Causes of a UTI Infection in a Female Cat

Female cats can experience urinary tract infections just as frequently as male cats, and the causes and symptoms are the same. There are several causes for a UTI in a female cat. Once you are aware of the causes, you can better determine the origin of your female cat's UTI and help her avoid getting another in the future.

  1. Bacteria

    • Typically, the bladder is a sterile environment. When bacteria enter the bladder and begin to grow, an infection occurs. Bacteria normally enter a cat's bladder by way of the urethra. For example, if the opening of the urethra comes in contact with a dirty litter box, the bacteria can enter the cat's body and travel into the bladder, causing a UTI.

    Food

    • Most dry cat food is rich in protein, causing your cat's urine to be more alkaline after eating. A cat that eats dry food regularly will have a urine pH that is more alkaline. When this happens, a buildup of magnesium can occur causing crystal formation, which increases the risk of struvite stone formation. These stones contribute to a UTI. To minimize this risk, feed your female cat small meals throughout the day as well as wet food on a regular basis. The more moisture in your cat's diet means she will urinate more often and flush out small crystals. This can stop the crystals from becoming too large and forming stones.

    Stress

    • Stress can cause the pH level in your cat's bladder to change. This chemical imbalance leads to irritation of the bladder walls, which can eventually lead to a UTI. A stressed cat may hide. If your cat is hiding and the hiding place is not near a litter box, she may hold her urine for an extended amount of time, causing a bladder infection. Sometimes female cats that have recently had kittens show signs of stress. It is important to create a stress-free environment for your cat to help prevent a UTI.