The most common symptoms of urinary tract infections in cats include straining to urinate, reduced amounts of urine, not urinating at all, pain or discomfort when urinating, passing urine tinged with blood and urinating around the house, outside of the litter box.
The presence of apple cider vinegar in your cat's meals can lower their pH to help eliminate harmful bacteria. If your cat currently has a UTI, apple cider vinegar can relieve their symptoms fairly quickly. To treat a UTI, mix 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar with 1 teaspoon of chicken broth into your cat's food every day.
Cats with UTIs try to urinate very frequently, they may pass only small amounts of urine, they may strain to urinate, they may cry out or whine when urinating, and there may be blood visible in their urine. Urinating outside of the litterbox is also a red flag that something is wrong in the bladder.
In some cases, your cat's UTI may go away by itself, but it's important to consult your veterinarian at the first sign of a UTI, as it can be painful, and potentially fatal in severe cases.
Boxes should be cleaned on a regular basis, at least twice weekly, but sometimes daily changes are necessary. Unclean litter boxes can make cats more susceptible to developing urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Treatment for UTIs in Cats
Urinary tract infections in cats are usually treated with antibiotics. Often, vets also recommend feeding an all-canned diet for a period of time (or long-term) since dry foods often result in a more-concentrated urine, which can lead to urinary tract problems.
Uncomplicated cases usually resolve in 5-7 days, although many cats experience a recurrence within one year. Appropriate environmental management can be very helpful in reducing or eliminating these events. The long term prognosis of cats who present with obstruction depends on their health at the time of presentation.
Depending on the severity of your cat's condition, the cost for a diagnosis and treatment for a basic infection vary widely from $150 to thousands of dollars. Your cat may need additional care if they have blockages from bladder stones or other underlying conditions, which significantly adds to the overall cost.
To diagnose a UTI, your veterinarian should collect a sterile urine sample from your pet. The best method to collect urine is by a technique called cystocentesis, during which a needle is inserted through the body wall into the bladder and urine is removed by a syringe.
Possibly the most common causes for this problem in cats are urinary tract infections and urinary obstructions. However, infrequent urination can also sometimes be caused by more serious conditions like kidney disease, idiopathic cystitis, and even cancer in some extreme cases.
Urinary tract issues can be very painful for your kitty. It's important you seek treatment as soon as possible if you notice these signs. A blockage can also become a life-threatening emergency if left untreated.
If left untreated, urinary issues in cats can cause the urethra to become partially or completely obstructed, which can prevent your feline friend from urinating. The symptoms above indicate a serious medical issue that could quickly lead to kidney failure or rupture of the bladder.
General signs of malaise
Cats that have a UTI and that have received no treatment for it are going to be slightly more withdrawn than usual. They might sleep more if they develop a fever, and they will also prefer cold surfaces such as the porcelain or marble tiles you might have in the kitchen or bathroom.
Urinary tract diseases are common in cats and can cause discomfort and distress. If left untreated, a UTI can lead to partial or complete blockage of the urethra. This can lead to kidney failure or rupture of the bladder, which could be deadly.
Cats are prone to suffer from urinary tract infections that can worsen when urine becomes highly concentrated, so staying hydrated is vital for your feline friend. If you cat is suffering from such problems, you'll notice the following: He urinates more often than usual, and may miaow while he does so.
Urinary tract disease in cats is most often diagnosed in overweight, middle-aged cats who have little to no access to outdoors, eat a dry food diet, or do not get enough physical activity.
Factors such as emotional or environment stress, multi-cat households, and abrupt changes in daily routine may also increase the risk that a cat will develop FLUTD. One possible cause of FLUTD is the formation of urinary stones, also called uroliths, in the bladder and/or urethra.
How Often Should You Change the Cat Litter? If you use a clumping litter, it's best to scoop the box daily and change it out completely at least monthly. If you have more than one cat, it may be best to change the cat litter more often, every 2-3 weeks.
The most common symptoms of urinary blockage in cats are urination outside of the litter box, straining to urinate, blood in the urine and vocalizing in pain. If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, it is important to take him or her to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
Call an Emergency Vet Right Away if Your Cat's Having Urinating Problems or if They Can't Pee. There are a plethora of reasons your cat might have problems urinating. The most common is a UTI. Cystitis and kidney stones or blockages can cause problems as well.