Garlic for Bladder Inflammation in Cats

Although they might be very good at hiding it, inflammation of the bladder can be extremely uncomfortable for cats. Garlic can help reduce the symptoms of bladder inflammation and help provide relief for your cat. However, it is always important to seek advice from a vet in order to determine the cause.

  1. Identification

    • Bladder inflammation usually affects cats between the ages of 2 and 10 years old. It affects both males and females and is not specific to any breed. If your cat is suffering from bladder inflammation, it might try to urinate frequently or with difficulty. It might also start urinating outside its litter box, or you might see blood in its urine. Cats that have bladder inflammation often also vomit, experience a loss of appetite, and appear lethargic.

    Significance

    • If your cat is displaying any of the symptoms of bladder inflammation, it is important to seek advice from a vet immediately. Not only will your cat be in a lot of pain and discomfort, but, if left untreated, the bladder inflammation could develop into a more serious condition. There are several different types of treatment your pet might need and the longer bladder inflammation is left untreated, the harder it will be to cure.

    Causes

    • There are a number of underlying conditions that can cause bladder inflammation. According to animal health information site The Pet Checkup, bacterial infections, bladder stones, bladder crystals (minerals that form bladder stones) and tumors can all cause bladder inflammation. Crystals and bacterial infection can be present at the same time, so it is important to treat the infection early to prevent bladder stones forming. Your vet will run tests to determine the correct cause of your cat's bladder inflammation.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Antibiotics can be used to treat infections, but garlic is an alternative remedy that acts as a natural antibiotic. According to natural pet care site, Pure Pet Health, antibiotics used to treat urinary tract infections usually have to be administered in higher concentrations and for longer periods of time to be effective. As garlic helps strengthen the immune system, it can also act as a preventative measure to reduce the chances of your cat suffering from bladder inflammation in the future. Although garlic will help fight the infection, your cat might also need additional treatment for other causes, such as bladder stones.

    Warning

    • The ASPCA warns pet owners that too much garlic can be toxic for cats. As well as causing stomach upsets and digestive problems, too much garlic can also damage your cat's red blood cells. Small doses of garlic are acceptable according to herbal resource The Learning Center, but owners should give their cat no more than half a clove of finely pressed or chopped garlic per day, or half a tablet of garlic extract, mixed with food. If you choose to give your cat garlic, it is important to watch for any signs of diarrhea or vomiting and seek advice from a vet if you have any questions.