Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in cats fall under the umbrella of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD). They’re painful and can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Spotting the symptoms early is critical.
While veterinary care is paramount – especially if your cat can’t urinate – there are also home remedies for a cat with a urinary tract infection that can offer supportive care. It’s important to remember that these remedies aren’t a replacement for professional veterinary advice, particularly in severe cases.
This article will guide you through recognizing UTI symptoms in your cat, understanding both veterinary and home-based treatment options, and exploring preventative measures. We’ll cover the common symptoms, underlying causes, how a vet diagnoses UTIs, typical veterinary treatments, safe and effective home remedies, and how to minimize the risk of future infections.
What are urinary tract infections (UTIs) in cats?
If you suspect your cat has a urinary tract infection, you’re probably seeing some pretty uncomfortable symptoms. Before you start looking for home remedies, it’s a good idea to understand exactly what a UTI is and how it differs from similar conditions.
Defining UTIs and FLUTD
A UTI is a bacterial infection affecting your cat’s urinary tract, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. UTIs aren’t as common in cats as other urinary tract diseases. One common culprit behind UTIs in cats is Escherichia coli, better known as E. coli.
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) is a broader term that includes various conditions affecting the lower urinary tract, such as UTIs, bladder stones, and Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC). FIC is a common cause of FLUTD and is often related to stress.
Common misconceptions and important distinctions
It’s easy to assume that any urinary issue is a UTI, but symptoms can overlap with other conditions like bladder stones or FIC. That’s why it’s so important to get an accurate diagnosis from a veterinarian. Self-treating based on assumptions can delay proper treatment and potentially make the problem worse.
Recognizing the signs: Symptoms of UTIs in cats
Cats are notoriously good at hiding pain, so it’s important to watch your kitty closely. If you notice any of the following symptoms, your cat may have a UTI:
- Frequent urination
- Straining when they pee
- Peeing outside the litter box
- Blood in their urine
- Excessive licking of their genitals
- Strong-smelling urine
- Signs of pain when they pee
- Changes in behavior, like lethargy, fever, or loss of appetite
Sometimes, the first sign of a UTI is a subtle change in behavior. Cats who are in pain may hide or become less interactive. They may also lose their appetite or start meowing and yowling more than usual.
If your cat is unable to pee, that’s a medical emergency. Take them to the vet immediately. Urinary blockages are especially dangerous in male cats because their urethras are narrower. If left untreated, a urinary blockage can be fatal.
What causes UTIs in cats?
While it’s not always possible to pinpoint the exact cause, bacterial infections are often to blame. E. coli is a common culprit.
Some factors can predispose your cat to UTIs, including:
- Older age
- Being overweight
- Living indoors without much outdoor access
- Eating a dry food diet
- Having anatomical abnormalities
- Incontinence
- Systemic illnesses (affecting the whole body)
- Thyroid issues
- Tumors
- Urinary stones or crystals
- A weakened immune system
- Stress
- Certain medications
Diagnosing UTIs: What to expect at the vet
If you think your cat has a UTI, the best thing to do is take them to the vet. Here’s what will likely happen:
- Physical exam: The vet will examine your cat to get a sense of their overall health.
- Urinalysis: The vet will test your cat’s urine for blood, white blood cells, and bacteria.
- Urine culture: If the urinalysis suggests an infection, the vet will likely order a urine culture to identify the specific bacteria causing the problem. This is important because it helps them choose the right antibiotic.
- Other tests (maybe): Depending on your cat’s symptoms and the results of the initial tests, the vet might recommend blood work, X-rays, or an ultrasound.
Getting a urine culture is especially important. It ensures your cat gets the right antibiotic, which is key to preventing antibiotic resistance.
Be prepared for a bill. Diagnosing UTIs in cats can cost between $200 and $300, and that doesn’t include any additional testing your cat might need.
Home remedies for cat UTIs: Supportive care
While veterinary care is crucial for treating a cat UTI, you can also support your kitty’s recovery at home.
Increasing water intake
Hydration is so important for urinary health! When your cat’s well-hydrated, they’ll produce more urine, which helps to flush out bacteria and other irritants that can cause UTIs.
Here are a few things you can do to encourage your cat to drink more:
- Put out multiple fresh water bowls around the house.
- Try a cat water fountain, which some cats find more appealing than a still water bowl.
- Add water to your cat’s dry kibble, or switch to wet food.
- Offer bone broth as a yummy and hydrating treat.
Dietary modifications
A high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet can make a big difference in your cat’s urinary health. High-protein diets promote acidic urine, which can inhibit bacterial growth.
Wet food is generally better than dry food because it has a higher moisture content, which helps increase water intake.
pH balancing with apple cider vinegar (ACV)
Some people believe that ACV can help balance urine pH, creating an environment that’s less friendly to bacteria.
If you want to try this, add ½ teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with 1 teaspoon of chicken broth to your cat’s food daily. However, it’s essential to talk to your veterinarian first. While ACV is safe for most cats in small amounts, it may not be suitable for cats with certain medical conditions.
The cranberry controversy
You may have heard that cranberry juice or supplements can help with UTIs. However, the information about cranberries for cats is conflicting.
Cranberries aren’t a guaranteed cure, and they have potential risks. They may not be effective against all types of bacteria. High doses of vitamin C, which is found in cranberries, can cause digestive upset. And cranberries can increase oxalate production, which can contribute to bladder stones in some cats.
Veterinary treatments for UTIs in cats
While home remedies can sometimes ease a cat’s discomfort, they won’t cure a UTI. Here’s what a vet might do:
- Antibiotics: Bacterial infections need antibiotics. It’s essential to give your cat the entire prescription, even if they seem to feel better. Stopping early could allow the infection to come back stronger.
- Pain medication: A vet can prescribe pain relievers to make your cat more comfortable while the antibiotics work.
- Fluid therapy: In severe cases, a cat might need IV fluids to rehydrate and flush out toxins.
- Urinary catheterization or surgery: If the UTI is caused by a blockage or bladder stones, your cat may need a catheter to help them pee, or even surgery to remove the stones.
How can you prevent urinary tract infections in cats?
The best way to treat a UTI is to prevent it. Here are some things you can do to support your cat’s urinary tract health:
- Hydration is key. Make sure your cat always has access to fresh water. Some cats prefer running water, so consider a water fountain. Feeding your cat wet food can also help increase their water intake.
- Keep the litter box clean. Scoop the litter box daily and change the litter regularly. A good rule of thumb is to provide one litter box per cat, plus an extra.
- Feed a high-quality diet. Choose a balanced cat food that isn’t too high in minerals.
- Reduce stress. Cats are sensitive creatures. Try to minimize stress in your cat’s environment and make sure they have a safe, comfortable place to retreat to.
- Get regular checkups. Regular veterinary checkups can help monitor your cat’s urinary health. Early detection of problems can lead to more effective treatment.
Closing Thoughts
If you think your cat has a UTI, the first thing to do is seek veterinary care. The sooner your cat starts treatment, the less likely they are to develop serious complications.
In addition to following your veterinarian’s instructions, you can support your cat’s urinary health with at-home remedies, like making sure they’re drinking plenty of water, offering the right kind of food, and reducing stress.
By providing the best possible care and keeping up with regular checkups, you can reduce the risk of future urinary tract issues and help your cat live a long, happy, and healthy life.