Signs of a Urinary Tract Infection for a Cat

A feline urinary tract infections (UTI) is caused by the introduction of bacteria into the urinary tract and bladder via the urethra, the narrow tube through which urine leaves the body. According to the Cat Health Guide website, UTI is most common in cats ages 10 and up, spayed females, overweight cats and those with diabetes, though any cat can contract a urinary tract infection regardless of age or medical history.

  1. Excessive Licking

    • A cat suffering from a UTI may excessively lick the urinary track opening to relieve pain, explains MarvistaVet.com.

    Behavior Changes During Urination

    • A feline urinary tract infection may cause a burning sensation for your cat when urinating. If you notice that your cat behaves strangely, cries or howls during urination or that the urine flow seems weak, contact a veterinarian immediately.

    Frequent Urination

    • Inflammation in the bladder during a urinary tract infection may give your cat the sensation of having a full bladder, resulting in more frequent urination. While your cat may seek out the litter box more often during a UTI, it may only produce a small amount of urine each time.

    Bloody Urine

    • Blood in the urine may result from bleeding in the kidneys, bladder, urinary tract or urethra opening. Sometimes blood-tinged urine may be the only symptom of a urinary tract infection. A veterinarian should evaluate a cat with dark or rust-colored urine, which may be indicative of internal bleeding.

    Loss of Litter Box Habits

    • If your cat has difficulty urinating or experiences pain during urination, it may relieve itself in unusual places and seem to lose previously well-established litter box habits, according to SnikSnak.com.

    Inability to Urinate

    • Obstructions in the urinary tract may result in your cat's inability to urinate. Blockages occur most frequently in male cats due to the narrowing of the urethra as it enters the penis. Because the female urethra opening is much wider, obstructions in female cats may be less common. Cats suffering from urinary tract blockages may experience vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite. Without proper treatment an obstruction can quickly result in uremic poisoning, which can be fatal, warns SnikSnak.com. Even if caught in time to save the animal, advanced uremic poisoning may cause irreversible damage to the bladder. Contact a veterinarian at the first signs of poor or absent urine output.

    Treatment for Feline Urinary Tract Infections

    • Eighty-five percent of cats diagnosed with an early-stage UTI usually recover completely after 10 to 14 days of antibiotic treatment, according to the Cat Health Guide website. Your cat's veterinarian may prescribe dietary changes and, in some cases, surgery to prevent recurring UTIs, if your cat is prone to infection.

    Prevention of Urinary Tract Infections in Cats

    • Most urinary tract infections are idiopathic, meaning they originate from an unknown source, so there is no way to completely prevent feline UTIs from occurring. However, there are a few things that you can do to lesson your cat's risk of getting a urinary tract infection. Keep the litter box clean to discourage bacterial growth that can enter the body through the urethra. Make sure your cat stays well hydrated to help prevent UTIs, kidney stones and urinary blockages, advises the Cat Health Guide website. Some vets recommend switching to a diet of canned cat food to prevent dehydration.