How to Prevent Urinary Tract Infections in Cats

If your cat gets a urinary tract infection, or UTI, it can experience extreme discomfort or pain. Additionally, your cat can associate the litterbox with pain and stop using it. And although urinary tract infections are common in cats, they are preventable. According to Lisa A. Pierson, DVM, a contributor to catinfo.org, there are simple measures you can take to greatly reduce your cat's chances of ever developing a urinary tract infection.

Things You'll Need

  • Canned cat food
  • 1 litterbox per household cat, plus 1 additional litterbox
  • Scratching post
  • Cat toys
  • Veterinarian
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide your cat with fresh, clean water to encourage him to drink. Water removes bacteria and other infection-causing organisms from your cat's urethra and bladder.

    • 2

      Feed your cat wet food, such as canned cat food, to increase its moisture intake. Lisa A. Pierson, DVM, of catinfo.com stresses the importance of maximizing your cat's water intake and states that cats on a wet-food-only diet take in at least double the amount of water as cats on a dry-food-only diet.

    • 3

      Give your cat small meals throughout the day. Whether you feed your cat wet food, dry food or both, the veterinary experts at vetinfo4cats.com recommend following an age-appropriate, balanced diet to ensure he gets the right nutrients.

    • 4

      Clean your cat's litterbox every day to encourage regular urination. If your cat finds the litterbox too dirty, he may hold his urine, causing bacteria to multiply in the bladder or urethra. The Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine recommends providing one litter box per cat in your household, plus one additional litterbox. Make sure your cat can easily access its litterbox.

    • 5

      Reduce your cat's stress to keep its immune system strong, as stress is a cause of feline urinary tract infections. Avoid major changes to your cat's routine. The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine recommends you provide your cat with scratching posts and toys, which relieve stress by allowing your cat to hunt and chase.

    • 6

      Bring your cat to a veterinarian for an annual check-up to head off potential urinary tract problems.