Signs of a UTI in cats
Some of the most common signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI) in cats include:
- Frequent urination – Cats with a UTI will often try to urinate frequently and pass only small amounts of urine each time. They feel like they constantly need to pee. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, increased frequency and urgency to urinate are classic signs of a UTI in cats.
- Crying or signs of pain while urinating – Cats with a UTI may cry out, whine, or show signs of pain when trying to pee. The urge to urinate is there, but passing urine causes discomfort. As per WebMD, crying out while urinating is a key symptom of a UTI in cats that requires veterinary attention.
- Bloody urine – Hematuria or blood in the urine is common with UTIs. The irritation and inflammation of the urinary tract can cause bleeding. Cat owners may notice pink or reddish tinges in the litter box.
- Licking genitals frequently – Frequent licking of the urinary opening or genital area is another potential UTI symptom in cats. They may lick excessively in an attempt to relieve their discomfort.
Signs of spraying in cats
Spraying is when a cat stands up and urinates small amounts on vertical surfaces. Some signs that a cat is spraying include:
- Urinating on vertical surfaces like walls, furniture, curtains, etc. A cat that is spraying will back up to the vertical surface with tail raised and quivering.
- Spraying only small amounts of urine compared to typical urination.
- A strong urine odor from the sprayed areas.
- No signs of pain or difficulty urinating – the cat assumes a normal posture to spray.
Unlike typical urination where a cat squats and leaves a large puddle, spraying results in small amounts of urine in distinct vertical patterns. The behavior is normal, especially in non-neutered males and multi-cat households, when cats spray to mark territory.
Causes of UTIs in cats
Some common causes of UTIs in cats include:
Bacteria in the bladder: The most frequent cause of UTIs in cats is bacteria, usually Escherichia coli (E. coli), making its way into the bladder. E. coli is commonly found in feces and can migrate to the urinary tract through the urethra. Once inside the bladder, E. coli can adhere to the bladder wall and reproduce, causing inflammation and infection (Source).
Bladder stones or crystals: Bladder stones (uroliths) or crystals can cause irritation, inflammation, and potential blockage of the urinary tract, leading to infection. Struvite and calcium oxalate stones are most common in cats (Source).
Blockages: Obstructions in the urinary tract from stones, crystals, blood clots, or other debris can block the flow of urine. This can lead to urine building up in the bladder, causing distension and infection. Tumors or strictures in the urinary tract may also cause obstruction (Source).
Causes of spraying in cats
One of the primary causes of spraying in cats is territorial marking. Cats often spray urine to mark their territory and let other cats know that an area is claimed. This is especially common in unneutered male cats, who may spray to ward off competing males. https://www.petmd.com/cat/general-health/cat-spraying
Stress and anxiety can also lead to spraying behaviors in cats. Changes to their routine, environment, or social dynamics can cause a cat to feel threatened. Spraying helps relieve stress by allowing cats to mark familiar scents. Cats may spray in response to conflict with other pets, construction noise, or a new family member. https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/cat/behaviour-and-training/stop-your-cat-spraying-and-soiling-in-the-house
Unneutered male cats and unspayed females in heat are also prone to spraying. The strong urges related to mating can trigger territorial marking and spraying behaviors. Neutering or spaying cats helps reduce hormone-driven urges to spray urine.
Diagnosing a UTI
If a cat is showing signs of a urinary tract infection, the veterinarian will run tests to confirm the diagnosis. Some common diagnostic tests include:
Urine sample testing – A urine sample will be analyzed to check for bacteria, blood, crystals, and other abnormalities. The presence of bacteria and white blood cells often indicates a UTI. This is one of the most definitive ways to diagnose a feline UTI according to WebMD.
Ultrasound – An ultrasound allows the veterinarian to get visual images of the bladder and urinary tract. This non-invasive imaging can detect inflammation, stones, tumors, or anatomical abnormalities.
X-rays – X-rays can also provide images of the bladder and urinary tract. They are useful for identifying stones, tumors, obstructions, or other issues that may be causing UTI symptoms.
