What Is a UTI in Cats?

Hey there fellow cat lover, we all know how hard it is when our fur babies aren’t feeling well. One of the most common issues our feline friends face is urinary tract infections, or UTIs for short. We may think it’s just a part of owning a cat, but did you know UTIs can actually be a sign of an underlying problem? Stick around as we dive into the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for UTIs in cats. You’ll walk away knowing how to spot those pesky infections and—more importantly—how to prevent them from coming back. We’ve got all the info you need to keep your cat’s urinary tract happy and healthy!

A urinary tract infection or UTI is an infection in any part of your cat’s urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. UTIs are usually caused by bacteria that enter through the urethra and travel into the bladder or kidneys.

Signs Your Cat May Have a UTI

If your cat seems to be urinating more frequently, straining to urinate, crying out while urinating, or has blood in their urine, they may have a UTI. You may also notice your cat licking themselves excessively or seeming generally irritable. These behaviors are your cat’s way of telling you something is wrong, so if you observe any of these signs, it’s best to take them to the vet.

Diagnosing a Feline UTI

To determine if your cat has a UTI, the vet will collect a urine sample to check for infection and test for the presence of bacteria, blood, or other abnormalities.  They may also do blood work or take x-rays to check for kidney stones or other issues. Once diagnosed, a UTI can usually be cleared up with a round of antibiotics, though stubborn or recurrent infections may require additional testing and treatment.

By understanding the signs of a potential UTI in your cat and getting them checked out quickly, you can help get your feline friend back to full health and enjoying life pain-free. With prompt diagnosis and treatment, most UTIs in cats can be cured within a week. After treatment, be sure to take your cat in for a recheck to ensure the infection has been fully resolved.

Treating and Preventing UTIs in Cats

Once your vet has diagnosed a UTI in your cat, they will prescribe a course of antibiotics to clear the infection. Antibiotics, usually in pill or liquid form, must be given as directed for the full duration to completely eliminate the bacteria causing the UTI. It’s important to give your cat all the medication, even if symptoms disappear quickly. Stopping short may allow some bacteria to survive and become resistant to treatment.

After the infection has been cured, there are a few things you can do to help prevent future UTIs in your cat:

Increase Water Intake

Encourage your cat to drink more water, which will help flush bacteria from the urinary tract. Place multiple water bowls around the house, especially in areas where your cat spends a lot of time. You can also add a bit of tuna juice or low-sodium chicken broth to the water to make it more appealing.

Urinary Tract Health Diet

Switch your cat to a high-quality urinary tract health cat food. These specially formulated diets promote a healthy urinary environment and may help reduce UTI recurrence. They contain supplements that make urine more acidic, which is less hospitable for bacteria.

Litter Box Hygiene

Scoop solid waste from the litter box daily and change the litter often. This will encourage your cat to use the box and help keep the urethra clear of bacteria. Place litter boxes in quiet, low-traffic areas away from food and water bowls.

Veterinarian Checkups

Take your cat for regular checkups with the vet, especially if UTIs are a chronic problem. They can check for any underlying conditions that may make infections more likely and monitor your cat’s health and urine pH to make sure the urinary tract remains infection-free. Early detection of a recurrence means treatment can start right away before symptoms become severe.

By following your vet’s treatment plan, encouraging good water intake, feeding a urinary health diet, keeping a clean litter box, and scheduling regular checkups, you’ll help keep your cat comfortable and avoid frustrating repeat UTIs. Staying on top of your cat’s urinary health is the best way to catch any problems early and keep infections at bay.