Introduction
A urinary tract infection (UTI) in cats is defined as a bacterial infection of the urinary tract, including the bladder and urethra [1]. While UTIs are common in cats, occurring in 1-2% over their lifetime, they are less prevalent compared to dogs [2]. The symptoms of a UTI in cats can range from mild to severe. This raises the important question of whether UTIs can become life threatening in cats if left untreated.
Symptoms
According to VCA Animal Hospitals, cats with UTIs will frequently try to urinate, but often only pass small amounts of urine (vcahospitals.com). Cats may strain or cry when trying to urinate. There may also be blood in the urine. WebMD notes that UTI symptoms in cats include frequent trips to the litter box, but urinating only a little each time (webmd.com). Cats may also excessively lick their genitals due to the pain or discomfort associated with urination.
Some key UTI symptoms in cats include:
- Frequent urination
- Pain or discomfort when urinating
- Only passing small amounts of urine
- Blood in the urine
- Excessive licking of genitals
Causes
Urinary tract infections in cats are often caused by bacteria, especially Escherichia coli, spreading from the gastrointestinal tract to the bladder. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, E. coli is a bacteria commonly found in feces and is the most frequent cause of UTIs in cats. The bacteria can enter the urinary tract through the urethra and multiply rapidly in the bladder if the cat’s immune system cannot fight it off.
UTIs are more prevalent in female cats than males, likely because females have a shorter urethra that allows bacteria quicker access to the bladder. Certain breeds such as Persians and Himalayans are also more prone to developing UTIs due to genetic factors that cause them to have smaller bladders and urethras.
Other causes include bladder stones, tumors, anatomic defects, and urethral obstructions that prevent the bladder from fully emptying. These conditions allow bacteria to grow and infect the urinary tract. Stress and unsanitary litter box conditions can also increase susceptibility.
Sources:
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/urinary-tract-infections-utis-in-cats
https://www.guilfordjamestownvet.com/site/blog-greensboro-vet/2021/05/31/cat-urinary-tract-infection
Diagnosis
Veterinarians diagnose UTIs in cats through urinalysis and urine culture, as well as imaging tests in some cases.
Urinalysis involves examining a urine sample under a microscope to look for bacteria, white blood cells, and crystals, which may indicate infection or inflammation. The urine may also be tested chemically for factors like pH and specific gravity.
Urine cultures are necessary to confirm infection and identify the specific bacteria involved. The urine sample is incubated to allow any bacteria present to multiply. Testing determines the type of bacteria and the medication that will be most effective.
Imaging such as x-rays or ultrasound may be used to evaluate the urinary tract for abnormalities or obstructions that may contribute to infection. These tests can also check for kidney or bladder stones.
According to the sources [1] and [2], urinalysis and urine culture are the primary methods for diagnosing UTIs in cats.
Treatment
Treatment for UTIs in cats usually involves antibiotics, fluids, and dietary changes. According to VCA Hospitals, vets often prescribe antibiotics that are effective against common bacteria to provide immediate relief. Antibiotics like Amoxicillin are frequently prescribed. The duration of antibiotic treatment is typically 2-4 weeks. It’s important to finish the entire course as directed, even if symptoms improve, to prevent recurrence.
Vets may administer IV fluids to flush the urinary tract. Increasing water intake is also recommended, either through feeding wet food, adding water to dry food, or using fountains. Restricting salt can help reduce recurrence. Pain relievers may be prescribed to make urination more comfortable.
Complications
Left untreated, urinary tract infections in cats can lead to serious complications such as kidney damage and sepsis (blood poisoning). According to VCA Animal Hospitals, complications can also occur, such as bladder stones or a kidney infection called pyelonephritis (https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/urinary-tract-infections-utis-in-cats).
Kidney damage can occur if the infection spreads from the bladder to the kidneys. This can lead to kidney failure, which can be life-threatening. Sepsis happens when the body has a severe response to the infection. It occurs when chemicals released into the bloodstream trigger inflammation throughout the body. This can lead to organ damage and death (https://www.webmd.com/pets/cats/cat-urinary-tract-problems).
That’s why it’s crucial to get veterinary treatment right away if a UTI is suspected in a cat. Catching and treating the infection early is important to prevent potentially fatal complications.
Prognosis
The prognosis for cats with UTIs is generally good if the infection is caught and treated early before it spreads to the kidneys or bloodstream (Source). With prompt veterinary treatment, most cats will make a full recovery within 7-10 days. However, if left untreated, a UTI can progress to a more serious kidney infection (pyelonephritis) or sepsis, which can be life-threatening (Source). Once the infection reaches the kidneys, there is a higher mortality rate. Therefore, it is critical to monitor for signs of a UTI in cats and seek veterinary care immediately at the first symptoms.
Prevention
There are several steps cat owners can take to help prevent UTIs in their cats (Bondvet, 2022):
- Increase water consumption – Encourage your cat to drink more water by providing fresh, clean water bowls around the house, adding water to their wet food, and considering a cat water fountain (YourPetandYou, n.d.). Increased water intake helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract.
- Feed urinary health cat food – There are specialty cat foods formulated to promote urinary tract health, which can help prevent infections. Look for foods with reduced magnesium and increased moisture (FetchFind, 2017).
- Maintain litter box hygiene – Scoop urine and feces from litter boxes daily. Clean boxes weekly with mild soap and hot water to remove bacteria. Provide one more box than the number of cats in your home (YourPetandYou, n.d.).
Following these tips can reduce the risk of recurrent UTIs in cats.
When to See a Vet
If your cat is showing any symptoms of a potential UTI, it’s important to schedule a veterinary appointment right away. Some signs that warrant an urgent vet visit include:
- Straining or crying out when trying to urinate
- Frequent attempts to urinate but only passing small amounts
- Blood in the urine
- Excessive licking of the genital area
- Issues with urinary control like inappropriate urination around the house
Cats that are prone to getting recurrent UTIs should also see the vet if mild symptoms reappear. This includes cats that have had previous UTIs, male cats, cats with bladder stones or blockages, obese cats, and cats with diabetes or kidney disease.
It’s crucial not to delay seeking veterinary care if your cat is showing potential UTI signs, as they can progress quickly. The sooner antibiotics can be started, the lower the risk of dangerous complications arising.
Conclusion
UTIs are fairly common in cats, but they can usually be effectively treated with antibiotics and supportive care. However, if left untreated, the infection can spread from the bladder to the kidneys and bloodstream, becoming much more dangerous and potentially life-threatening.
The key to treating UTIs in cats is prevention and early intervention. There are steps cat owners can take to help prevent UTIs, like encouraging water consumption, feeding wet food, and keeping the litter box clean. And if any signs of a UTI emerge, it’s important to get the cat checked by a vet right away.
With prompt vet care and adherence to treatment recommendations, most cats recover fully from UTIs. So while UTIs can become very serious if not addressed, they are generally manageable infections when caught and treated early.