What is a UTI in Cats?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) in cats is a bacterial infection of any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra (1). It is usually caused when bacteria, typically E. coli from the gastrointestinal tract, enters the urinary tract and multiplies (2).
Common symptoms of a UTI in cats include (2,3):
- Frequent and painful urination
- Blood in the urine
- Excessive licking of the genital area
- Crying out while urinating
- Urinating outside the litter box
UTIs can be categorized into upper and lower infections:
- Upper UTIs affect the kidneys and ureters. Symptoms include vomiting, lethargy and loss of appetite.
- Lower UTIs involve the bladder and urethra. Symptoms include those listed above related to urination.
While both males and females can get UTIs, they are more common in females due to their shorter urethras (2). UTIs should be treated quickly to relieve pain and prevent kidney damage.
How Long Do Cat UTIs Last Without Treatment?
Cat UTIs will typically last 7-10 days without treatment, though they can persist much longer if left untreated. Vets recommend starting treatment as soon as possible, as there are risks associated with leaving a UTI untreated in cats.
If a cat’s UTI goes untreated, the infection can quickly spread to the kidneys. This is known as pyelonephritis and can cause permanent kidney damage [1]. Kidney infections are extremely dangerous in cats and require intensive treatment. Severe kidney infections that go untreated can even lead to kidney failure, which can be fatal.
In addition to kidney infections, untreated UTIs in cats can also result in painful urinary blockages. This occurs when crystals or stones form in the urinary tract, obstructing the flow of urine. Blockages are a life-threatening medical emergency in cats that requires immediate veterinary treatment.
For these reasons, cat owners should seek veterinary care as soon as they suspect their cat has a UTI. Catching and treating a UTI quickly can help prevent severe complications.[2] Most vets will begin antibiotic treatment immediately and recommend follow-up urinalysis testing after treatment to ensure the infection has resolved.
Typical Treatment Timeline
Most uncomplicated UTIs in cats can be resolved within 7-14 days of starting antibiotic treatment, according to veterinary antimicrobial use guidelines (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3134992/). The typical first-line treatment is a course of antibiotics like amoxicillin or Clavamox, which are usually given orally for 7-10 days (https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/utis-cats-urinary-tract-infections-cats).
Your vet will likely recommend a follow-up appointment 1-2 weeks after finishing antibiotics to ensure the infection has fully cleared and there are no lingering symptoms. It’s important to give all prescribed antibiotics as directed and complete the full course, even if your cat seems better. Stopping treatment early can allow the infection to return.
In addition to antibiotics, supportive care like encouraging hydration, feeding wet food, and addressing predisposing factors can help your cat recover as quickly as possible. But the standard timeline is about 7-14 days on antibiotics, with a recheck after treatment to confirm resolution.
Factors Affecting Duration
The duration of a feline UTI can vary depending on several factors, including:
- Type and severity of UTI – Upper urinary tract infections are considered more severe than lower tract infections, and the presence of bacteria in the kidneys or ureters will prolong recovery time (1).
- Underlying conditions – Conditions like diabetes, hyperthyroidism or kidney disease can increase susceptibility to chronic or recurring UTIs (2). Cats with anatomical defects may also be prone to longer infections.
- Cat’s age and health – Very young and senior cats with weaker immune systems often require longer treatment courses. Overall health and condition will impact the ability to fight off infection.
In uncomplicated, lower urinary tract infections, most cats will recover fully within 1-2 weeks of appropriate antibiotic treatment. More complicated, chronic or recurring cases can last over a month. Working to identify and manage any underlying conditions is key to reducing duration.
Sources:
(1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6826873/
(2) https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-lower-urinary-tract-disease
Monitoring Recovery at Home
It is important to monitor your cat closely during UTI recovery at home to ensure the infection is clearing up. Here are some signs the UTI is resolving:
- Increased appetite and energy levels
- Reduced straining and discomfort when urinating
- Normal urine volume and frequency
- Lack of blood in the urine
You should continue diligent at-home care while your cat recovers including:
- Encouraging water intake by providing multiple fresh water bowls around the house (Source)
- Feeding wet cat food to increase hydration
- Keeping the litter box extremely clean and hygienic
- Using unscented clumping litter to encourage usage
- Giving nutritional supplements if recommended by your vet
Monitor urine volume and color daily. Seek prompt veterinary advice if symptoms return or do not improve within 5-7 days. With proper care at home and any prescribed medications, your cat’s UTI should fully resolve within 7-14 days.
