A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a serious condition that is not only uncomfortable but also dangerous for a cat. Left untreated, UTIs can develop into life-threatening medical problems such as the production of struvite crystals in the cat's urine. Successful treatment of a feline UTI is easily done under the supervision of a veterinarian.
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Veterinary Treatment
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A veterinarian will perform a routine physical examination on the cat, checking for any outward symptoms of a UTI (abdominal pain, fever, etc.). Urine is extracted from the cat to perform a urinalysis, a test which determines the content and pH of the urine. Once diagnosed, a veterinarian will most often prescribe a course of antibiotics lasting 10 to 14 days to treat infection. The cat may show signs of improvement in as little as two days, but make sure to continue the full course of antibiotics to prevent future occurrences of infection. The veterinarian may also prescribe a specialized diet to improve urinary tract health.
Homeopathic Treatment
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Cantharis (or Spanish Fly) pellets can be purchased online and are useful in the treatment of pain in a feline UTI by administering two to three pellets daily. Unsweetened cranberry juice naturally acidifies urine and prevents bacteria from adhering to bladder walls. Cranberry juice or one to two drops of natural unsweetened cranberry extract may be given directly or added to the cat's food. Vitamin C naturally strengthens the immune system and is an anti-inflammatory agent for the bladder. Vitamin C can be administered twice daily depending on your cat's body weight, but ask your veterinarian to recommend an appropriate dosage to prevent digestive upset in the cat.
Prevention at Home
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Use a chemical-free diet for the cat by purchasing organic canned cat foods or by preparing your own cat food at home. If your veterinarian has prescribed a specific diet for the cat, make sure to stick to only that diet and do not offer special treats. Ensure that the cat consumes plenty of water by monitoring the amount of water she drinks daily and by offering moist cat food. Familiarize yourself with the cat's litter box habits so that you will know right away if there is any unusual "'bathroom" behavior, and make sure to keep the litter box clean to encourage the cat to urinate. Obesity is a contributing factor to UTIs, so keep the cat at a healthy weight and see that he gets at least 15 minutes of exercise each day.
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