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Proper Care
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Lack of necessary, preventative care and maintenance can increase the risk of a cat developing an infection of the bladder. Risk can be decreased by maintaining a cat's proper diet, keeping a litter box clean, supplying adequate water, administering supplements, monitoring changes in behavior and providing proper veterinary care.
Gender
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Compared to female cats, male cats are at increased risk for developing bladder infections and complications related to this medical condition. Male cats have a longer and more narrow urethra, which increases the risk for infection and obstruction.
Age
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As a cat ages and becomes a senior pet (meaning, 10 years of age or older), kidney function tends to decrease. Eventually this impacts the health of the bladder.
Stress
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Increased stress levels often cause cats to hide, to refrain from using the litter box, to hold urine in the bladder for longer periods of time and to drink less water. Any one or a combination of these actions can cause a bladder infection to develop.
Urinary Tract Infections
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These are typically caused by an increase in bacteria, fungus, parasites or mineral imbalance, which negatively impact the function and health of the bladder.
Uroliths
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Uroliths are also called urinary stones, urethral plugs, mineral deposits and bladder stones. They are the result of a mineral imbalance or infection. Crystals are formed, causing tears and blockage of the urethra and bladder.
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What Are the Causes of Bladder Infection in Cats?
Bladder infections, urinary tract infections and Feline Urologic Syndrome (FUS) are all terms describing the dysfunction of the lower urinary tract. The resulting infection is often difficult for cat owners to detect, because felines tend to hide symptoms of discomfort. Consequently, diagnosis is often made in the later stages of infection. Cats can develop these infections for several reasons, including lack of proper care, gender, age, stress and the development of bladder stones.