Introduction
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the urinary system, which includes the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. UTIs are relatively common in cats, especially females. According to the American Animal Hospital Association, 14% of all feline cases seen by veterinarians are related to the lower urinary tract. UTIs in cats can cause discomfort, pain, and even lead to more severe complications if left untreated.
In this article, we will cover the symptoms, causes, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, home care, complications, prevention, and when to see a veterinarian for a feline UTI. Understanding the signs of a UTI in cats and how to manage it properly is important for any cat owner.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) in cats include:
Straining to urinate – Cats with a UTI may frequently go to the litter box but only pass a small amount of urine while straining and crying out. They may assume the urinating position but little or no urine comes out.
Frequent urination – Cats with a UTI feel the constant urge to urinate and may visit the litter box more often, sometimes up to 10 times per day. However, they pass very little urine each time.
Blood in urine – Hematuria or blood in the urine is a key sign of a UTI in cats. The urine may appear pink, red, or brownish in color. There may even be a few drops of blood at the end of urination.
According to WebMD, other UTI symptoms in cats can include crying out while urinating, excessive licking of the genital area, and a distended or hard abdomen.
Causes
Some common causes of UTIs in cats include:
Bacteria: The most frequent cause of UTIs in cats is a bacterial infection, especially with Escherichia coli bacteria that are normally found in feces. Bacteria can enter the urinary tract and multiply, leading to an infection (VCA Animal Hospitals).
Bladder stones: Bladder stones (uroliths) can cause irritation, inflammation, and potential obstruction of the urinary tract. This allows bacteria to more easily gain access and cause an infection (Guilford-Jamestown Veterinary Hospital).
Anatomy: The short urethra of female cats makes it easier for bacteria to ascend up the urinary tract and cause infections. Male cats can also get UTIs but less frequently (VCA Animal Hospitals).
Risk Factors
Certain cats are at higher risk of developing UTIs than others. Age is one factor, with very young and very old cats being more susceptible. Gender also plays a role, as female cats are at 3-4 times higher risk compared to males according to one study (Martinez-Ruzafa, 2012). This is likely due to anatomical differences in the urinary tract.
Obesity is another risk factor, as excess weight can put pressure on the bladder and urinary tract. One study found that obese cats had 2.5 times higher odds of developing FLUTD compared to optimal weight cats (Piyarungsri et al., 2020). Diabetes is also a risk factor, as high blood sugar levels lead to increased urination and bladder infections.
Diagnosis
To diagnose a urinary tract infection (UTI) in cats, vets will typically start with a urinalysis. This involves evaluating a urine sample under a microscope to look for signs of infection such as increased white blood cells, bacteria, and crystals. Urinalysis can provide an initial indication of a UTI, but a urine culture is required to confirm the presence of bacteria and determine the appropriate antibiotic for treatment.
For a urine culture, a sterile sample of urine is collected and grown in a laboratory to identify the type and amount of bacteria present. This test takes 2-3 days but provides valuable information about which antibiotic will be most effective. Urine cultures are recommended any time a UTI is suspected.
In some cases, vets may use imaging such as x-rays or ultrasound to evaluate the urinary tract. This can help identify if there are any anatomical abnormalities, bladder stones, or other issues that may be predisposing factors for recurrent UTIs.
Treatment
Treatment for cat UTIs typically involves antibiotics, intravenous fluids, and diet changes. Vets often prescribe antibiotics like Amoxicillin or Cephalexin to fight the infection (Source). Antibiotics are usually given for 7-14 days. IV fluids help flush out the urinary tract and provide hydration if the cat is not drinking enough water.
Vets may recommend switching to a special urinary health cat food. These foods contain ingredients that make the urine more dilute and acidic, which helps prevent crystal formation. Prescription diets for urinary health include Hill’s c/d and Royal Canin Urinary SO (Source). Increasing water intake is also important to help dilute the urine and flush out bacteria.
Home Care
There are some simple home remedies that can help relieve a cat’s UTI symptoms and clear up the infection. The most important home care measure is to encourage your cat to drink more water. Increasing your cat’s water intake will help flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.
Make sure your cat has access to several bowls of fresh, clean water around the house. Try adding a little bit of low-sodium broth or tuna juice to the water to entice your cat to drink more. You can also feed canned/wet cat food, which has high moisture content.
Keep the litter box extremely clean when your cat has a UTI. Bacteria can grow in urine that lingers in a dirty litter box. Scoop out urine clumps from the litter box at least twice a day. Every 1-2 weeks, dump out all the litter, wash the box with soap and warm water, rinse thoroughly, and add fresh litter.
Monitor your cat’s litter box habits closely. Straining or crying in the litter box may indicate your cat is in pain when urinating. Save a urine sample in a clean container to bring to the vet for testing.
Providing a calm, stress-free environment can also help. Stress can contribute to recurrent UTIs in some cats. Make sure your cat has access to resting spots up high, away from other pets or children.
Complications
If left untreated, urinary tract infections in cats can lead to severe complications such as kidney damage and sepsis (blood poisoning). Kidney damage occurs because the infection spreads from the bladder to the kidneys, causing inflammation and scarring of kidney tissue. This impairs the kidneys’ ability to filter waste from the blood. Sepsis happens when the infection enters the bloodstream and spreads throughout the body, causing fever, low blood pressure, and multiple organ failure. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, sepsis has a mortality rate of 20-68% in cats.1 Therefore, it is critical to get prompt veterinary treatment for a cat with a suspected UTI to prevent life-threatening complications.
Prevention
There are several steps cat owners can take to help prevent UTIs in cats:
Hydration is key. Making sure your cat drinks plenty of water can help flush bacteria out of the urinary tract. Always provide fresh, clean water and consider getting a cat fountain, as moving water encourages drinking. You can also add water to your cat’s wet food.
Feeding a urinary health diet may help. These prescription diets promote a more dilute, acidic urine pH which makes it harder for bacteria to thrive. Ask your vet for a recommendation. Royal Canin’s Urinary SO and Hill’s C/D Urinary Care are two examples.
Probiotics like FortiFlora may help promote urinary tract health. Discuss this supplement with your vet.
Good litter box hygiene is important to minimize bacteria exposure. Scoop waste at least once a day and change the litter regularly.
Reduce stress for your cat. Stress can increase UTI risk. Make sure their environment is calm and comfortable.
When to See a Vet
Cats with UTIs may need veterinary care if symptoms persist or worsen. According to PetMD, you should take your cat to the vet immediately if they are straining to urinate but nothing comes out, crying out in pain when trying to pee, or seem lethargic. These can be signs of a blocked urethra, which is a life-threatening medical emergency.
The vet may prescribe antibiotics or recommend dietary changes to help clear up the infection. They can also rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like bladder stones or kidney disease. Early treatment by a veterinarian can help prevent the infection from spreading to the kidneys and causing further complications.