Introduction
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common condition in cats, especially older cats. A UTI occurs when bacteria get into the bladder or kidneys and cause inflammation and infection. UTIs in cats can be caused by a variety of factors, including bacterial imbalances, anatomical abnormalities, and underlying illnesses like diabetes or kidney disease. UTIs are more prevalent in female cats due to their shorter urethras. Common symptoms of a UTI in cats include straining to urinate, blood in the urine, excessive licking of the genital area, and urinating outside the litter box. UTIs can be painful and irritating for cats and often require antibiotic treatment as well as addressing any underlying conditions. This article will provide an overview of UTIs in cats, including the causes, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment options.
What is a UTI?
A UTI, which stands for urinary tract infection, is a bacterial infection of any part of a cat’s urinary system including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra (https://www.smalldoorvet.com/learning-center/medical/uti-in-cats/). The most common type of UTI in cats is a bladder infection called cystitis.
Common signs and symptoms of a cat UTI include (https://www.prettylitter.com/blog/how-to-tell-if-your-cat-has-a-uti):
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty urinating
- Blood in the urine
- Crying or whining while trying to urinate
- Excessive licking of the genital area
- Urinating outside the litter box
UTIs in cats are often caused by bacteria like E. coli that enters the urinary tract through the urethra and multiplies, irritating the bladder wall and causing inflammation (https://www.pdinsurance.co.nz/blogs/does-stress-cause-a-uti-in-cats/). Left untreated, the infection can spread to the kidneys.
Causes of UTIs in Cats
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in cats are often caused by bacteria that enter the urinary tract. The most common bacteria is E. coli, which normally lives in a cat’s intestinal tract and feces (1). E. coli and other bacteria can reach the bladder through the urethra and multiply, irritating the bladder wall and causing infection (2).
Crystals or bladder stones can also cause UTIs in cats. Crystals form when minerals in the urine clump together. These crystals can irritate and inflame the lining of the bladder, making it easier for bacteria to adhere to the bladder wall (3). Common crystal types are struvite and calcium oxalate. Large crystals can develop into bladder stones over time.
Anatomical defects are another potential cause of UTIs in cats. Defects like bladder strictures, urine retention issues, or urinary reflux can obstruct or trap urine in the bladder, allowing bacteria to thrive (1).
Other factors like kidney disease, diabetes, Cushing’s disease, ingesting toxins, and stress can increase susceptibility to UTIs by impairing the immune system or altering urine composition (2). UTIs tend to be more common in older cats and cats that don’t drink enough water.
(1) https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/urinary-tract-infections-utis-in-cats
(2) https://www.guilfordjamestownvet.com/site/blog-greensboro-vet/2021/05/31/cat-urinary-tract-infection
(3) https://www.aptos-creeksidepets.com/site/blog/2022/02/28/cat-urinary-tract-infection-causes-recovery
Risk Factors
Certain factors can increase a cat’s risk of developing a urinary tract infection (UTI) including:
- Age – Young cats under 10 years old and senior cats over 10 years old are at higher risk for UTIs than middle-aged cats (Martinez-Ruzafa, 2012).
- Gender – Female cats are more prone to UTIs than males, likely due to their shorter urethras (VCA Animal Hospitals).
- Breed – Persian cats and other brachycephalic breeds are more predisposed to UTIs due to compressed internal anatomy (Piyarungsri, 2020).
- Diet – Cats fed a dry food diet are at higher risk, as low water intake leads to concentrated urine (VCA Animal Hospitals).
- Lifestyle – Sedentary, indoor cats have higher UTI risk than active, outdoor cats. Obesity is also a risk factor (Piyarungsri, 2020).
Understanding the risk factors can help identify cats prone to developing UTIs for closer monitoring and prevention.
Diagnosis
To diagnose a UTI in cats, vets will typically start with a urinalysis. This involves examining a urine sample under a microscope to look for the presence of bacteria, white blood cells, and crystals, which can indicate an infection. Vets may also do a urine culture, where the urine sample is incubated to allow any bacteria present to multiply. This helps identify the specific bacteria causing the infection (VCA Hospitals). Some vets may also recommend imaging tests like x-rays or ultrasound to check for bladder stones or anatomical abnormalities that could predispose a cat to UTIs.
Cats showing symptoms of a UTI should be brought to the vet promptly for diagnosis. Catching and treating a UTI early can help prevent more serious complications. Vets will typically need a fresh, sterile urine sample to diagnose a UTI accurately. This may involve collecting urine directly from the bladder via cystocentesis or catheterization (PetMD).
