Urinary tract infections, otherwise know as UTI, are uncomfortable, painful, and potentially very dangerous to a cat. An untreated urinary tract infection may lead to urinary tract disease, the formation of struvite crystals in the urine, even urinary tract blockages which may require surgical treatment. While veterinary treatment is highly recommended for feline urinary tract infections you can also ask your veterinarian to recommend holistic treatment options, as well. Some of the most effective holistic treatments include dietary and lifestyle changes combined with herbal remedies.
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Diet
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Adding unsweetened, pure cranberry juice to the cat's diet keeps bacteria from clinging to the walls of the bladder while acidifying urine which further prevents UTI from occurring. Unsweetened, pure cranberry extract is a good option as well because it packs the same punch as cranberry juice in just a drop and since cats generally dislike the taste of cranberry, the extract is easily hidden in food or administered orally. All natural, chemical free diets lack the preservatives and artificial ingredients added to conventional food and this makes them healthier for the cat's immune system. Your veterinarian may also have a food formulated especially for maintaining feline urinary health. Also, be sure that the cat gets plenty of clean water to flush out bacteria in the urinary tract.
Herbs and Supplements
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Vitamin C added to your cat's food improves the immune system and strengthens the cat's bladder lining to help fight off future UTI. Catharis relieves pain caused by the infection and the pellets are easily administered to cats. Equal parts of pisissewa, buchu, uva ursi, and echinacea can be combined in the cat's food. A teaspoon of herbal teas made of goldenrod, horsetail, parsley, marshmallow root, and elderberry can be given (after cooling) three times daily as needed to treat symptoms of UTI.
Lifestyle
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Making sure that the cat urinates enough is essential to preventing and treating UTI. Keep the litter box clean to encourage frequent urination. Be sure to wipe your cat's bottom frequently to help clear away any remaining debris and bacteria which will prevent that bacteria from traveling up the cat's urethra and causing future urinary tract infections. Ensuring that the cat has a safe, stress free place to relax, and encouraging exercise to prevent obesity also helps keep feline UTI at bay.
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