Introduction
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common medical issue for cats that can lead to a number of uncomfortable symptoms. One of the more concerning potential symptoms of a feline UTI is increased aggression and irritability. When cats experience pain or discomfort from a UTI, they may act out or become more aggressive than usual, especially during urination. This aggressive behavior is not the cat’s fault, but rather a response to the UTI irritation. UTIs happen when bacteria get into the urinary tract and multiply, infecting the urethra, bladder or kidneys. Feline UTIs have a variety of causes and risk factors and can be tricky to detect. If a normally friendly cat starts displaying unprovoked aggression, it is important to have them assessed for a potential UTI. With proper treatment and care, the infection can be resolved and the undesirable aggressive behaviors should subside.
What is a UTI?
A UTI (urinary tract infection) in cats is an infection in the urinary tract, which includes the urethra, bladder, and ureters. It is caused by bacteria multiplying and invading the urinary tract, most commonly E. coli from the GI tract (https://www.smalldoorvet.com/learning-center/medical/uti-in-cats/). The infection can occur in the lower urinary tract (urethra and bladder) or upper urinary tract (kidneys and ureters).
In cats, UTIs usually affect the bladder, called feline idiopathic cystitis. This refers specifically to inflammation of the bladder without an identifiable cause. However, bacteria ascending from the urethra is considered the most common cause (https://www.prettylitter.com/blog/how-to-tell-if-your-cat-has-a-uti/).
Common Causes of UTIs in Cats
There are several common causes of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in cats:
Bacteria – The most common cause of UTIs in cats is a bacterial infection. Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria from feces can enter the urinary tract and spread to the bladder causing an infection (source). Other bacteria like Proteus, Klebsiella, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus can also lead to UTIs.
Bladder stones – Bladder stones, also called urinary calculi or uroliths, can cause irritation and infection in the urinary tract. Struvite and calcium oxalate stones are most common in cats (source). The stones provide a surface for bacteria to adhere to and multiply.
Stress – Stress can be a factor in some cats developing UTIs. Stress can cause increased urine acidity, bladder inflammation, and a weakened immune system, allowing bacteria to more easily cause an infection (source).
Symptoms of UTIs in Cats
There are several common symptoms exhibited by cats experiencing a UTI. These include:
Increased Urination – Cats with a UTI will often try to urinate more frequently but pass only small amounts of urine each time. This is because the infection causes inflammation and irritation in the bladder, creating a constant urge to urinate.
Bloody Urine – Blood in the urine, known medically as hematuria, is another telltale sign of a UTI. The inflammation caused by the infection can make a cat’s urethra swollen and prone to bleeding, especially when passing urine.
Vocalizing – Cats with a UTI may cry out or whine when trying to urinate due to the pain and discomfort caused by the infection. You may hear yowling coming from the litter box.
Hiding – Some cats experiencing a UTI will hide or isolate themselves because passing urine has become an unpleasant experience. They may avoid the litter box and their normal resting spots.
If a cat is exhibiting any combination of these symptoms, it’s important to see a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. Left untreated, UTIs can lead to more severe problems in cats.[1][2]
Aggression as a Symptom
Increased aggression and irritability are common symptoms of a UTI in cats. When cats experience pain or discomfort from a UTI, they may lash out or act defensively towards owners, other pets, or even inanimate objects. Cats with UTIs may bite or scratch more than usual due to the pain and inflammation in their urinary tract [1].
UTIs cause a frequent and urgent need to urinate. When a cat’s litter box habits are disrupted, they can become stressed and agitated. The discomfort of a UTI leads to a lowered tolerance for irritation. Cats may act out with aggressive behaviors like biting and scratching as a result.
Additionally, the bacteria from the infection can spread to the kidneys and cause systemic illness. This makes cats feel unwell overall and can cause increased irritability. Kittens and senior cats with weaker immune systems are especially prone to kidney infections from UTIs.
While aggression is not the most common symptom of a feline UTI, owners should monitor their cat’s behavior closely if they suspect a UTI. Seeking prompt veterinary treatment is important, as antibiotics can help clear the infection and resolve any associated behavior issues. Reducing pain and irritation in the urinary tract will likely lead to a decrease in aggressive behaviors.
