Feline UTI Remedies

Urinary tract infections are painful; if you've had one, you know. Unfortunately, a cat with a urinary tract infection (UTI) experiences the same pain and discomfort. Urinary tract infections are caused by an overgrowth of bacteria (commonly the Staphylococcus and E. Coli strains) in the cat's bladder and urethra. The infection may travel all the way up the urinary tract to the kidneys, causing severe damage. Therefore, it is critical to treat the feline's UTI to avoid further health complications.

  1. Antibiotics

    • Urinary tract infections are almost always remedied with antibiotics because the source of the infection is bacterial. VetInfo.com lists the commonly prescribed antibiotics as Amoxicillin and Amoxi drops, Baytril, Cephalexin, Ciprofloxacin and Uroeze. The strength of the antibiotic prescribed depends on the severity of the infection and, as is common with any medication, the feline may experience side effects while taking the antibiotic. VetInfo.com warns these side effects include "nausea, diarrhea, fungal infections, [and] abdominal pain."

    Herbal Remedies

    • Herbal remedies have become a popular solution to medical problems in the 21st century and that includes treating our pets. For cat owners that are concerned about harsh antibiotic side effects, VetInfo.com explains that herbal treatments can also kill the infective bacteria causing the UTI and alleviate the bacterial-related symptoms. These herbal remedies include chimaphila, nux vomica and canthar; however, despite their reported effectiveness, it is still critical for a veterinarian to assess the severity of the UTI and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

    pH Balancers

    • One common problem associated with urinary tract infections is the formation of kidney stones. Cats that suffer from frequent UTIs are particularly prey to these dangerous formations. Keeping the urine's acidic (or pH) balance at normal levels is critical in preventing the formation of kidney stones. For cats with chronic urinary tract issues, a pH balancing medication might be prescribed. VetInfo.com lists these medications as: potassium citrate granules, UT soft chews, Methigel Urinary acidifier and Cranberry relief.

    Proper Diet

    • Perhaps the easiest treatment and way to prevent a feline UTI is the cat's diet. Both VetInfo.com and Lisa A. Pierson, DVM, (on CatInfo.org) report that commercial cat foods, particularly the dry varieties, contribute to a feline's propensity for urinary tract infections, urinary tract disease and bladder and kidney stones. These cat foods not only dehydrate the feline, over-concentrating the urine, but also contain urine acidifiers that damage kidney function and deplete potassium levels. Cats with urinary tract infections should be fed primarily wet food that is unprocessed and grain-free. They should also be given access to plenty of fresh, clean water to aid in balancing out urine acidification and bacterial removal.