Urinary tract infections (or UTIs) can affect just about any living creature with a urinary tract, and they are unfortunately common in our furry feline companions. These infections can be caused by both bacterial and fungal sources, with eColi being the main cause in almost 50 percent of cases. Urinary tract infections must be dealt with quickly and effectively, as failure to do so may allow the infection to spread to the kidneys, where they can make the cat severely ill.
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Risk Factors
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Although no one can predict which cat will develop a urinary tract infection, there are several traits that UTI sufferers seem to share. Spayed females seem to have more infections than males, although a UTI can develop in either gender. Cats with weakened immune systems or living with diabetes usually have high rates of infections. Overweight cats are also at risk, as they are less able to effectively clean their genitals, which can reintroduce the bacteria in their feces back into their bodies.
Symptoms
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The most common symptoms of a UTI in your cat will involve their bathroom activities. Problems urinating, including going outside the litter box or straining while trying, are big signs that there could be something amiss inside your pet. Blood in their urine, which could be difficult to detect if kitty is still using her litter box, is a sign of a more severe infection, as this indicates that it has spread to other organs.
Diagnosis
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The only way to correctly diagnose a UTI in your cat is to take him to your veterinarian and have a urinalysis done. This requires a collection of your cat's urine, one that hasn't been contaminated by either the litter box filler or your carpet. The best way to collect a clean sample is to let the vet collect the urine directly from the bladder with a needle. Once collected, the urine will be cultured in a lab and tested for bacteria growth.
Treatment
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Urinary tract infections are treated successfully using antibiotics. Your cat will take the medication for about two weeks, although the actual symptoms usually begin to dissipate after only a day or two of starting the treatment. Full completion of the medication is necessary to ensure full cleanse of the infection, so don't stop giving him the antibiotics just because his symptoms have gone away. A follow up appointment with your vet is usually performed in order to confirm that the infection is gone.
Prevention/Solution
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The best way to prevent a UTI is to make sure your cat has access to clean, fresh water at all times. A hydrated cat will keep his bladder flushed regularly, minimizing the time the bacteria has to build up. Frequent UTIs could be indicative of an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes or feline leukemia. A thorough examination might shed some light on a cause, so a preventative plan of action can be created.
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