Urinary tract infections can be serious illnesses in cats unless they are treated early. It is possible to treat your cat's UTI with holistic remedies if you are alert to the symptoms of a UTI and you begin treatment as soon as your cat becomes ill. Urinary tract infection in cats begins when bacteria gets into the cat's urethra and creates an infection. It is important to get the infection under control before it spreads to the cat's bladder and kidneys and creates a more serious illness.
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Symptoms
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Being alert to the symptoms of a feline urinary tract infection is important. This means you can begin your pet's treatment at the first hint of symptoms and create odds for a faster and easier recovery. Symptoms of a UTI include vocalization and obvious pain when the cat is urinating. The cat may urinate more frequently, urinate only small amounts or urinate outside the box. You may notice blood in your cat's urine and your cat may groom her genitals excessively because of the burning sensation created by the UTI.
Treatment
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Herbs, dietary supplements and homeopathic remedies are commonly employed in holistic treatment of a cat's urinary tract infection. Cantharis, a homeopathic remedy, is often recommended for pain relief. It is given in two to three pellets once or twice a day. Cranberry juice is a good supplement for controlling infection. It keeps bacteria from clinging to the bladder's surface and it acidifies the urine. Cranberry juice can be added to the pet's food, offered in a dish for the cat to lap up or given as a supplement in capsule form.
Water
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Water is one of the most important elements in treating your cat's urinary tract infection. The more fluids you can get your cat to drink, the more frequently your cat will urinate and the faster the bacteria causing the infection will be flushed from the body. Some cats prefer to drink running water and offering your cat a source of moving water may encourage the pet to take in more fluids. Try allowing your cat to drink from a running faucet or consider setting up a small electric water fountain. Some pets are more likely to drink from a narrow shallow dish than a large bowl. Consider several different options for offering your cat water until you find the one that will encourage the pet to drink the most.
Litter Box
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While you're treating your cat for a urinary tract infection, it's even more important than ever to keep the litter box clean. Scoop the box three times per day if possible. The reason a clean litter box is important is to get the cat to urinate as frequently as possible and flush the bacteria that is causing the infection. Ensure your cat has easy access to the litter box and that it is in a private location where the pet will not be disturbed by children, dogs or other cats.
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