Cat UTI Infection

A urinary tract infection can be painful for your cat and messy for your home. Cats with painful UTIs will often stop using the litter box, causing stress for cat and owner alike. Responsible cat owners should learn to recognize the symptoms of UTIs, as well as practice prevention methods to keep their cats free from this painful condition.

  1. Definition of a UTI

    • A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is one of the most common ailments afflicting cats. An infection occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract and block the normal flow of urine through the urethra or bladder. The structure of a cat's urinary tract makes the animal particularly susceptible to infections. Male cats, elderly cats, spayed female cats and cats with diabetes are particularly at risk of developing UTIs.

    Causes of a UTI

    • Bacteria are the main causes of urinary tract infections. Staphylococcus and E. coli are particularly virulent when present in the urinary tract. Idiopathic urinary tract infections, or those with no known cause, are also common and can be exacerbated by stress or other illnesses.

    Symptoms of a UTI

    • Urinary tract infections will cause inflammation of the bladder. As a result, many cats will exhibit pain and straining when trying to urinate. The cat may only eliminate small amounts of urine at a time, and blood may sometimes be present in the urine. As the infection progresses, a cat may begin to avoid the litter box, as it will become associated with pain. A cat with a UTI may also cry when urinating or excessively groom in an attempt to relieve the inflammation and pain.

    Treatment of a UTI

    • When a UTI has been diagnosed, the standard treatment is a 10- to 14-day course of antibiotics. When infections are more progressed, extended antibiotics may be necessary to control the bacteria, and steroids may be needed to calm the bladder and urethra inflammation. In severe infections, bladder crystals or stones may develop, which often require surgery to remove.

    Prevention of a UTI

    • Prevention of UTIs is critical, especially for cats with higher risk. Maintaining a clean litter box reduces the transmission of bacteria from the litter to the urethra. Fresh, clean water and a diet with raw or canned food can help a cat stay hydrated, which is important for adequate flushing of the urinary tract system. For cats with chronic UTIs or increased risk, a dietary supplement or prescription food may improve the health of the urinary tract and reduce the occurrences of infection.