Introduction
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in the urinary system, including the bladder and urethra. It is caused by bacteria that get into the urinary tract and multiply in the urine. In cats, common UTI symptoms include frequent urination, straining to urinate, blood in the urine, and urinating outside of the litter box.
UTIs are relatively uncommon in cats, with prevalence estimates ranging from less than 3% to around 25% in various studies [1][2][3]. Risk factors for feline UTIs include old age, female sex, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and urinary obstructions. This article explores whether having a dirty water bowl could also potentially increase the risk of cats developing UTIs.
How Do Cats Get UTIs?
UTIs in cats occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract and cause infection. The urinary tract includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Bacteria can spread to the urinary tract in a few ways:
From the intestinal tract: Gut bacteria like E. coli can spread from the GI tract to the urinary tract and cause infection (source).
Bladder stones: Struvite or calcium oxalate stones in the bladder can harbor bacteria and make UTIs more likely (source).
Anatomical defects: Birth defects affecting the urinary tract like ectopic ureters can increase UTI risk by allowing urine to flow backward and introduce bacteria (source).
UTIs are more common in female cats due to their shorter urethras. Bacteria have a shorter distance to travel from outside to inside the bladder. Any condition that allows bacteria into the urinary tract can potentially lead to an infection.
Risk Factors for Feline UTI
There are certain factors that can increase a cat’s risk of developing a urinary tract infection (UTI). According to research, UTIs are more common in middle-aged and older cats, with the average age being 7 years old.[1] Female cats are at higher risk than males, likely due to their shorter urethras.[2] Certain breeds such as Persians and Himalayans may also be predisposed.[3]
Stress can be a risk factor for UTIs in cats. Stress impacts the immune system and may allow bacteria to more easily colonize the urinary tract. Underlying illnesses like diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and cancer can also increase susceptibility to infection.[4]
Diet may play a role as well. Cats fed a dry food diet have an increased risk of developing urinary crystals and stones, which can lead to obstruction and introduce bacteria into the urinary tract.[5] An all wet-food diet is recommended to increase water intake and urine dilution.
In summary, older female cats, purebreds, stressed cats, those with medical conditions, and cats fed a dry diet are most at risk for developing a UTI.
Can Dirty Water Cause UTI?
In theory, bacteria present in contaminated water could be a source of infection if ingested by a cat. However, there is no definitive evidence demonstrating a direct link between drinking dirty water and developing urinary tract infections in cats.
While unsanitary water conditions may theoretically expose a cat to uropathogenic bacteria, studies have not established contaminated drinking water as a common risk factor for feline UTIs. The most well documented causes of UTIs in cats involve factors like genetics, stress, obesity, and urinary crystals – not water cleanliness.
With that said, providing fresh, clean drinking water daily is still an important general health measure for cats. Routine water bowl cleaning reduces bacterial growth and ensures your cat has a healthy water source. But on its own, dirty water is unlikely to be the sole cause of a UTI if other risk factors are not present.
As always, observe your cat’s litter box habits and behavior for any signs of discomfort or abnormalities. Consult your veterinarian promptly if UTI symptoms arise to determine the underlying cause and course of treatment.
Preventing UTIs in Cats
While some cats are prone to getting UTIs no matter what you do, there are steps cat owners can take to help reduce the risk of a UTI occurring. Consult with your vet if your cat has had recurring UTIs, as they may recommend preventative treatment or medications to help ward off future infections. Your vet is the best resource for preventing UTIs in at-risk cats.
For all cats, focusing on good hygiene, diet and reducing stress can help keep the urinary tract healthy and infection-free. Always provide fresh, clean water daily and keep the litter box extremely clean. Considering using unscented clumping litter. Make sure your cat is eating a balanced, wet food diet rich in moisture. Give your cat environmental enrichment to reduce stress levels. Feliway products can help relaxed stressed cats.
Discuss UTI prevention supplements with your vet. Supplements like D-Mannose or cranberry extract may help block bacteria from latching onto the urinary tract lining. Always get your vet’s approval before starting any supplements.
