What is a UTI in cats?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) in cats is an infection of the urinary system, including the bladder and urethra. It is caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract and multiplying in the bladder or kidney, most commonly E. coli from the GI tract. UTIs are more common in female cats due to their shorter urethras. Symptoms of a UTI in cats include:1
- Frequent and painful urination
- Blood in the urine
- Excessive licking of the genital area
- Crying out while urinating
- Straining to urinate
- Urinating outside the litter box
If left untreated, UTIs in cats can spread to the kidneys and become life-threatening. So it’s important to look out for symptoms and seek veterinary treatment if you suspect your cat has a UTI.
Are cat UTIs fatal?
UTIs in cats can become serious or even fatal if left untreated, but the mortality rate is relatively low if cats receive prompt veterinary care. According to one study, the mortality rate for cats hospitalized with UTIs was around 5% (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16566390/). However, UTIs that spread to the kidneys, called pyelonephritis, have a higher mortality rate around 10-15% (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8166184/).
The biggest risk of untreated UTIs in cats is that they can progress to a complete obstruction of the urethra, especially in male cats. This obstruction prevents the cat from being able to urinate at all, leading to rupture of the bladder, urethral damage, and kidney failure. Complete obstructions are fatal if not treated immediately. Even partial obstructions can become life-threatening within 24-48 hours.
So while simple lower UTIs themselves may not directly be fatal, their potential complications like kidney infections and urinary obstructions can be. That’s why it’s critical to get prompt veterinary treatment for cats showing any signs of a possible UTI like straining to urinate, blood in the urine, or excessive licking of the genital area. With appropriate treatment and monitoring, most cats recover fully from UTIs.
Diagnosing a UTI
Diagnosing a UTI in cats requires veterinary testing and examination. Cat owners should not attempt to diagnose a feline UTI at home, as lab tests are needed to confirm infection and identify the bacteria causing it (VCA Animal Hospitals)
To diagnose a cat UTI, vets will first perform a urinalysis to check for bacteria, blood, crystals, and other abnormalities. They may also run a urine culture to identify the specific bacteria involved. Imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasound may be used to examine the urinary tract (WebMD).
Without a proper veterinary diagnosis, cat owners may mistake signs of a UTI for other conditions like bladder stones or cancer. It’s crucial to have a vet analyze urine and determine the cause of symptoms before attempting treatment at home.
Treating UTIs in cats
UTIs in cats are typically treated with antibiotics prescribed by a veterinarian. Common antibiotics used for cat UTIs include:https://www.webmd.com/pets/cats/cat-urinary-tract-problems
In addition to antibiotics, there are some supportive care options that can help cats recover from a UTI at home:
– Encourage drinking more water by using flavored broths or fountain water dishes https://www.prettylitter.com/blog/home-remedies-for-a-cat-uti/
– Feed wet food to increase moisture intake
– Use unscented clumping litter to encourage usage
– Give supplements like cranberry extract that can help bladder health https://cranimals.com/blogs/cranimals-news/how-can-i-treat-my-cats-uti-at-home
While home care can help, antibiotics are crucial for treating the infection. Close monitoring and follow-up vet visits are important to ensure the UTI is fully resolved.
Preventing UTIs
There are several steps cat owners can take to help prevent their cat from developing UTIs in the first place:
Increased water intake – Encouraging your cat to drink more water can help flush bacteria out of their urinary tract. Provide fresh, clean water bowls throughout your home. Consider getting a cat water fountain, as flowing water encourages drinking. You can also add a bit of low-sodium broth or tuna juice to their water to make it more enticing.1
Urinary health cat food – There are specialty cat foods formulated to promote urinary tract health. Look for foods designed to increase urine volume and decrease urine concentration. This helps flush bacteria out. Ask your vet for recommendations on commercial urinary health diets.2
Litter box hygiene – Scoop your cat’s litter box at least once a day, and completely replace the litter at least weekly. Cats are less likely to use a dirty litter box, and holding their urine can increase UTI risk. Keep litter boxes in quiet, low traffic areas, and have at least one box per cat in your home.
When to see a vet
It’s important to take your cat to the veterinarian if they show signs of a severe or persistent UTI that is not improving with at-home care. Some signs that warrant an urgent vet visit include:
– High fever
– Vomiting
– Signs of pain like crying out while urinating
– Frequent attempts to urinate with little success
– Blood in the urine
– Loss of appetite
– Lethargy
Cats with mild UTIs may be treated at home with increased water intake, probiotics, and urinary health supplements. However, if symptoms persist for more than 24-48 hours without improvement, take your cat to the vet right away.
