Introduction
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common health issue in cats, especially males. A UTI occurs when bacteria enters the urinary tract and multiplies, causing inflammation and infection. While some cats with UTIs show no symptoms, one of the most common signs is a decreased appetite.
Appetite loss occurs with UTIs because the infection causes discomfort and abdominal pain. The cat associates eating with this pain and avoids food as a result. Loss of appetite is the body’s way of responding to the infection. Treating the underlying UTI will often resolve the appetite issues.
This article provides an overview of UTIs in cats and why appetite loss frequently accompanies this condition. It covers the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments for feline UTIs. Understanding the link between UTIs and appetite loss can help cat owners identify when their pet needs medical care.
What is a UTI?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of a cat’s urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. Urine normally is sterile, so the presence of bacteria in the urinary tract signals an infection (VCA Animal Hospitals).
Generally, a UTI occurs when bacteria enter the urethra and travel upwards into the bladder. Once in the bladder, the bacteria multiply rapidly in the urine and continue moving up the urinary tract. The most common bacteria involved are E. coli, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Proteus mirabilis (Fremont Vet Clinic).
Cats of any age and breed can develop UTIs, though they are more common in older cats. Female cats are at greater risk than males since their urethra is shorter and closer to the anus (WebMD). Urinary tract infections in cats should be diagnosed and treated promptly to relieve discomfort and prevent complications.
Common Causes of UTIs in Cats
There are several potential causes of UTIs in cats:
Bacteria – The most common cause of UTIs in cats is a bacterial infection. The bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli), which is normally found in feces, is the usual culprit. It can make its way into the urinary tract and bladder and cause an infection [1]. Other types of bacteria like Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Proteus may also lead to UTIs.
Crystals – Struvite and calcium oxalate crystals can form in the urine, especially when the urine is concentrated. These crystals can irritate the lining of the urinary tract and provide places for bacteria to grow, resulting in a UTI [2].
Bladder stones – Similar to crystals, stones (larger mineral accumulations) in the bladder can cause irritation and blockages that allow bacterial infections to occur.
Anatomical defects – Abnormalities in the urinary tract like strictures or malformations can prevent the free flow of urine. Urine that stagnates can enable bacterial growth.
Symptoms of a UTI
Cat UTIs can cause a variety of concerning symptoms. Some of the most common signs of a UTI in cats include:
- Straining to urinate – Cats with a UTI may frequently go to the litter box but have difficulty passing urine. They may cry out or strain while trying to urinate.
- Blood in urine – The inflammation from a UTI can cause blood to appear in a cat’s urine. Blood in a cat’s urine is not normal and requires veterinary attention.
- Frequent urination – Cats with UTIs feel the constant urge to urinate but often pass only small amounts of urine each time. This urgent need to frequently visit the litter box is a hallmark of feline UTIs.
- Crying out during urination – The burning sensation caused by a UTI can make urination very painful. A cat with a UTI may vocalize or cry out when trying to pass urine.
- Appetite loss – The discomfort of a UTI can cause a cat to lose interest in food. A decreased appetite or refusal to eat are common symptoms of a urinary tract infection in cats.
If a cat displays any of these symptoms, a veterinary exam is recommended to check for a possible UTI. Prompt treatment can relieve discomfort and prevent more serious complications.
Why Appetite Loss Occurs
Cats with UTIs often experience a decreased appetite for a few key reasons:
Pain – The inflammation and irritation caused by the infection can lead to discomfort and pain when urinating. This pain can make cats reluctant to eat or drink, as it may exacerbate the painful urination.
Nausea – UTIs cause systemic inflammation, which can stimulate the vomiting reflex. Nausea and associated vomiting will lead to appetite loss.
Infection – The presence of infection, especially in the urinary tract, causes the release of cytokines and prostaglandins which directly suppress appetite. The body is trying to conserve energy to fight the infection.
In summary, the combination of pain, nausea, and systemic effects of infection all contribute to appetite loss in cats with UTIs. Proper treatment of the infection along with supportive care for pain and nausea can help improve appetite.
Diagnosing a UTI
If a cat is showing signs of a possible UTI, the veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam and ask about the cat’s symptoms. They will likely collect a urine sample for analysis.
Urinalysis involves checking the chemical composition of the urine as well as examining it under a microscope. This can detect signs of infection such as increased white blood cells and bacteria. It can also check for other abnormalities involving crystals or stones.
If infection is suspected, the vet may recommend a urine culture to identify the specific bacteria involved and determine the ideal antibiotics for treatment. For a urine culture, a sterile sample is allowed to incubate to encourage bacterial growth. This shows if bacteria is present and allows identification of the strain.