With diagnostic testing, the veterinarian can confirm a UTI diagnosis and rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. Treatment can then be tailored to the specific cause and type of infection.
Diagnosing spraying
When trying to determine if a cat is spraying urine versus urinating normally, the first step is to rule out any medical causes like a urinary tract infection (UTI). Signs of a potential UTI include frequent attempts to urinate, crying out or signs of pain during urination, and blood in the urine (source). A veterinarian can run tests on a urine sample to diagnose a UTI and provide appropriate treatment if needed.
If no medical issue is found, take note of the location and frequency of the inappropriate urination. Spraying urine is usually done standing up with the tail lifted high, and small amounts are sprayed on vertical surfaces like walls, furniture, doors, etc. It often occurs near windows, doors, or other sites with territorial significance. Keeping a log of when and where spraying occurs can help identify patterns and potential triggers (source).
Treating a UTI
Treating a UTI usually involves antibiotics, increased fluids, and a special diet for your cat. According to the VCA, antibiotics will likely be prescribed to treat the infection itself and allow the urinary tract to heal. Common antibiotics used include amoxicillin, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones like orbifloxacin, and trimethoprim-sulfonamide combinations.
Veterinarians may recommend intravenous or subcutaneous fluids while your cat is being treated to help flush bacteria out of the urinary tract. This helps the antibiotics be more effective. Increased water intake can also help dilute urine and allow crystals or stones to be flushed out.
Your vet may recommend a prescription urinary or bladder health cat food (WebMD). These foods are formulated to make the urine more dilute and acidic, preventing crystals from forming in the urine. Your vet may also recommend additional supplements that support urinary tract health.
Treating spraying
There are several effective ways to stop a cat from spraying inside the home:
Getting your cat spayed or neutered is an important first step, as the spraying is often triggered by hormones related to mating behaviors. Spaying or neutering will reduce the hormone levels that lead to spraying [1].
Reducing stress is also key, as spraying can be a response to anxiety. Try giving your cat more attention through playtime and petting. You can also use pheromone diffusers to help calm your cat [2].
Keeping the litter boxes extremely clean is another important factor. Cats may spray if their litter box is dirty or if they don’t like the location. Make sure boxes are scooped daily and change the litter regularly.
With patience and consistency using these techniques, you can curb your cat’s spraying behavior inside the home.
Preventing UTIs
There are some steps cat owners can take to help prevent their cats from developing UTIs:
Increase water intake – Encouraging your cat to drink more water can help flush bacteria out of their urinary tract. Provide fresh, clean water bowls around the house and consider getting a cat water fountain to entice them to drink. You can also add a bit of low-sodium broth or tuna juice to their water.
Urinary/bladder health diet – Feeding your cat a diet specifically formulated for urinary and bladder health can promote a healthy urinary tract. These diets are lower in magnesium and promote more dilute, acidic urine which discourages bacterial growth. Prescription diets from your vet or high quality commercial urinary health cat foods are recommended.
Proper litter box hygiene – Scoop urine clumps from the litter box daily and give the box a full cleaning at least once a week. Use a gentle, unscented litter that cats enjoy using. Place litter boxes in quiet, easily accessible areas of the home. Cats may avoid using dirty litter boxes, leading to urine retention that can predispose them to infection.
Preventing spraying
There are several steps you can take to prevent your cat from spraying:
Getting your cat spayed or neutered is highly recommended, as unaltered cats are more likely to spray. According to the ASPCA, “10% of neutered males and 5% of spayed females spray.” Neutering eliminates the urges associated with mating behaviors.[1]
Provide plenty of vertical scratching posts and cat trees for your cat to scratch on. Cats scratch to mark territory, so providing appropriate outlets can reduce spraying. Use posts tall enough for your cat to stretch fully.[2]
Try to reduce stress for your cat. Give them more attention through play and petting. Make sure their environment is calm by limiting loud noises and changes. Use synthetic feline pheromones like Feliway to help relax cats.[1]
Add extra litter boxes around your home, especially in previously sprayed areas. Cats are territorial and like having their own spaces. Having multiple, easily accessible boxes can reduce urges to mark territory.[2]