Natural Cures for Urinary Infections in Cats

Urinary infections are relatively common in felines. Veterinarians have found that the condition responds well to natural remedies. In the book, "Herbal Cat Care" Dr. Randy Kidd says homeopathic treatment for feline urolithiasis should be the No. 1 option. He says "this disease responds to herbs better than to anything else I'd tried previously." Herbal treatments create less harmful side effects than drugs.

  1. Causes and Symptoms

    • The main cause of UTI comes from a mucus containing small stones that develops inside the bladder and urethra. The substance is transferred to the cat through viruses and bacteria that may have originated in food or water. Felines show symptoms such as strained attempts to produce urine, uncontrolled elimination in inappropriate spaces, crying out when urinating, small wet spots in the litter box, bloody urine, and over-use of the litter box.

    Objectives

    • Natural treatment focuses on promoting a complete healing through preventative techniques. Close monitoring of your cat is imperative to protect from recurrence of the condition. This disease commonly becomes a chronic problem for cats as a result of improper treatment after the initial symptoms have passed. The ideal treatment will clear up any infection through the use of antibacterial herbs. Enhanced function of the immune system should also be promoted by adding herbs to remove the harmful germs infecting the bladder and urethra and to help the body heal in a shorter period of time. Another critical goal is to increase the urine flow. This will help your cat pass the smaller stones out of her body. Your cat will also require soothing herbs to coat her irritated bladder.

    Useful Herbs

    • Dr. Kidd recommends that cat owners use a combination of dandelion, Oregon grape, nettle and cranberry in their natural remedies. Dandelion is a potent diuretic and will increase the flow of urine. However, it should only be used if your cat is still able to produce urine or it will cause pooling of urine in the bladder and worsen the problem. Oregon grape is a valued homeopathic asset for its high content of berberine, a superior antimicrobial. Nettle is used mainly when the cat is experiencing pain with elimination, and cranberry is used to acidify the urine, preventing bacteria from clinging to the bladder wall.

    Dosage

    • Cats may take the dandelion and Oregon grape in tincture form. The tincture should be non-alcoholic, if possible. Dr. Kidd suggests a dosage of two drops of each tincture five to six times daily. A preventative dosage requires only six drops of the Dandelion tincture throughout the course of a day. The nettle is made into a tea using a 1/4 tablespoon of the herb each day, and one human dosed capsule of cranberry powder should be sprinkled onto your cat's food. Cats generally dislike the cranberry taste so it is recommended that you only supply it during one feeding a day to ensure that your cat will continue to maintain regular dietary habits and routines.