Cat Urinary Tract Infection

Cats tend to develop lower urinary tract infections frequently. The bladder and/or the urethra are commonly affected by infections. It is seen that cats urinary tract infections are less common than the dog urinary tract infection. The lower urinary tract infections in cats is commonly referred to as Feline Urologic Syndrome by vets.

The most common cat urinary tract infection is urolithiasis. This is a condition where stones are formed in the urinary tract by accumulation of crystals. Urolithiasis is a serious condition as it can result in complete blockage of the urinary tract. This will prevent the passage of urine, leading to pressure on the bladder and kidneys.

Cat Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms
Cats are very tolerant to pain and will show no sign of discomfort to their owners. They will play, cuddle and purr as they normally do, even though they may have some discomfort or pain. It is upon the owner to look out for the cat urinary tract infection symptoms and give their pet prompt medical treatment. The following cat urinary tract infection symptoms will help you determine if your pet has developed an infection:

• The cat will urinate outside the litter box. They may urinate on the tile floors, bathtub sink or around the corners.
• While the cat is urinating, it may yowl or cry due to pain.
• It will strain a lot while urinating.
• The cat will pass blood with urine.
• The urine will have a very strong smell.
• The cat will be very thirsty most of the time.
• You may observe the bladder to be red.
• The cat may lick the bladder area excessively and remain inactive most of the time.

You may observe all or some of the cat urinary tract infection symptoms in your pet.

Cat Urinary Tract Infection Causes
The cat urinary tract infection may occur due to a number of causes. The exact cause may be determined by the vet after proper diagnosis. The common cat UTI causes may include:

• Bacterial infections
• Viral infections
• Tumor
• Trauma
• Kidney problems or failure
• Crystal formation
• Kidney stones

Cat Urinary Tract Infection Treatment
Once the vet confirms a cat urinary tract infection, he will prescribe cat UTI medicines. These cat urinary tract medicines include antibiotics that prevent the infection from spreading. Based on the level of infection, the vet will prescribe the strength and dose of the antibiotics. Many times, the vet may advice surgery. Home remedies for cat urinary tract infection include giving your cat cranberry juice extracts. The cranberry juice extract helps control the infection by stopping the bacteria from adhering to the surface of the bladder. You also need to change the cat food diet by feeding the feline chemical, preservatives and artificial color free food. You can opt for home cooked meals that help increase the body's immunity.

Home remedies for cat urinary tract infection for cat infection also include providing your cat with plenty of fluids. It is important that your cat empties the bladder frequently to flush out the bacteria. One cannot force the cat to drink water, therefore feed the cat with wet food or chicken broth. You should keep clean water available at all times for the cat to drink. This will encourage the pet to urinate and reduce the risk of infection.

If the cats diagnostic test shows the presence of crystals then you need to follow a special diet for cat. This diet is to be carried out for 6 weeks to change the urine's pH. This change in cat urine pH will help dissolve the crystals.

You should not take cat urinary tract infection lightly as it may lead to more serious complications. You can try herbal or homeopathy for cat urinary tract infection treatment. Always consult an expert and qualified vet for any cat ailments. You should stay alert regarding cat health problems to curb the disease before it goes out of hand. Proper pet care will make sure your pet remains a healthy and happy cat.