Cat Bladder Infection Treatment

Cat bladder infections are not uncommon, and they can be caused by a variety of sources. Like any other ailment, an early diagnosis is key to regaining their health. Knowing what to look for, how to handle a potential problem and how to treat it properly will ensure your cat's full recovery.

  1. Be Observant

    • Notice any unusual symptoms in your cat. Some examples include frequent urination, bloody urine, straining to urinate, crying while urinating or urinating places outside of its litter box. Also, know the reasons for bladder infections; stress, lack of clean water, bacterial infection and a high mineral content in his food.

    Take Your Cat To The Vet

    • If you suspect your cat may have a bladder infection, take him to the veterinarian. They can examine the bladder to see if there are stones or blockage that hinders urination. If the latter is the case, the vet will extract a urine sample from the bladder with a needle. He may also take X-rays or draw blood to determine if there are any other conditions present. All of these procedures will assist the vet to obtain the diagnosis so proper treatment can be administered.

    Provide Treatment

    • Various treatments will be prescribed based on the cat's condition. If the cat has a bacterial infection, the vet will prescribe antibiotics. Be sure to give your cat his medication exactly as prescribed. If urinary tract blockage is the problem, the vet will insert a catheter into the cat's urethra to remove the blockage. Generally, the catheter must stay in place for 24 hours to avoid future recurrence. When stones or crystals have formed in the bladder, the vet will provide and IV treatment. There may also be some dietary changes for the cat due to amount of crystal formation and acid levels in the urine. This is mainly caused by dehydration, and the cat simply needs to drink more water to combat future infection. If tumors or any other abnormality is present, surgery will likely ensue. Your vet will determine if this is necessary, the type of procedure and the risks associated with surgery.