Veterinarians can run tests on a urine sample to check for bacteria, crystals, and other abnormalities. From there, they will determine an appropriate treatment plan which may include antibiotics, pain medication, and prescription urinary foods (PetMD). The sooner a UTI is properly diagnosed and treated, the quicker your cat will return to normal health and comfort.
Caring for a Cat with a UTI
Caring for a cat with a UTI at home involves encouraging water intake, providing soft and absorbent litter, and reducing stress. According to PrettyLitter, the best thing you can do is make sure your cat is drinking enough water to flush bacteria out of their system. Try putting out multiple water bowls around the house and consider getting a cat water fountain to encourage drinking. You should also feed wet cat food, which has high water content. Reduce dry kibble, which can contribute to dehydration.
It’s also important to provide your cat with soft, absorbent litter while they have a UTI. Clay litters can be too rough and irritating. Switch to a gentle paper, pine, or plant-based litter. Scoop frequently to keep the box clean. Place litter boxes in easily accessible areas so your cat doesn’t have to strain themselves to use it.
Finally, reducing stress is key for a cat with a UTI. Stress can aggravate symptoms. Make sure their environment is calm by keeping noise and activity levels low. Provide cozy beds in quiet corners where they can relax undisturbed. Consider using calming pheromone diffusers or calming treats or supplements. Give your cat affection and play gentle games to keep their mood upbeat.
Outlook and recovery
With proper treatment, most cat UTIs have a good prognosis. According to PetMD, most cats will fully recover within 7-10 days of developing a urinary tract infection when given the appropriate medication and care [1]. Antibiotics usually work quickly, and improvement may be seen in as little as 5 days if there are no complications [2].
However, there is a risk of recurrence, especially if the underlying cause is not addressed. Repeated UTIs can lead to more serious kidney problems over time. According to Hope Crossing, making dietary changes like increasing water intake, correcting predisposing factors, and follow-up urinalysis helps lower the chances of another UTI [3].
With prompt veterinary care and proper at-home treatment, most cats recover fully from UTIs with no long-term impact on longevity. But chronic or severe infections left untreated can potentially lead to kidney damage, so it’s important to monitor cats closely and follow up as recommended by your veterinarian.
Warning Signs of a UTI in Cats
There are several key warning signs that may indicate your cat has a UTI. Being aware of these signs is important, as early detection and treatment can help prevent a minor UTI from becoming a more serious kidney infection.
Some of the most common warning signs of a feline UTI include:
- Changes in litter habits – This includes signs like straining to urinate, crying out when urinating, frequent trips to the litter box, or urinating outside the box.
- Blood in urine – You may notice pink or reddish tinges in your cat’s urine. This is often a clear sign of infection or inflammation.
- Excessive licking – Your cat may constantly lick around their genital area due to discomfort or pain.
- Poor appetite – A sick cat often loses interest in food. Lack of appetite in an otherwise healthy cat can be a red flag.
According to Guilford and Jamestown [1], changes in litter habits are one of the most obvious warning signs. Straining, urinating frequently but passing little urine, crying out, and urinating outside the box can all signal your cat is struggling with a UTI.
If you observe any of these symptoms in your cat, contact your veterinarian promptly for an exam. Catching a UTI early greatly improves the prognosis and can help prevent lasting kidney damage.
[1] https://www.guilfordjamestownvet.com/site/blog-greensboro-vet/2021/05/31/cat-urinary-tract-infection
When to Seek Emergency Care
UTIs can quickly become life-threatening if left untreated, so it’s important to watch for signs that indicate a need for emergency care. According to The Village Vets, emergency signs that warrant an immediate vet visit include:
- High fever
- Difficulty urinating
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Dehydration
A high fever in cats is considered to be above 103 F according to Carolina Veterinary Specialists (source). If your cat has a fever over 103 F along with vomiting or signs of lethargy and dehydration, it indicates a severe infection that requires emergency medical treatment.
Difficulty urinating is also considered an emergency warning sign. If your cat is straining to urinate but only passing small amounts or even no urine at all, the UTI may be completely blocking the urethra. This inability to pass urine can quickly lead to kidney failure (source). Seek emergency vet care right away if your cat has difficulty urinating.
Dehydration is another serious complication of UTIs in cats. The pain and frequent urges to urinate may prevent your cat from drinking enough water. Signs of dehydration include lethargy, sunken eyes, dry gums, and loss of skin elasticity. A dehydrated cat with a UTI needs to be seen by a vet immediately for fluid therapy and treatment.
Don’t wait if your cat is showing these emergency UTI signs. Call your vet or emergency animal hospital right away for prompt treatment. Delaying care can lead to life-threatening kidney damage in cats with UTIs.