Bloodwork may also be recommended to assess kidney function and look for other underlying issues like diabetes that could increase UTI risk. Imaging tests like x-rays or ultrasound can also check for stones, tumors or other anatomical issues.
Source: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/urinary-tract-infections-utis-in-cats
Treating UTIs
Urinary tract infections in cats are typically treated with antibiotics prescribed by a veterinarian. Some common antibiotics used include amoxicillin, ampicillin, enrofloxacin, orbifloxacin, and trimethoprim-sulfa. The type of antibiotic and length of treatment depends on the severity of the infection. Pain medication like buprenorphine may also be prescribed to help with discomfort while the infection clears.
In addition to antibiotics, dietary changes can help cats with UTIs recover. Increasing water intake helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract. Feeding wet food or adding water to dry food can encourage hydration. Reducing stress and ensuring easy access to multiple litter boxes also supports healing.
Most cats respond well to antibiotic treatment and fully recover within 1-2 weeks. However, some UTIs reoccur or become chronic issues requiring longer term treatment. In severe or recurrent cases, imaging tests may be needed to check for underlying structural problems contributing to the infection.
To help prevent repeat infections, some vets recommend continuing a urinary or kidney diet long-term. Supplements like cranberry or D-mannose may also help support urinary tract health. With proper care and follow up, most cats can overcome a UTI and avoid complications.
Supportive Care
Supportive care is important for cats with UTIs, especially when they are experiencing appetite loss. Some ways to provide supportive care include:
Encouraging food and water intake: Offering enticing foods like tuna, sardines, boiled chicken, or broths can stimulate appetite. Hand-feeding small, frequent meals may be helpful. Providing extra water stations around the home encourages hydration. Adding a bit of low-sodium broth or tuna juice to the water can make it more appealing. Using fountains or automatic waterers provides a continuous supply of fresh water.
According to the VCA Animal Hospitals, encouraging food and water intake helps affected cats continue getting proper nutrition and hydration while recovering (Source). Keeping cats well-hydrated also helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract to support healing.
Preventing UTIs
There are several steps cat owners can take to help prevent UTIs in their cats:
Increased hydration is important. Make sure your cat has access to fresh, clean water at all times. Consider getting a cat fountain, as cats often prefer running water. Offering wet food, which has high moisture content, can also increase hydration. You can even add extra water to your cat’s wet food to boost their fluid intake.
Feeding urinary health cat food designed to support urinary tract health may help prevent UTIs. These foods are formulated to moderate pH levels and provide nutrients like vitamins C and B that support the urinary tract. Prescription urinary foods may be recommended by your vet for cats prone to UTIs.
Probiotics and supplements like D-mannose can help maintain healthy bacteria levels in the urinary tract and make it more difficult for pathogenic bacteria to take hold. Talk to your vet about appropriate probiotic strains and supplements for your cat.
Make sure your cat’s litter box is clean, easily accessible, and in a low-traffic area. Stress and inadequate bathroom opportunities can contribute to UTIs in cats.
Monitoring your cat for signs of trouble like frequent attempts to urinate, straining, or crying in the litter box can help catch UTIs early before they become severe infections.
Discuss other UTI prevention tips with your veterinarian if your cat has experienced recurrent infections. Custom prevention plans to match your cat’s needs may be recommended.
When to See a Vet
Most UTIs in cats require veterinary care and treatment with antibiotics to successfully resolve the infection. If you notice symptoms of a potential UTI in your cat, it’s best to make an appointment for your vet to diagnose and prescribe appropriate treatment.
However, even after initiating treatment for a UTI, it’s important to monitor your cat’s symptoms. If signs of discomfort, straining, frequent urination or other UTI symptoms persist or worsen despite treatment, you should take your cat back to the vet promptly. UTIs that don’t respond to initial treatment may indicate an underlying condition, recurrent infection, or antibiotic resistance requiring a change in medication or further care.1
In particular, if your cat stops urinating, seems unable to pass urine, or shows signs of a potential urinary blockage such as crying in pain, excessive licking of genitals, hiding, or vocalizing, this warrants an urgent veterinary visit as soon as possible. A urinary blockage is a life-threatening medical emergency in cats that requires immediate treatment.
Don’t delay in following up if your cat’s symptoms don’t improve or seem to worsen after the start of UTI treatment. Persistent or recurring UTIs could indicate an underlying health issue that needs veterinary attention and management. Your vet can advise you on any needed next steps to get your cat healthy again and comfortable.