Cat Medication for a Urinary Tract Infection

While urinary tract infections may be quite common in humans, only 10% of cats suffer from this often painful condition. Symptoms that your cat may demonstrate if it has a urinary tract infection include straining while urinating, avoiding using the litter box and urinating small amounts throughout your home. The only way to diagnose this condition is to collect a small amount of urine to have tested by your veterinarian.

  1. Mainstream Medications

    • Your veterinarian will do a full check up of your cat, including a urinalysis. The urinalysis will determine which medication is needed. If the infection is bacterial, an antibiotic such as penicillin will be prescribed. The dosage will depend upon the weight of your cat. The medication should be given in the morning and at night, with food to prevent stomach upset.

      Many of the same drugs prescribed for humans are also used for cats. One of the most common forms of Penicillin is Amoxicillin. If this is the first time your cat has ever been prescribed Amoxicillian, you should watch for signs that it is allergic or hypersensitive to it. Signs include vomiting, itching and even death.

    Natural Treatments

    • There are many natural and homeopathic remedies you can try to help make your cat as comfortable as possible. Some of these methods also can cure the infection. You can help relieve your cat's pain by giving it cantharis. Cranberry juice extract can also help by stopping the infection. Vitamin C is also used as a way to strengthen the bladder. The Vitamin C dosage varies upon the weight of your cat. The best way to find out the dosage is through trial and error. When your cat has had too much, it will have diarrhea.

    Home Care

    • If your cat is being treated with an antibiotic or corticosteroid, it is going to need some special care at home to help it get better.

      You should carefully watch your cat during feedings for signs of side effects from the medication and for signs that it is getting better. During this time you should also turn to a chemical free diet for your cat. This means that you should home cook all your cat's food. Your cat should also be encouraged to drink fresh water frequently, as more fluid is needed to help flush out the system.

      With a urinary tract infection, be sure to bring your cat back to the veterinarian for a follow-up appointment. The veterinarian will do a repeat urinalysis to ensure that the infection is gone.