Preventing Recurrence
Since cats that have experienced one UTI are prone to getting them again, it’s important to take measures to prevent recurrence. Addressing any underlying causes, making lifestyle and diet changes, and ongoing vet care can all help.
If there are any predisposing factors identified, like bladder stones, anatomical abnormalities, or kidney disease, treating the underlying condition is key. For instance, a prescription urinary diet may be recommended to alter the urine pH and prevent crystals and stones from forming [1].
Lifestyle and diet adjustments can also help prevent recurrence. Making sure your cat has access to plenty of fresh, clean water is important. Canned food with high moisture content may be better than dry food. More frequent but smaller meals can help. And increasing playtime and activity can prevent UTIs related to obesity and stress [2].
Ongoing vet visits to monitor urine pH and screen for early UTI recurrence is recommended. Some vets may prescribe long-term, low-dose antibiotics as a preventative measure.
With proper treatment, monitoring, and prevention methods, most cats can avoid getting repeat infections and live happy, healthy lives.
When to Seek Emergency Care
If your cat is displaying any of the following symptoms of a UTI, you should seek emergency veterinary care right away according to Carolina Veterinary Specialists:
- Inability to urinate
- Crying or whining while trying to urinate
- Bloody urine
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
These symptoms can indicate kidney or bladder stones blocking the urinary tract, which is a life-threatening emergency according to AnimERGE Animal Emergency & Specialty Center. A complete urinary tract blockage can quickly lead to kidney failure, metabolic disturbances, and death if left untreated.
Other risky complications from leaving a UTI untreated include the infection spreading to the kidneys, sepsis, and bladder rupture from an overfull bladder according to The Village Vets. So if your cat is displaying any concerning UTI symptoms, don’t delay in getting veterinary treatment.
Long-Term Outlook
With proper diagnosis and treatment, most cats have a good long-term prognosis after a UTI. According to one study published in PubMed, the long-term prognosis for cats diagnosed with feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) can be regarded as fairly good (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33541237/).
However, recurrent UTIs can impact long-term kidney health. One study found recurrence rates around 17-58% in cats with urinary obstruction due to FIC (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7252222/). Each recurrence causes inflammation and damage to the urinary tract. Over time, this can lead to kidney problems.
To protect kidney health, it’s important to follow your veterinarian’s treatment instructions carefully after a UTI diagnosis. Preventing recurrence through diet changes, stress reduction, and supplements may be recommended. Annual bloodwork and urinalysis allows your vet to monitor kidney values and catch problems early.
With prompt treatment of initial and recurrent infections, most cats go on to live normal lifespans. Work closely with your veterinarian for the best long-term outlook.
UTIs in Senior Cats
Urinary tract infections become more common in cats as they age. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, older female cats are more prone to developing UTIs than their younger counterparts, due to age-related changes like decreased muscle tone that can lead to incomplete bladder emptying and urine retention (https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/urinary-tract-infections-utis-in-cats).
Other age-related factors that increase UTI risk in senior cats include:
- Weakened immune system
- Hormonal changes
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Cognitive dysfunction
Treating UTIs in older cats requires special considerations. Senior cats may need lower antibiotic doses to avoid toxicity. Vets also recommend more frequent urinalyses during and after treatment to closely monitor the infection. Additional diagnostics like bloodwork and imaging may be advised to check for complicating factors. Keeping senior cats well hydrated is key. UTIs tend to recur more often in elderly cats, requiring diligent follow-up care (https://www.whiskas.co.uk/care/7-plus-years/care-and-health/what-to-do-if-your-senior-cat-has-uti).
Preventing UTIs
There are several steps cat owners can take to help prevent UTIs in their cats:
Maintain good litter box hygiene. Scoop the litter box at least once a day, and completely change out the litter at least once a week. Use an unscented clumping litter. Clean the litter box with a mild detergent and rinse thoroughly between litter changes. Place multiple litter boxes around the home.
Increase water intake. Always provide fresh, clean drinking water. Consider getting a cat water fountain, which can encourage drinking. Feed wet cat food, which has high water content. Avoid dry food only diets.
Consider urinary health supplements or probiotics. Products like D-Mannose, cranberry extracts, and certain probiotics may help prevent infection by promoting urinary tract health https://www.fetchfind.com/blog/how-to-prevent-urinary-tract-infections-in-cats/. Consult your veterinarian before starting any supplements.