Urinary Tract Infections

Feline bladder infections or urinary tract infections (UTI’s) are a common, often reoccurring problem in cats. This type of infection is most frequently seen in male cats but can impact the health of female cats as well.

In many cases, the signs of a urinary infection remain hidden from their owners because cats tend to disguise signs of pain and discomfort. However if left untreated, a feline UTI can lead to the blockage and complete obstruction of the urinary tract leading to permanent damage or death.

Cause
There are many factors that can cause a cat to develop a urinary tract infection. Some of these causes include, but are not limited to:

• Diet. Choose cat food with low levels of magnesium to reduce the risk of kidney stone development.
• Environment. Ensuring the litter box is clean, adequate fresh water is available and a clean home environment will reduce the risk of feline UTI’s.
• Stress. Exposure to stressful changes, including changes to the environment or diet can increase risk factors.
• Gender. Male cats are at increased risk for developing urinary tract infections, development of kidney stones and blockage of the urinary tract.
• Age. As a cat ages, the risk of developing urinary tract infection increases. You should have your pets kidney function tested on a regular basis once they reach 7 years of age to detect infection, fungus, kidney stones and feline kidney disease.

Symptoms
When a feline urinary tract infection sets in several common symptoms are visible. These symptoms may occur individually or together:

• Urinating outside the litter box - Cats with UTI’s tend to urinate in cool areas or unusual places. Some locations include tile floors, the bathtub or sink, concrete or the corners of your home.
• Yowling or excessive crying when using the litter box or during urination.
• Straining to urinate.
• Bloody urine.
• Strong urine smell.
• Excessive thirst.
• Inactivity.

Diagnosis
Getting the proper diagnosis is essential to the health of your cat. If left untreated, this type of infection can lead to permanent kidney damage, urinary tract damage or death. If it is noticed or suspected a cat can not pass urine, please call your vet immediately.

Proper diagnosis needs to be made immediately--urinary tract infections can mask other health problems being experienced by a cat such as:

• Viral infections.
• Kidney failure.
• Crystal formation. Early stages of kidney stone development.
• Kidney Stones.

Treatment
After a feline UTI is confirmed, antibiotics are prescribed in addition to other treatments if needed. Once a cat gets a UTI the odds increase for future infections--especially in male cats.