Home Treatment for a Cat Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common ailments in domestic cats. Often UTIs have no distinct cause and can be frustrating for both the veterinarian and the owner when looking for a solution. Although most UTIs require antibiotic therapy to cure, home remedies can aid in the healing process and help prevent future infections.

  1. Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections

    • Cats with UTIs will generally strain to urinate, and often the urine will be bloody. They may cry out or seem uncomfortable. Because the cats begin to associate pain with the litter box, they may begin to avoid using it and instead urinate other places in the house. They may also dribble urine in areas other than the litter box.

    Veterinary Care Is Essential

    • If you suspect that your cat has a UTI, veterinary evaluation is critical. Some infections require antibiotics to resolve. Untreated UTIs can lead to permanent damage in the bladder and kidneys.

    Home Treatment: Hydration

    • In the wild, cats do not drink significant amounts of water. They get most of their water needs from the meat they eat. Domesticated cats are often fed exclusively dry food diets, resulting in chronic mild dehydration, which can lead to UTIs. Feeding your cat a raw or canned food diet will increase the moisture in the food, alleviating active UTIs and helping to prevent infections.

    Home Treatment: Cranberries

    • Cranberries contain properties that prevent the growth of bacteria in the bladder and that help to acidify the urine, which limits the formation of crystals in the bladder. Because most cats will not drink cranberry juice, several products containing cranberries are available.

    Home Treatment: Herbs

    • Many holistic vets can prescribe a mixture or compound of herbs that can help alleviate UTIs. Some of the most successful herbs are goldenrod, horsetail, parsley, marshmallow root and elderberry. If you are not familiar with using herbs to treat medical issues, please consult a holistic vet before administering any herb to your cat.