UTI In Cats - Symptoms, Treatment & Recovery

UTI In Cats - Symptoms, Treatment & Recovery

Author WCF Staff

21.07.2022.


UTI, or urinary tract infection, is one of the health problems that can affect cats. Although cats are not so susceptible to this disease as dogs, UTI can still happen in cats. Only 1-4 % of all cats will show signs of this health problem. UTI in cats can be straightforward to diagnose and cure, but if left untreated, it can develop into more serious issues. If you suspect your cat has a urinary tract infection, stay with us and find all the signs, symptoms, and ways to help your cat get rid of this health issue.

UTI in cats

If you notice something strange with your cat’s urinating habits, there is a possibility that your cat has UTI. This problem will occur when the bacteria travel in the urethra and the bladder. Since urine should be sterile, if these bacteria end up in the bladder, it will cause UTIs in cats. It is not strange that cats develop bladder stones because of this issue.

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UTI in cats – symptoms

If you are worried about your cat’s health and notice something is wrong with your cat’s urine, there are a few symptoms that can indicate the presence of UTIs.

cat

Symptoms of the UTI in cats include:

  • Frequent urinating
  • Passing a small amount of urine
  • Blood in the urine
  • Frequent licking of the rear
  • Urinating outside of the litter box
  • Crying while urinating
  • Excessive thirst

In case you notice any of these symptoms, there is a high possibility that your cat has a urinary tract infection, and you should call your vet as soon as possible and schedule a meeting. This problem will not go away without medical help, and to help your cat, you should seek a vet’s help.

Can both male and female cats contract UTIs?

Both male and female cats can be diagnosed with this health issue. Although UTIs are more common for female cats. UTI in male cats can cause more and faster problems. Whether you have a male or female cat, you should take action to help your cat.

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Treatment for UTI in cats

Your vet will use a few methods to get your cat on the right track. Antibiotics are the number one thing when treating UTI in cats. Besides antibiotics, your vet can give your cat fluid injections to rehydrate the cat, and if your cat is in a lot of pain, he can prescribe some pain medication to ease the pain for your cat.

kitten running

Your vet will recommend that you give your cat a lot of water to help flush out the bladder, and some vets can even suggest that you increase the amount of wet food you give to your cat since all dry food can lead to concentrated urine.

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Antibiotics for UTI

In most cases, your vet will prescribe your cat the proper antibiotics to treat their health problem. You should never give any medication on your own to your cat without consulting with your vet first. If you do so, you can do more harm than good.

Recovery of UTI

If you notice a urinary problem in your cat on time and you act quickly, your cat will get a full recovery within 7-10 days, depending on the advanced stage of the disease. Some cats will still need to eat wet food for some time afterward.

Your vet can test your cat’s urine to determine if the bacteria is gone. In some cases, there is a possibility that the urinary tract infection will come back, and in that case, your vet will need to perform more specific testing to determine the cause of this happening.

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Can some cats have a predisposition to getting UTIs?

There are a few cats that have a predisposition to developing this issue. Senior cats and cats diagnosed with diabetes are most commonly diagnosed with UTI. Also, cats that develop bladder stones can be prone to this health problem. These cats need to completely eliminate bladder stones to restore bladder health, and their ability to contract UTIs will decrease.

white kitten

How can I prevent UTI in my cat?

For prevention, you can ask your vet for advice. Some vets will recommend a specific diet for your cat. Your vet knows your cat’s medical history and can be the best advisor for this problem.

UTI in cats FAQs

No, if your cat is diagnosed with UTI, she cannot infect you or your other pets.

No, currently, there are no vaccines that can prevent forming of this disease. The best you can do is to keep your cat healthy.

For complete recovery from UTI, your cat will need medical assistance, and you cannot treat your cat at home. Your cat will need proper antibiotics or other medications that your vet will prescribe. If you decide to treat your cat at home on your own, you can cause more problems for your cat.

If your cat is super healthy and has a great immune system, it is a possibility that she can fight off UTI, but if you notice any of the symptoms, your cat will need vets’ help.

Some cats will not want to use dirty litter boxes, meaning they will hold their urine. Doing that, there is a possibility that they will develop urinary tract infection, so yes, indirectly, a dirty litter box can cause UTI.

Yes, if your cat is diagnosed with UTI, your vet can suggest that you give more wet food to your cat to help with rehydration.

Conclusion

Urinary tract infection in cats is a serious problem that needs to be taken care of as soon as you notice any symptoms. Both male and female cats are in danger of getting this health issue. In most cases, your vet will give antibiotics to your cat, and your cat will make a full recovery within 7-10 days.

World Cat Finder Team

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