Your well-trained cat just urinated outside of her litter box again. In exasperation, you wonder if this is a behavioral issue. More than likely, it is a medical issue that needs resolving. Feline urinary tract infections do occur, and one of the first signs is when a cat refuses to use his litter box. Other telltale signals of a UTI include frequent attempts at urination, obvious straining with little or no production, and repeated washing of the genitals while expressing audible discomfort. As your pet's owner and caretaker, you can try to relieve his urinary tract infection without taking him to see the vet.
Things You'll Need
- clean litter box
- non-absorbent litter or clean aquarium gravel
- water dish with water
- cat's favorite toys (optional)
- urine pH test strips
- Cantharis pellets (30c strength)
- unsweetened cranberry juice
- organic food
- organic chicken broth
- filtered water
- unscented baby wipes
Instructions
How to Determine if Your Cat has a UTI
Observe your cat for a few days to determine when she urinates. This will be helpful to you when you are trying to obtain a fresh urine sample.
Fill a clean litter box with non-absorbent litter or clean aquarium gravel.
Place the litter box, a water dish and some of your cat's favorite toys in a room with a door that can be closed.
Around the time that your cat usually urinates, take him in the room and shut the door. Play with your cat and wait for him to use the litter box.
Dip a clean pH strip into your cat's fresh urine.
Compare the color of the strip to the comparison chart supplied by the manufacturer.
A normal reading is 6.4 to 6.6. Anything differing from those readings is an indication of a UTI.
How to Relieve Your Cat's UTI
Provide your kitty with fresh, filtered water in a clean bowl. Make sure she has access to the bowl at all times.
Avoid giving your feline tap water, as it may taste unpleasant to her.
Add 1/4 tsp. of unsweetened cranberry juice to the water. The acid in the juice will help reduce the bacteria in the bladder.
Give your cat two to three caplets of Cantharis, two to three times daily, at the first sign of infection. Place the caplets in your cats mouth, and hold his mouth firmly closed. Within seconds, the caplets will dissolve into your feline's mucous membranes.
Cantharis will stimulate your kitty to urinate, which will help flush out the bladder.
Feed your cat organic foods. Many commercial foods contain chemicals, additives and preservatives that can result in a weakening of your pet's immune system.
You can buy pre-prepared organic food, or you can make your own.
If your cat is reluctant to drink, add chicken broth to her food. Any liquid intake is helpful.
Keep your kitty's litter box clean. Remove all waste at least once per day.
Frequently wipe your cat's anal area, with unscented baby wipes, to remove any fecal matter or bacteria that may cause a UTI.