How to help cat with uti

Cat urinary tract infections are rare compared to the occurrence of UTIs in dogs, nonetheless older cats often experience a host of other urinary tract issues that cause similar symptoms. Today our vets in Somerset County NJ share the symptoms, causes and treatments for urinary tract infections and diseases in cats.

Urinary Tract Infection - Cat UTI

While urinary tract issues are often seen in cats, we most often see urinary tract disease rather than actual infections.

When cats do develop urinary tract infections it is often a sign that they are suffering from an underlying endocrine disease, such as hyperthyroidism or diabetes mellitus. Most cats that experience these illnesses - accompanied by urinary tract issues - are 10 years of age or older.

Cat's that are diagnosed with urinary tract infections such as cystitis are typically prescribed an antibacterial to help fight the infection.

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.

If your cat is showing any of the symptoms listed above they may be suffering from a UTI but these symptoms could also be an indication of a feline lower urinary tract disease or FLUTD. 

Feline Urinary Tract Disease - FLUTD

FLUTD, Feline lower urinary tract disease is actually a general term referring to a cluster of clinical symptoms. FLUTD can cause issues in your cat’s urethra and bladder, often leading the urethra to become obstructed, or preventing your cat's bladder from emptying properly. These conditions can be serious or even life-threatening if left untreated.

Urinating can be difficult, painful or impossible for cats suffering from FLUTD. They may also urinate more frequently, or in inappropriate areas outside their litter box (occasionally on surfaces that are cool to the touch such as a tile floor or bathtub).

Causes of Feline Urinary Tract Disease

Since there are multiple causes and contributing factors associated with FLUTD it can be a tricky condition to diagnose and treat. Crystals, stones or debris can gradually build up in your cat's urethra - the tube connecting the bladder to the outside of your cat’s body - or bladder.

Other causes of lower urinary tract issues in cats include:

• Incontinence due to excessive water consumption or weak bladder
• Spinal cord issues
• Urethral plug caused by the accumulation of debris from urine
• Bladder infection, inflammation, urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Injury or tumor in the urinary tract
• Congenital abnormalities
• Emotional or environmental stressors

Overweight, middle-aged cats who have little to no access to outdoors, eat a dry food diet or do not get enough physical activity are more susceptible to urinary tract issues, although cats of any age can get the condition. Male cats are also more prone to urinary diseases since their narrower urethras are more likely to become blocked. 

Using an indoor litter box, emotional or environmental stress, multi-cat households or sudden changes to their everyday routine can also leave cats more vulnerable to urinary tract disease.

If your kitty is diagnosed with FLUTD it is essential to determine the underlying cause. FLUTD symptoms can be caused by serious underlying health issues such as bladder stones, infections, cancer or a blockage.

If your vet is unable to determine the cause of your cat's FLUTD, your kitty may be diagnosed with a urinary tract infection called cystitis which is inflammation of the bladder.

Symptoms of Feline Urinary Tract Disease in Cats

The following are some of the most common symptoms associated with urinary tract issues in cats:

• Inability to urinate
• Loss of bladder control
• Urinating small amounts
• Urinating more than usual or in inappropriate settings
• Avoidance or fear of litter box
• Strong ammonia odor in urine

• Hard or distended abdomen
• Cloudy or bloody urine
• Drinking more water than usual
• Excessive licking of genital area
• Lethargy
• Vomiting

The symptoms above indicate a serious medical issue that could quickly lead to kidney failure or rupture of the bladder. FLUTD can quickly be fatal if there is an obstruction that is not eliminated immediately.

Diagnosis of Feline Urinary Tract Disease

If you believe that your feline friend may be having problems with their lower urinary tract, contact your veterinarian straight away, especially if your cat is straining to urinate or showing signs of pain.

Your vet will perform a complete physical exam to help assess your cat's symptoms and perform a urinalysis to get further insight into your cat's condition. Radiographs, blood work and a urine culture may also need be done.

Cat Urinary Tract Infection Recovery

Urinary issues in cats can be complex and serious, so the first step should be to make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. The underlying cause of your cat's urinary symptoms will dictate which treatment is prescribed, but may include:

• Increasing your kitty's water consumption
• Antibiotics or medication to relieve symptoms
• Modified diet
• Expelling of small stones through the urethra
• Urinary acidifiers
• Fluid therapy
• Urinary catheter or surgery for male cats to remove urethral blocks

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet. 

Urinary tract infections and diseases in cats require urgent care! If your cat is showing symptoms of a urinary issue contact your vet straight away or visit our Somerset emergency vets to receive urgent veterinary care.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are not common in cats. Only 1-3% of cats with signs of urinary tract disease will have a urinary tract infection.

