Diets for Cats With UTI

Considerations

• Symptoms of UTI in cats include straining during urination and making frequent and prolonged attempts to urinate, followed by passing only a small amount of urine. Cats may also lick their genital area excessively and may urinate outside the litter box, looking instead for cool smooth surfaces such as a tile floor or bathtub. In some cases, you'll see evidence of blood.

  Cases of feline UTI's caused by pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses may require medication from your veterinarian in addition to dietary changes, so you should have the vet give your cat a thorough exam.

  Stones that form in the urinary tract often are associated with UTI and may require a special cat food, available only from veterinarians, that will provide the proper urine pH levels.

Diet for Cats with UTI

• Food allergies often lead to urinary problems, so a good place to start is to look for cat food that is free of byproducts, preservatives, artificial colors or flavors, wheat, corn and soy; and that is full of omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, antioxidants and minerals.

  Dry cat foods and canned foods that are plant-based and have very low moisture content can contribute greatly to UTI. Cats are natural carnivores, and when they eat a normal diet of meat in the wild, it makes urine acidic, a very unfriendly condition for bacteria. Plant foods, on the other hand, cause alkaline urine, conducive to bacteria. Therefore, try feeding your cat wet canned foods that contain meat and no cereal fillers.

  For supplements, add a pinch of garlic powder (more than that can cause problems), which is an anti-microbial, to your pet's food every day by sprinkling it on the food. You can also add probiotics such as acidophilus, the same type of good bacteria found in yogurt, available in capsule form at your pet store.

  Consider adding a drop of vegetable oil to the cat food, which will ensure good passage of fecal material and prevent the buildup of bacteria in the gut. Also, it may help to add a drop of unsweetened cranberry juice to the food each day. It is generally available from health food stores. Just as in humans, cranberry strengthens, tones and cleanses feline kidneys. If in doubt about any supplement, check with your veterinarian first.

  Be sure to feed your cat small meals on a frequent basis and provide plenty of clean, fresh water at all times. You'll need to have the proper number of litter boxes, generally one more than the number of cats in the house, and keep them meticulously clean.