Monitor your cat for signs of UTIs like frequent urination, crying in the litter box or blood in the urine. Catching an infection early allows for faster treatment. Any cat that has had a UTI should have regular vet checkups to monitor urinary health.
Treating Feline UTIs
Antibiotics are the primary treatment for feline UTIs. The type of antibiotic the veterinarian prescribes will depend on the bacteria causing the infection. Common antibiotics used include amoxicillin, cephalexin and trimethoprim-sulfonamide combinations.1
If the cat is unable to urinate due to a urethral obstruction, the veterinarian may need to pass a catheter to relieve the blockage. Once the cat can urinate again, antibiotics can be given to treat the infection.
Supportive care is also important when treating a UTI in cats. This may include administering intravenous fluids to flush the urinary tract. Pain medication like buprenorphine may be given to relieve discomfort. The veterinarian will monitor the cat closely until the infection is under control.
When to See a Vet
Any suspected UTI in a cat needs evaluation by a veterinarian. There are several symptoms that indicate a urinary tract infection requires prompt veterinary care:
- Straining or crying out when urinating
- Frequent attempts to urinate with little success
- Blood in the urine
- Urinating outside the litter box
- Excessive licking of the genital area
- Lethargy, decreased appetite, or vomiting
Cats can develop severe infections rapidly, so it’s important not to delay seeking veterinary attention if UTI is suspected. Left untreated, the infection can spread to the kidneys and become life-threatening. Veterinarians will run tests on a urine sample and may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. With prompt care, most cats recover fully from UTIs.
Sources:
https://www.animergevets.com/site/blog/2021/05/30/cat-urinary-tract-infection
Prognosis for Cats with UTI
The prognosis for cats with a urinary tract infection is generally very good if treated promptly and properly. According to WebMD, most feline UTIs can be cured within 7-10 days if antibiotics are administered as directed by a veterinarian (source). However, if left untreated, a UTI can lead to more serious complications such as kidney damage or even kidney failure.
For this reason, it’s crucial to get veterinary care as soon as symptoms arise. Severe or recurrent UTIs may require longer treatment or transitioning to a wet food diet under veterinary supervision. According to PetMD, female cats are at higher risk for complications from UTIs than males (source). In very rare cases involving chronic, severe UTIs that don’t respond to treatment, euthanasia may need to be considered if the cat is suffering and unable to have a good quality of life.
However, the vast majority of cats make a full recovery and lead normal, healthy lives after UTI treatment. Prompt veterinary care, proper antibiotics, and any recommended dietary changes lead to good outcomes for most cats.
Takeaways
There are a number of contributing factors that can lead a cat to develop a UTI, but there is no direct evidence linking dirty water specifically to increased UTI risk in cats. There appears to be a weak correlation at best. Good water hygiene is still important for a cat’s overall health, but the bigger risk factors for UTIs involve other issues like urinary crystals, urinary tract anatomy, underlying illnesses, increased urine concentration, and poor overall hygiene.
The best way to protect against UTIs in cats is to manage any existing health conditions, provide a balanced low-mineral diet, encourage plentiful water intake, keep the litter box clean, support urinary tract health with supplements, follow a regular grooming routine, and bring the cat to the vet promptly for any signs of illness. While changing water daily helps general health, the focus for UTI prevention should be on other known risk factors.
In summary, dirty water does not appear to be a major risk factor for UTIs based on available evidence. However, keeping a cat’s water clean supports overall health and hygiene. Reducing UTI risk is better achieved by controlling other established risk factors like diet, hydration, underlying illness, and litter box cleanliness.
References
[1] VCA Hospitals. “Urinary Tract Infections in Cats.” https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/urinary-tract-infections-in-cats
[2] PetMD. “Urinary Tract Infections in Cats.” https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/c_ct_urinary_tract_infections
[3] Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. “Bacterial Cystitis in Cats.” https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/bacterial-cystitis-cats
[4] International Cat Care. “Cystitis in cats.” https://icatcare.org/advice/cystitis-cats/
