Introduction
A urinary tract infection (UTI) in cats is defined as a bacterial infection of the urinary system, including the bladder and urethra. Common symptoms of a cat UTI include frequent and painful urination, blood in the urine, urinating outside the litter box, and excessive licking of the genital area.
UTIs in cats are often treated with antibiotics, but there is growing concern about antibiotic resistance. Overuse of antibiotics allows bacteria to adapt and become resistant to the antibiotics designed to kill them. This makes future infections harder to treat.
Because of concerns about antibiotic resistance, many cat owners are interested in trying natural remedies as an alternative to treat UTIs. Natural remedies may help boost the cat’s immune system, fight infection, reduce inflammation, and relieve symptoms. While natural remedies should not replace veterinary care, they may be beneficial as a complementary treatment option.
Causes and Risk Factors for Cat UTIs
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in cats are often caused by a bacterial infection, most commonly with Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. E. coli normally lives in the intestinal tract and can spread to the urinary tract and bladder, causing an infection (source).
Crystals or stones blocking the urethra can also lead to UTIs in cats. When crystals form in the urine, they can cause inflammation and block the flow of urine. This allows bacteria to multiply and infect the urinary tract (source).
Female cats are more prone to UTIs than males, due to their shorter urethras. Anatomical defects, diseases like diabetes or kidney disease, and other factors that impair the immune system can also increase the risk of urinary tract infections in cats.
Conventional Antibiotic Treatments
Antibiotics are often the first line of treatment prescribed by veterinarians for cat urinary tract infections (UTIs). Some common antibiotics used include:
Amoxicillin – A broad-spectrum antibiotic that is commonly prescribed as a first choice for uncomplicated UTIs in cats. The typical dosage is 11-15 mg/kg given by mouth every 8 hours [1].
Cephalosporins – Antibiotics like cefovecin and cefpodoxime are also commonly used for feline UTIs. They have a broad spectrum of activity and conveniently only require once daily dosing [2].
Trimethoprim-sulfonamide – This combination antibiotic is given at a dose of 15 mg/kg by mouth every 12 hours. It interferes with bacterial folic acid synthesis [3].
While antibiotics can be very effective for treating UTIs, there are some risks to consider. Overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, rendering the drugs ineffective. Some cats may also experience side effects like vomiting, diarrhea or lack of appetite. For these reasons, natural remedies and prevention methods should be explored when possible.
Natural Remedies and Alternative Treatments
There are several natural remedies and alternative treatments that may help treat cat UTIs without antibiotics. Two of the most commonly used natural supplements are D-mannose and cranberry extracts.
D-mannose is a simple sugar that is thought to help prevent bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract. Giving cats D-mannose supplements can help flush out bacteria and relieve UTI symptoms (source). Cranberry extracts contain compounds that may prevent bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract lining. There is some evidence that cranberry supplements can help reduce the recurrence of UTIs in cats (source).
Probiotics may also be beneficial, as they can help restore healthy gut and urinary tract flora. Giving cats probiotic supplements or foods with added probiotics can help fight infection and support urinary health (source).
Increasing water consumption is crucial, as hydration helps dilute urine and flush out bacteria. Feeding canned food, adding water to food, using cat fountains, or administering subcutaneous fluids can encourage hydration. Acupuncture and homeopathy are other alternative options that may provide relief for some cats.
Dietary Changes
Making dietary changes is one of the most effective ways to help treat and prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in cats without antibiotics. The main dietary recommendations include:
Wet Food Diet
Feeding canned or wet cat food is ideal for treating and preventing UTIs. Wet foods have much higher moisture content than dry kibble, which helps cats stay hydrated and dilute their urine. According to Patton Avenue Pet Hospital, feeding a high moisture diet is one of the best nutritional approaches for urinary tract health in cats.
Reduced Carbs
Reducing carbohydrate content in your cat’s diet may help prevent UTIs. Dry kibble tends to be higher in carbs, while wet foods are very low carb. Cat foods that are specifically formulated for urinary tract health, like Royal Canin Urinary SO, also limit carbohydrates.
Supplements
Certain supplements may help keep your cat’s urinary tract healthy. Glucosamine is thought to help repair and strengthen the mucous membranes lining the bladder and urethra. Talk to your vet before starting any new supplements.
Lifestyle Changes
Making some changes to your cat’s lifestyle and environment can help prevent UTIs from occurring or recurring.
