Cats and Urinary Tract Infections

Just like people, cats can suffer from uncomfortable urinary tract infections. It's very important to be aware of the causes and symptoms of these infections so that you can report them to your vet and seek assistance as soon as possible.

Causes of urinary tract infections

Many urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria that transfers to the urinary tract from the anal area. If you have a diabetic pet, you should also look out for urinary tract infections because an increased level of protein and glucose in the cat's urine can lead to easier bacterial reproduction. Further, your cat is also at an increased risk of developing a urinary tract infection if they tend to urinate very rarely or has started to hold onto urine due to a negative relationship with the litter box.

However, some urinary tract infections are pronounced idiopathic, which means that their cause is not well understood. It is thought that middle-aged and older cats are more likely to suffer from urinary tract infections and that stress may sometimes play a role. If your cat has had urinary tract infections in the past, you may be more likely to see a recurrence if you move house, add a new member to the family or try to take the cat on vacation.

Symptoms of urinary tract infections In the early stages of a urinary tract infection, you might merely notice that your cat is using the litter box more often. As the infection progresses, the cat may be straining to urinate often with little liquid appearing and you may see that the urine is tinged with blood, and your poor pet may start to squat outside the litter box in a desperate attempt to find some relief. Some cats will also accidentally defecate when straining to pass urine while suffering from a urinary tract infection, and you may hear your cat crying due to the pain associated with the condition.

Dealing with urinary tract infections

If you think your feline friend has developed a urinary tract infection, make an appointment to see a vet as soon as possible. Your vet may take a urine sample or want to perform a scan to look at the urinary tract. A bacterial culture can also be grown to tell the vet more about the particular infection that has developed in your cat.

In most cases, a course of antibiotics will be able to get rid of your cat's urinary tract infection and you may even notice a difference in symptoms soon after the first dose. However, it's also worth thinking about how to prevent further infections. If you have fed your cat dried food in the past, making the transition to wet food will ensure that your cat is well hydrated. Providing multiple sources of fresh water can also encourage your cat to drink more often. With water consumption increased, urine concentration decreases and can help to guard against future urinary issues.