How to Prevent Feline Urinary Tract Infections

Feline urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common. While there are steps you can take to decrease the likelihood of your cat getting such an infection, there's no way to completely eliminate the possibility. Don't blame yourself if your cat gets a UTI. It's just one of those medical issues to which cats are predisposed. Even if you're doing everything you can to prevent a feline UTI, be aware of the symptoms and ready to act if your pet displays any of the warning signs.

Things You'll Need

Pet water fountain
Deep water bowl
Long, shallow water bowl
Extra litter box
Moist cat food or broths

Instructions

- 1
  Provide your pet with several different water bowl options. Different cats have different preferences about how they like their water served. If you figure out your cat's favorite way of having water delivered, you'll encourage your cat to drink more. The more water your cat drinks, the less likely the pet will develop a UTI. Good ways to offer water are in a pet water fountain, a deep water bowl and a long, shallow bowl.
- 2
  Keep the litter box extra clean. Also consider adding an extra litter box and ensure the cat has easy access to the boxes at all times. Making sure you cat likes the litter box and will visit it often decreases the likelihood of the cat developing a UTI. Many cats will hold their bladders rather than visit a dirty litter box or go past noisy children or a boisterous dog to get there. This is why having a second box is especially effective in preventing urinary tract infections. Holding urine increases the likelihood of the cat developing a UTI.
- 3
  Feed your cat moist foods or moisten dry food with broths. Dry kibble contains very little moisture. Providing extra fluids to the cat via the pet's regular foods is another means of preventing feline UTIs.
- 4
  Reduce any stress you possibly can in your cat's environment and life. Stress is commonly linked to urinary tract infections in cats.