Why UTIs Can Lead to Aggression
UTIs can lead to aggression in cats because the infection causes pain and discomfort in the urinary tract. This irritation puts the cat on edge, making them more likely to show aggressive behaviors like hissing, growling, biting, scratching, and swatting [1].
When cats have a UTI, urinating becomes very painful. Any movement or touching near their lower abdomen can provoke a negative reaction. Even using the litter box can become associated with pain, causing stressed behaviors [2].
The constant discomfort and inability to urinate normally causes significant stress in cats. This stress and irritation understandably puts them on high alert, making aggression more likely with any perceived threat or handling near their tender urinary tract area.
Preventing UTIs in Cats
There are several steps cat owners can take to help prevent their cats from developing UTIs:
Increased Hydration: Making sure your cat is properly hydrated is key to preventing UTIs. Increase their water intake by providing multiple fresh water bowls around the house, consider getting a cat water fountain, offer wet food, and mix water into dry food. Increased water consumption helps flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.1
Urinary Health Diet: Feeding your cat a veterinary urinary health diet can promote a healthy urinary tract. These diets are designed to increase urine volume and dilute the urine pH, making the urinary tract environment less hospitable to bacteria.2
Reduce Stress: Stress can be a contributing factor in UTIs for some cats. Reduce stressful triggers in your cat’s environment and make sure they have a quiet place to retreat to. Using pheromone diffusers like Feliway can also help relieve stress.
Treating UTIs
UTIs in cats are typically treated with antibiotics prescribed by a veterinarian. Some commonly prescribed antibiotics for cat UTIs include amoxicillin, ampicillin, enrofloxacin (Baytril), and cephalosporins like cefpodoxime and cefovecin (Convenia). The type of antibiotic and dosage will depend on factors like the type of bacteria causing the infection and the cat’s medical history.
In addition to antibiotics, vets may prescribe pain medication to help relieve discomfort associated with a UTI. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like meloxicam are commonly used. Vets may also administer IV fluids to help flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.
Most UTIs in cats resolve within 1-2 weeks of starting antibiotic treatment. It’s important to give antibiotics exactly as prescribed and finish the entire course, even if symptoms improve. Skipping doses or stopping early can allow the infection to return.
Home remedies like cranberry extract, vitamins, and herbs are not recommended as sole treatment for cat UTIs, which require veterinary prescribed antibiotics. However, some supplements may provide additional support alongside conventional treatment.
Managing Aggressive Behavior
If your cat is displaying aggressive behavior due to a UTI, there are some steps you can take to manage it:
First, give your cat space. Do not force interactions if your cat is irritated or aggressive. Let them retreat to a safe, comfortable area until they feel less threatened. However, do keep an eye on them from a distance.
Medication may help reduce pain and irritation during a UTI flare-up. Your vet can prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection as well as pain relievers to make your cat more comfortable. Reducing discomfort can curb aggressive tendencies.
Using synthetic feline pheromones like Feliway can help relieve stress and anxiety caused by a UTI. Pheromone diffusers and sprays help calm cats and curb aggressive behavior like hissing, swatting, and biting.
Make sure your cat has access to multiple litter boxes, food, water, scratching posts, toys, cat trees, and beds so they have choices. More resources can minimize conflict between household cats.
UTIs are painful! With medication and patience, the aggressive behavior should resolve once the infection clears. But if it persists, consult your vet for additional treatment options.
When to See a Vet
If your cat is displaying any symptoms of a possible UTI, such as frequent urination, straining to urinate, blood in the urine, or crying out while urinating, you should make an appointment to see your veterinarian right away. UTIs can quickly become serious if left untreated.
You should also bring your cat to the vet if you notice increased aggression, which could potentially signal urinary pain or discomfort. Aggression, irritability, and other behavioral changes often accompany a UTI.
Likewise, if your cat has been diagnosed with a UTI but symptoms are not improving with at-home treatment within a few days, promptly follow up with your vet. Recurring UTIs that do not fully clear with medication may require further diagnostics and alternative treatment approaches (source: https://www.smalldoorvet.com/learning-center/medical/uti-in-cats/).
It’s important not to delay medical care when a UTI is suspected, as prolonged infections can spread to the kidneys and become life-threatening. Contact your veterinarian right away if your cat is exhibiting any troubling urinary signs or aggression that could potentially indicate a UTI requiring prompt treatment.
