Urinary tract infections are common in cats. The infection is caused when bacteria get into the urethra, the tube through which urine flows. It's important to identify your cat's symptoms early and begin treatment. An untreated urinary tract infection can spread into the kidneys and cause serious illness. Signs that your cat may have a urinary tract infection include blood in the urine, the cat crying or straining when in the litter box, and the cat urinating outside of the litter box.
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Holistic Veterinarian
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If you plan to treat your cat's urinary tract infection in a holistic manner, find a holistic veterinarian to ensure your pet's safety and recovery. Find one in your area at American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association's website, holisticvetlist.com.
Pain Relief
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Urinary tract infections are painful. Your feline is experiencing many of the same symptoms you did if you've ever had a urinary tract infection: burning and pain when urinating, as well as the constant feeling of needing to urinate. The common holistic treatment for bladder problems in dogs and cats is cantharis. It provides pain relief and is usually administered in two to three pellets twice to three times a day. Cantharis is available in most health food stores.
Infection
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Just as it is with people, cranberry juice is a powerful medicine when treating a cat with a urinary tract infection. It stops bacteria from clinging to the surface of the bladder, controlling the infection. Cranberry juice also makes the urine more acidic, creating an environment that is less hospitable to the bacteria. Some cats may lap up cranberry juice from a bowl. For others, you may need to buy cranberry supplements and crumble these in more palatable foods. Cranberry supplements can be found in most health food stores.
Immune System
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Holistic medicine always looks to boost the cat's immune system so that it can fight off the disease or infection that is making it ill. Vitamin C is often recommended for this purpose, and it also has natural anti-inflammatory properties and strengthens the lining of the cat's bladder. Depending upon your cat's size, you would administer 250 to 500mg of Vitamin C daily until your pet has recovered. You can use Vitamin C tablets that are available in drug stores and health food stores, but you may have to lower the dosage if the Vitamin C causes loose stool in your pet.
Diet
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Holistic veterinarians almost always begin treatment by examining the cat's diet. Many holistic veterinarians are proponents of homemade diets that include human-grade ingredients, especially when a pet is ill. In addition to diet, ensure your cat is getting enough fluids while recovering. The more fluids your cat consumes, the more your pet will urinate and the faster the bacteria will be flushed from her system. Moist foods, dry foods that are moistened and chicken broth help ensure the cat gets extra fluid.
Litter box
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Your cat should have access to a clean litter box at all times and especially when he has a urinary tract infection. Ensure that the cat can access the litter box easily and that other cats aren't "guarding" the box and preventing your cat from using it. Keep the box extra clean to encourage your pet to visit it often during recovery.
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