Domesticated cats can get urinary tract infections (UTI), which can be a symptom of further bladder problems and even lead to feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD). Many cats will indicate to their parent when they are struggling with this problem by urinating in inappropriate areas, such as on a bed or blanket, and not in the litter box. Blood-tinged urine is often observed when a cat is struggling with a UTI.
“Urinary tract infection (UTI) refers to the adherence, multiplication and persistence of an infectious agent within the urogenital system that causes an associated inflammatory response and clinical signs. In the vast majority of UTIs, bacteria are the infecting organisms; fewer than 1% of UTIs are due to parasitic, fungal or viral infections.”
As seen in the research paper by Dr R Dorsch and colleagues.
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What Causes UTI in Cats
Urinary problems in cats can be triggered by stress; environmental, or anatomical factors. The most frequently seen urinary disorder is feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC). The exact cause of FIC is unknown, but stress is believed to be a contributing factor.
A study done by veterinarian Dr I. Martinez-Ruzafa and colleagues stated that:
“Multiple factors are responsible for maintaining sterility of the urinary tract, including a normal anatomy, mucosal integrity and defence barriers, urethral sphincter function, normal micturition with unidirectional urine flow, specific antimicrobial properties of the urine (osmolality, pH, etc), and local and systemic immunocompetence. Infections usually develop secondary to concurrent conditions or procedures that impair one or more of these properties.”
The main infecting organisms which cause UTI’s in cats are bacterial, rarely is it fungal, parasitic or viral. A contributing factor to UTIs can be an incorrect diet (such as supermarket brand cat foods) that contain too much salt and can lead to blockages in the urethra. It is always best to feed a veterinary approved diet.
Symptoms of a UTI are:
- Yowling/crying while urinating
- Frequently trying to urinate with no success or minimal urine expelled
- Accidents in the house (urinating outside of the litter box)
If you spend long hours away from home a pet camera is recommended so that you can keep an eye on your cat and see how frequently they go to their litter tray.
Cat Food for UTI
There are a few different brands of cat food on the market that are helpful in preventing UTIs and some are even registered to dissolve bladder stones. There are two different types of bladder stones that we commonly see in pets, namely: calcium oxalate and struvite stones. The diets we recommend the most for this problem are Hill’s Feline C/D, Hill’s Feline C/D Stress and Royal Canin Urinary S/O.
Cat UTI Treatment at Home
Unfortunately, there is no quick home remedy or treatment for cats that have urinary tract infections, especially if bladder stones are present that can block the urethra. Your local veterinarian may have products that can help prevent UTI’s and crystals in cats, such as Furinaid Plus that can be added to their current diet.
If your cat shows any signs of a UTI, it is imperative to take them to your veterinarian as soon as possible. When a cat’s bladder is blocked due to stones that are stuck in the urethra, they are unable to urinate. In this way their bladder can fill up, eventually burst, and they can die a very painful death. The best thing you can do for your cat is to invest in medical insurance such as Petcube’s Emergency Fund to ensure that you have access to medical care when you need it.
If your cat does have a UTI or a blocked bladder then your cat will most likely be sedated, and a catheter passed through the urethra to unblock the bladder. Urinalysis will be performed to assess the cause of the UTI and blockage. The bladder will then be flushed with saline and any crystals or stones that may be present removed in this way.
The catheter can be left in for a day or two depending on the severity of the case and what your veterinarian decides, or it can be removed as soon as the bladder has been flushed. Your cat will be treated with antibiotics, pain medication and sent home with both to assist with recovery. There are oral antibiotics available and an injectable antibiotic that lasts for 2 weeks which we commonly use with these cases as cats are notoriously difficult to give tablets to.
The best plan for your cat if they are prone to stress or bladder problems is to feed them a diet such as Hill’s C/D Stress permanently. It will help prevent any future bladder problems and unplanned medical expenses.
Conclusion
Cats tend to hide illnesses and problems as long as possible as it is their instinct. If your cat shows any sign of being ill or in pain, then they need to see a veterinarian as soon as possible.
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