Numerous urinary system conditions, including urinary tract infections, can affect cats. Cat owners must learn to recognize the many symptoms of illnesses in order to provide their cats with the treatment they require and prevent greater problems.
Why do cats get infections in their urinary tracts?
Urinary tract infections are brought on by bacteria that enter the bladder, grow there, and multiply there (UTI). Since the urine in the bladder is often sterile, an infection results. Urinary tract infections do not affect cats as commonly as certain other urinary conditions, but this does not mean they never do.
Symptoms of a urinary tract infections in cats’ attempts to urinate
- Crying or wail when peeing, spitting out blood, not utilizing the litter box when urinating, or licking the opening of the urine tract increased the frequency of urination.
Cats with urinary tract infections may feel discomfort when they urinate. Because of this discomfort or anguish, they may occasionally cry or whimper in addition to making an effort to urinate in the litter box. Cats with urinary tract infections may try to urinate more frequently than usual, as well as licking at its genitalia to try to relieve discomfort. Another sign of certain cats’ urinary tract infections is blood in the pee, which is visible in the litter box or on the ground where the cat was resting.
Finally, many cats with urinary problems, like urinary tract infections, will urinate outside of their litter boxes. This can require going to the bathroom directly next to the litter box or in another peculiar place. In an effort to notify its owner of any issues, this is being done. But if a cat owner utilizes specific color-changing silica gel cat litter, they might learn about a urinary infection before annoying signs like these even surface.
Causes of UTIs in cats
Urinary tract infections in cats can occur as a result of bacterial invasion of the bladder. Bacteria normally enter a bladder through the urethra of a cat, which is the passageway through which urine travels to leave the body. Bacteria grow and thrive once they’ve entered the bladder, infecting this previously-sterile area and producing more bacteria. Simple things like a filthy litter box, an unclean bed, or an unclean area that a cat spends time in might cause a urethral infection.
UTIs in cats: a diagnosis
If a cat owner notices signs of a urinary tract infection in their cat, they should schedule a visit with the vet. A urine sample must be obtained, either by the owner at home using specific, non-absorptive litter or by the doctor. Until the cat can urinate independently in some non-absorbable litter or until the urine can be collected via cystocentesis, it may be temporarily confined in the veterinary clinic. A cystocentesis is a quick and painless procedure to obtain a urine sample using a needle and syringe. Some veterinarians prefer to use cystocentesis to collect urine, while others would rather wait for a cat to naturally provide a sample.
A urinalysis will be performed after urine has been collected. This type of test looks for things like germs, crystals, blood, parasites, abnormal pH levels, abnormal specific gravity amounts, glucose, and other items in the urine to aid the veterinarian in making a diagnosis. If bacteria are discovered in the urinalysis, a urine infection is identified. It is occasionally required to perform a urine culture in order to identify the particular type of bacteria causing the infection and to choose the appropriate treatment.
Treatment for feline UTI
Antibiotics will be advised in order to get rid of the bacteria the cat’s bladder is home to. The cat may also need symptomatic treatment to lessen its discomfort. Drugs used to treat inflammation and discomfort typically fall within this category. Probiotics may also be suggested to offset the negative effects of the antibiotics.
How to Avoid Cats Contracting UTIs
The best defense against feline urinary tract infections is to keep the entry to the urinary system clean at all times. Regular litter box cleaning and washing of cat bedding will help with this task. In order to keep the entrances to their urinary tracts clean, overweight cats may have trouble grooming themselves and may need assistance from a damp wipe or cloth. Getting adequate water will also help with regular bladder flushing.
Additional Cat Urinary Tract Problems
In addition to UTIs, cats may also have other urinary system problems. Cats frequently develop irritability or stones.
- Urine crystals can develop into unpleasant bladder stones, which is something to be concerned about. There are several different types of urine crystals.
- Bladder stones, also known as uroliths, can occasionally be caused by bacteria and exist in a variety of sizes and shapes. Small stones can be fatal because they can prevent a cat from urinating.
- Cystitis, a common name for urinary tract inflammation, can be fatal for cats. It can be fatal for a cat if its urethra swells and prevents it from urinating.
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