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the bladder or urethra that affects cats as well as humans.
What Causes Feline UTIs?
Cats can develop urinary tract infections for many reasons. Bacterial infections are the most common cause, but they can also be caused by crystals in the urine or bladder stones that irritate the lining of the bladder. Stressful situations such as moving or introducing new animals into your home can also lead to a urinary tract infection in cats.
Signs of a UTI in Cats
The most common sign of a UTI in cats is frequent urination—either going outside or in their litter box more often than usual or straining when using their litter box. If your cat seems overly uncomfortable while using the litter box, this could be an indication that something is wrong. You may also notice blood in their urine or urine that has an unusual smell. In severe cases, cats may experience loss of appetite, vomiting and lethargy—all signs of illness that should always be taken seriously. You should also look out for any changes in your cat’s behavior such as hiding more often or becoming more vocal than usual. Lastly, cloudy urine could indicate that there is an infection present.
Diagnosing and Treating Feline UTIs
If you suspect that your cat may have a urinary tract infection, take them to the vet for an examination and diagnosis right away. Your vet will likely perform a physical exam and order urine tests to determine if your cat has a UTI. Treatment typically involves antibiotics and pain medication. In addition to medication, your vet may recommend changing your cat’s diet or adding supplements such as cranberry extract or probiotics to help boost their immune system and support urinary health. It’s also important to make sure they have access to fresh water at all times, so they stay hydrated and flush out toxins from their body.
Preventing UTIs
The best way to protect your cat from getting a UTI is by making sure they get regular checkups with their vet so any underlying problems can be identified early on before they develop into something more serious like an infection. You should also watch for signs that your cat may not be feeling well—such as lethargy or decreased appetite—and make sure they have access to clean litter boxes at all times so they don’t feel the need to relieve themselves elsewhere in the house (which could lead to an infection). Providing a healthy Health Extension® canned diet with superfoods like Coconut Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar and nutrient dense broth that will help ward off the onset of infections and will help provide the added moisture cats need for health and longevity. Finally, it’s important that you give them plenty of attention so they don’t feel stressed or anxious, which could weaken their immune system and make them more susceptible to infections like UTIs.
No one likes dealing with infections like urinary tract infections (UTIs), least of all our beloved cats! But being aware of the symptoms can help you catch any issues early on before they become serious problems requiring antibiotics and other treatments. If you think your kitty might have a UTI, it's important that you take them in for diagnosis right away so they can start feeling better soon! With regular checkups with their vet, proper nutrition, plenty of water, access to clean litter boxes at all times, stress-reducing activities (like petting!), and lots of love from their humans —your kitty will have everything he needs for good health!
