Urine infections, also known as diseases of the urinary tract (FLUTD), are one of the most common and uncomfortable that a cat can suffer. There are several types of infections, such as cystitis (inflammation of the bladder), nephritis (inflammation of the kidneys) or urolithiasis (urinary stones), but most have the same symptoms.
As we mentioned earlier, these conditions affect the feline's bladder and urethra, and can occur in cats of any age, but especially in adult animals suffering from obesity, who are confined to very small spaces or that carry an emotional dynamic with many shocks and few episodes of calm.
In this article on our site we will talk about urinary infection in cats, its symptoms, treatment and how to prevent it.
Symptoms of urine infection in cats
How do I know if my cat has a urine infection? All cat guardians should be very informed about the symptoms of these conditions, as prevention and treatment are very important, since if a cat suffers from a urinary tract infection it could not only be very painful for the animal, but potentially fatal.
Many cats suffer from repeated outbreaks, which creates a pattern that worsens over time, but be careful, because in most cats the symptoms are not seen until the disease is very advanced. Therefore, it is essential to monitor your cat's behavior at the time of relieving himself and also observe the state of his urine.
The symptoms that can determine if your cat has a urinary tract infection includes the following aspects:
- You make too much effort when urinating.
- You urinate in small quantities.
- He can't hold back and urinates out of his tray (very strange for them).
- Try to urinate more frequently than normal, which can sometimes be confused with defecation.
- Licks the areas to relieve discomfort.
- Crying when urinating, totally unusual behavior.
In addition, you may have blood in your urine Also, you will have the constant need to lick your parts to relieve uncomfortable sensations, some have fever and weakness in the early stages of infection. For more information on Fever in cats, visit this post that we recommend.
Causes of urine infection in cats
Urinary infections, obstructions and inflammations are caused by the presence or not of blood or other foreign agents in the urinary tract These pathologies They can be caused by many factors and/or in turn be the manifestation of a disease already gestated in the animal's body. Some of the causes of urinary infection in cats can be:
- Stress: any factor that puts the cat in a state of stress can predispose the development of this type of disease. Situations of this type could be a sudden change of home, the arrival of a new member to the family, the absence of their human companion and the presence of strangers.
- Birth anomalies: those felines that have been born with some type of anomaly in the lower urinary tract are much more prone to infection urinary.
- Sedentary lifestyle and obesity: can cause urinary tract infections, since by slowing down all internal processes the body is not just as capable of eliminating all the waste that it consumes. Urethral obstruction in males occurs more frequently in young adults who live in very confined spaces, where they have few opportunities to exercise.
- Uncontrolled and low acid pH in cat urine: can increase the appearance of magnesium and raise its levels to a point not appropriate. This can lead to further formation of magnesium phosphate crystals which harmfully precipitate in the urine and can cause urolithiasis (urine stones). All this is caused, among other things, by poor nutrition, such as low digestibility diets and without mineral control.
- Kidney stones: these are due to irritation of the mucosa of the lower urinary tract. The most common is to find struvite stones, which can present as a single large stone or as many small ones. They are caused by bacteria that produce urease, although the most frequent are sterile urolithiasis. If you want to know more, don't hesitate to read this article about Crystals in cat urine on our site.
How to cure urine infection in cats? - Treatment
As much as we think we know enough, we should never diagnose our cat ourselves, especially if it has a urinary tract infection. In the presence of any symptom mentioned in the previous section, you should visit the vet so that he can carry out all the necessary tests. Blood tests and urine samples fall within this type of exam, both to check if it has crystals or inflammatory cells, and to check the state of the urine and rule out other diseases.
The treatment for urine infection in cats will vary depending on the pathology. Next, we explain how to treat urinary tract infection in cats according to the situation:
- If the cat has a bacterial infection problem: he will need to take antibiotics, which does not happen often.
- If the cat has cystitis: treatment will begin by relieving pain by administering medications to relax and prevent blockages in the urinary tract. Then reduce stress with exercise and the administration of pheromones to help lower anxiety levels. Finally, control the amount of urine, replacing dry food with a slightly more humid diet. For more information, don't miss our article on Cystitis in cats.
- If the cat has a blocked urethra: the treatment will be surgical and practically urgent, since the urine is not flowing normally. Your pet may be hospitalized for several days, as the vet will need to give him medication intravenously and monitor his progress. The same with calculations, which could well be an operation issue (depending on the type) or if it is not progressing so well, it could be cured with a simple change in diet and life habits.
Remember to finish the treatment to avoid further relapses, especially if the cat is prone to this type of urine infection.
Medicines for urine infection in cats
Before giving your cat any type of medication to treat a urinary tract infection, you should consult a specialist, since a different medication or treatment will be prescribed depending on the urinary tract infection.
Generally, the most commonly used medications for cat urine infection are NSAIDs, that is, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, since as they are analgesics, they relieve the cat's pain and its anti-inflammatory action reduces the inflammation of the wall of the urine bladder. Antibiotics are also used because they directly attack the bacteria that caused the infection. They are usually long-term treatments (approximately 2 weeks).
How to prevent urine infection in cats?
Veterinarian support should not only be when the feline is sick or has an emergency. Try to have fluid communication with him about your cat and ask him what type of diet is best for your pet's he alth.
Water is basic to cleanse and purify the body. You must educate and accustom your cat to always drink water. In the same way it happens with the habit of urinating, this is one of the few ways that exists to expel toxins from the body, so it is important that your cat does it frequently and that, when doing so, it finds its litter box in the best conditions of hygiene and cleanliness. This will make him feel more at ease. In the event that your cat does not drink water, do not hesitate to take a look at this article on our site on Why does my cat not drink water? in order to solve the problem.
Cats are routine animals. It will always be positive for your he alth to minimize sudden changes in routine that can cause you stress and that can later trigger a urinary tract infection. Make every effort to give your cat a peaceful life and you will see that you will have a he althy and happy pet for many years.
