Natural Remedies for UTI in Cats

Urinary tract infections result from bacteria in the bladder or urethra (the tube through which urine flows). This makes it very painful for a cat to urinate. Urinary tract obstructions caused by infections or by bladder crystals or stones can be very dangerous, especially in male cats. If infections aren't caught early, they can spread into the kidneys and cause serious problems. Treatment of a cat̵7;s urinary infection depends on both cause and severity level, so a veterinarian should diagnose your cat.

  1. Observe Symptoms

    • Common symptoms of urinary tract infection or disease for cats include: painful urination, straining or crying while urinating, frequent urination with limited output, blood in the urine, loss of appetite and lethargy. Cornell University veterinarians report that ̶0;an affected cat is likely to eliminate outside the litter box if he comes to associate the box with painful urination, or if he has an increased urgency to urinate.\"

    Occurrence and Recurrence

    • Urinary tract infections (UTI) are known for high recurrence rates and can cause a lot of trouble to the cat due to accompanying pain and irritation. Natural homeopathic remedies help with the symptoms of urinary tract infection for cats, and can also help prevent recurring infections. According to the authors of the Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook, ̶0;recurrent infections may be the result of antibiotic resistance, so the urine should be cultured before beginning any treatment.\"?

    Treatment

    • Most urinary tract infections are treated with antibiotics, but holistic vets may also use a variety of natural remedies to strengthen the cat̵7;s immune system so it can resist infection more successfully. Holistic, Homeopathic and Allopathic veterinarians often focus on correcting any core imbalances that allow bacteria to thrive in a specific cat̵7;s body. ??

      Natural remedies are available for soothing an irritated urinary system and treating urinary tract symptoms and infections, however these are not necessarily created specifically for cats.

    Choose Species Appropriate Remedies

    • Many herbal remedies are alcohol-based which makes them unsafe for long-term use in cats, so it is important to try to find appropriate alternatives. Give cats 1 tsp. three times a day of cooled Urinary Tea Blend, an alcohol-free herbal tea that contains goldenrod, horsetail, parsley and marsh mallow, until symptoms subside. ??

      Vitamin C is a natural anti-inflammatory and helps with swelling in the bladder lining. Use a buffered form of vitamin C such as Ester C, as it is less likely to irritate the digestive tract. Because Vitamin C can cause diarrhea, you may need to adjust the dosage. Antibiotics destroy beneficial bacteria so you may need to give your cat a probiotic plus yogurt an hour or two after giving antibiotics.

    Homeopathic Remedies

    • Cantharsis and staphysagris are two remedies that may be beneficial to the urogenital well being of your cat. These remedies help restore the pH levels of the cat̵7;s urine and re-establish the healthy flow of urine, unless a cat is suffering from a urethral obstruction. Obstructions can be life threatening and require immediate medical care. Cantharsis and staphysagris also provide necessary nutrients to the cat's body and this helps the body fight the infection and Cantharis eases the discomfort in cats that are straining to urinate. ??

      According to the article, ̶0;Natural Help for Urinary Incontinence in Pets,̶1; when it comes to treating diseases of the urinary tract and bladder, ̶0;ingredients such as Arctostaphylos uva ursi, Berberis vulgaris, Cantharis C6 and Staphysagris C6 can be used to support and promote bladder health ̷0; The efficacy of cantharis and staphysagris is evident after only a few hours,\" at which time a cat who has been straining and crying out in pain may finally be able to urinate without discomfort.

    Maintaining Urinary Tract Health

    • Feeding your cat a more natural, chemical free diet, choosing moist food instead of dry, and providing the freshest food possible, will help balance your cat's system, stave off infections and strengthen immunity. Try to increase fluid intake by making sure your cat always has clean, fresh water, preferably filtered or spring water and that the water is accessible.

      If your cat uses a litter box, it must be kept very clean at all times. Place the litter pan in a spot where your cat will feel comfortable using it.