Because they can resemble so many other conditions, UTIs need to be distinguished from other conditions, such as crystals in the urine. Fortunately, by running some simple tests, your veterinarian will be able to tell the difference.

In most cases, UTIs in cats are usually caused by bacteria. Bacterial urinary tract infections in cats are generally relatively easy to treat and respond well to medications. Chronic infections, or those that do not respond to regular medication, can require more testing to figure out why your cat is at higher risk for urinary tract infections.

Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections in Cats

Most cats with urinary tract infections will make frequent trips to the litter box and seem restless. They may go into the box and strain to pee but produce either a small amount of urine or no urine at all. Occasionally, their urine may appear bloody.

Some cats will avoid the litter box because they have associated it with the discomfort caused by the UTI. Instead, they may urinate in other places in your home. Sinks, bathtubs, and clean laundry are popular spots. Your cat also may vomit and seem lethargic as the problem progresses—especially male cats.

In most cases, acute (sudden) and chronic urinary tract infections will cause very similar symptoms. However, some cats with the chronic form show no signs of disease.

Causes of Urinary Tract Infections in Cats

Both sudden and chronic urinary tract infections are caused by bacterial infections. The bacteria involved in UTIs usually come from either the gastrointestinal tract or lower down the urinary/reproductive tract. If your cat is older or has other medical conditions, they are more likely to develop bacterial urinary tract problems.

How Vets Diagnose UTIs in Cats

Vets diagnose urinary tract infections by collecting a urine sample and examining it for the presence of bacteria. These samples must be collected through a process called cystocentesis, where urine is drawn directly from the bladder with a fine needle. This is necessary to prevent contamination of the urine sample from cups, tables, or any other surface the urine may come into contact with.

After cystocentesis, your veterinarian will run a culture-and-sensitivity test. During this test, the bacteria are isolated and studied. This helps the vet determine the best antibiotics for your cat’s exact infection.

Occasionally, acute infections—especially first-time infections that show up suddenly—are treated with a broad-spectrum antibiotic without trying to determine which bacteria are involved.

Chronic infections, however, almost always require more testing to isolate the type of bacteria causing the problem and identify the best antibiotic.

Treatment for UTIs in Cats

If you see any signs of UTI in your cat, take them to the vet. For male cats, it can be fatal to wait even a few hours. For female cats, feed them canned food only and see the vet within 24 hours. You should not try to treat the UTI at home with things like cranberry products, which have not been proven to be effective 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.

If your cat is particularly uncomfortable, your vet may prescribe anti-inflammatory pain medication—especially if treatment is delayed a few days while you wait for test results. Acute infections usually receive a relatively short course of antibiotics, while chronic UTIs may require longer antibiotic use.

Recovery and Management of UTIs in Cats

Most cats will fully recover within 7-10 days of developing a urinary tract infection, but they may need to remain on a canned diet for longer. Your vet may check a urine sample after treatment to determine if all the bacteria are gone.

Occasionally, cats will develop repeated urinary tract infections. Cats with recurring UTIs often require more testing to determine the underlying cause.

UTIs in Cats FAQs

How can I treat my cat’s UTI at home?

In most cases, vet treatment should be sought promptly if you suspect your cat has a urinary tract infections. In male cats, waiting even a few hours for treatment can prove fatal. In females, changing to an all-canned diet is a good start while you wait for your veterinary appointment, which should be scheduled within a few days of noticing symptoms.

Generally, after the veterinary appointment, you can take care of your cat at home with one or more prescribed medications and a canned-food diet.

Can I give my cat cranberry juice for a UTI?

Although there are products marketed for cats containing cranberry and labeled as treatments for urinary tract infections, research has not found them to be effective. In fact, changing the pH of your cat’s urine, which cranberry often does, may lead to unwanted complications, including crystals and stones. It is not recommended to use cranberry juice or cranberry products to treat UTIs in cats.

Can cats get UTIs from a dirty litter box?

Some cats will try to hold their urine rather than use a dirty box, much like how people may choose not to use a filthy porta-potty. Holding in urine has the potential to cause urinary tract diseases, including urinary tract infections.

Can a cat UTI go away by itself?

A healthy cat with a strong immune system may fight off a mild UTI that doesn’t have symptoms. If you see any symptoms, your cat likely requires treatment and should see the vet.  

How long can a cat UTI go untreated?

If your cat is male and showing symptoms of a UTI, he should go to the vet immediately. 

In female cats, if there are clinical signs, such as straining to urinate, urinating outside of the litter box, frequent smaller urinations, or blood in the urine, for longer than 1-2 days, she should go to the vet. UTIs can be quite uncomfortable and, if left untreated, may move into the kidneys (termed pyelonephritis) and cause infection throughout the body.