Improving litter box hygiene is important. Scoop the litter box at least once a day, and change the litter completely every 1-2 weeks. Use unscented clumping litter, and clean the box with mild soap and water rather than harsh chemicals. Place litter boxes in quiet, easily accessible areas of the home. Cats prefer bigger litter boxes that allow them to move around, so get the largest box that will fit in your space.
Reducing stress is also key. Stress can cause cats to stop using the litter box. Make sure your cat has access to hiding spots or high perches where they can observe their surroundings undisturbed. Cats also need daily playtime and social interaction. Use toys, treats, and play to create positive experiences and relieve anxiety. Establish a predictable routine for feedings, playtime, and sleep.[1]
Finally, increase your cat’s water intake. Feed wet food, which has high moisture content. Place water bowls throughout your home, away from food and litter boxes. Use fountain style water dispensers to provide flowing water. Give fresh water daily. Add water to dry food to increase palatability. Avoid feeding only dry food.[2]
When to See a Vet
If your cat is exhibiting symptoms of a UTI, it’s important to contact your veterinarian right away for proper diagnosis and treatment. In many cases, symptoms will improve with at-home care within a few days. However, you should take your cat into the vet if:
Symptoms don’t improve within 1-2 days of at-home treatment. Recurring UTIs can indicate an underlying condition that needs to be addressed. Your vet may prescribe a longer course of antibiotics or recommend further testing if your cat has frequent UTIs (Source).
Your cat seems to be in distress or pain from UTI symptoms. Cats that are crying out, straining to urinate frequently, or exhibiting other signs of discomfort need to be evaluated by a vet right away. They can provide pain medication and treat the infection (Source).
You notice symptoms of a more serious condition like a blocked urethra. Male cats are at risk for urethral obstructions, which can become life-threatening. Take your cat to the emergency vet if he is straining, crying, and unable to pass any urine (Source).
Diagnosing a UTI
There are three main ways a vet diagnoses a UTI in cats:
- Urine culture – This test analyzes a urine sample to check for bacteria and determine which antibiotic would work best for treatment. It is considered the gold standard for definitively diagnosing a UTI.
- Urinalysis – A urinalysis checks the chemical properties of urine as well as examines it under a microscope for signs of infection such as bacteria, white blood cells, and crystals. It can provide evidence of a UTI but may not definitively diagnose it.
- Imaging tests – X-rays or ultrasound can check for stones or anatomical abnormalities that may be contributing to UTIs. These tests help determine the underlying cause.
If a UTI is suspected, the vet will likely start with a urinalysis first. If the results are unclear, they may follow up with a urine culture to confirm. Imaging tests also help evaluate the overall health of the urinary tract.
Source: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/urinary-tract-infections-utis-in-cats
Prevention
There are several steps cat owners can take to help prevent UTIs in their feline companions:
Annual vet exams are important for assessing your cat’s overall health and identifying any potential issues early on. Your vet can check for signs of UTIs and recommend prevention strategies during these visits.
Helping your cat maintain a healthy weight is another key prevention method. Obesity strains the urinary tract and makes UTIs more likely. Keeping your cat active and limiting treats can prevent unhealthy weight gain.
Litter boxes should be kept clean and sanitary. Scoop waste out daily, wash the box weekly, and replace the litter monthly. Dirty litter boxes allow bacteria to accumulate and infect the urinary tract when cats use them. Good litter box hygiene removes this risk.
Other prevention tips include increasing water intake, feeding wet food, and using cat-friendly disinfectants during cleaning. With some simple precautions, cat owners can greatly reduce the chances of their cat developing a UTI.
Outlook and Prognosis
Cat UTIs are generally treatable, but they tend to recur in many cats. With prompt veterinary treatment, most cats will recover fully within 7-10 days. However, some cats may require long-term management to prevent recurrence of infection.
The prognosis is better when UTIs are caught and treated early before the infection worsens. Left untreated, UTIs can lead to more serious conditions like kidney infections or bladder rupture, which have a poorer prognosis.1
While antibiotics are the standard treatment, some cats may not respond fully to a single course of antibiotics. In these cases, vets may prescribe a longer course or a different antibiotic to clear the stubborn infection. Recurrent UTIs may require regularly monitoring and preventative care.
Making dietary changes like feeding only wet food, increasing water intake, and addressing stressors can help prevent repeat infections in prone cats. With a proactive treatment approach between vet visits, most cats have an excellent prognosis and can live normal, comfortable lives.