Treatment
The most common treatment for UTIs in cats is antibiotics. Veterinarians often prescribe antibiotics like Amoxicillin or Clavamox to fight the infection. These antibiotics are usually given orally and the typical course is 5-14 days. It’s important to finish the entire course as prescribed, even if symptoms improve, to fully eliminate the bacteria causing the infection.
In addition to antibiotics, vets may recommend increased fluid intake to help flush bacteria from the urinary tract. This is especially important for male cats who can develop blockages more easily. Cats with UTIs should have ample access to fresh, clean water. Feeding canned food, which has high moisture content, can also increase fluid intake.
Dietary changes may also be recommended. Prescription urinary or stress formula diets are designed to produce urine that is less likely to crystallize. These foods typically have reduced magnesium and protein and increased water content.
If an underlying condition like bladder stones, tumors, or anatomical defects are contributing to recurrent UTIs, additional treatment like surgery may be necessary. Identifying and addressing any underlying causes is important for preventing repeat infections.
Most cats respond well to antibiotic treatment within 3-5 days. It’s important to follow up with the veterinarian to ensure the infection has fully cleared.
Prevention
The best way to prevent UTIs in cats is to reduce risk factors. This involves ensuring your cat stays hydrated, improving diet and nutrition, maintaining proper litter box hygiene, and managing concurrent health issues. Some tips include:
- Encourage water intake by providing fresh, clean water at all times. Consider getting a cat water fountain, adding water to food, or feeding wet food.
- Feed a high-quality diet low in fillers and high in animal protein and moisture. Avoid fish flavors which can irritate the urinary tract. Consider prescription urinary or bladder health diets.
- Clean litter boxes daily and completely replace litter weekly. Use unscented, dust-free litter. Provide one box per cat plus an extra.
- Give supplements like glucosamine, probiotics, or D-mannose which can help bladder health. Consult your vet first.
- Manage diseases like kidney disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, arthritis, and obesity which increase UTI risk.
- Consider pheromone diffusers to reduce stress which can influence UTIs.
Proper prevention helps minimize recurring UTIs. Monitor your cat for signs like increased urination, straining, or crying in the litter box. See your vet promptly if symptoms appear.
Outlook
With prompt veterinary treatment, the prognosis for cats with UTIs is generally good. Most cats will fully recover within 7-10 days of antibiotic treatment according to PetMD. However, cats may need to remain on a urinary or canned diet for a longer period to prevent recurrence.
If left untreated, UTIs in cats can lead to potentially serious complications according to VCA Animal Hospitals. Bacteria from the infection can spread to the kidneys, causing a kidney infection known as pyelonephritis. UTIs can also predispose cats to the formation of bladder stones. In male cats, a UTI can cause a life-threatening condition called urethral obstruction, where crystals or stones block the outflow of urine from the bladder.
By following your veterinarian’s treatment plan and recommendations, most cats fully recover without long-term complications. Close monitoring and follow-up care helps detect and treat any recurrent UTIs before they cause significant issues.
When to See a Vet
If your cat is exhibiting any of the following signs, contact your veterinarian or an emergency vet clinic immediately:
- Crying or whining when urinating
- Straining to urinate with little or no urine production
- Blood in the urine
- Frequent attempts to urinate with no success
- Urinating outside of the litter box
- Excessive licking of the genital area
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Fever
These signs can indicate obstruction of the urethra, which is a life-threatening medical emergency requiring immediate veterinary intervention. Left untreated, a blocked urethra can quickly lead to kidney failure, so don’t delay in having your cat seen if any of the above symptoms are present. faster veterinary care is sought, the better the outcome is likely to be.
Conclusion
To summarize the key points, UTIs in cats are often caused by an underlying health issue that needs to be addressed. While uncommon, both male and female cats can develop UTIs from bacteria spreading up the urinary tract. Some risk factors include urinary crystals or stones blocking the urethra, anatomical defects, diabetes, kidney disease, and a compromised immune system. Symptoms may include frequent urination, straining to urinate, blood in the urine, and urinating outside the litter box. Diagnosis is made through urinalysis, urine culture, bloodwork, and imaging tests. Treatment typically involves antibiotics for 4-6 weeks as well as addressing any underlying conditions. Some ways to help prevent recurrence include increased hydration, prescription urinary diets, probiotics, and veterinary follow up care. While frustrating for cat owners, with proper treatment and ongoing management most cats with chronic UTIs can live long and happy lives.