"It hurts when I pee" is no joke for humans or cats. When your cat experiences difficulty or pain while urinating, it's difficult for both of you. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) make normal parts of every day hard for your cat and hard for you. Frequent and long trips to the litter box and more meows than normal on potty breaks signal a real problem. Some cats even begin house soiling as they shy away from a litter box associated with frustration and pain. Show Left untreated, cat UTIs can lead to more serious infections. Here's how to work with your veterinarian on treatment and prevention to tackle what's behind your cat's trouble peeing. A urinary tract infection (UTI) is caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that have worked their way into the urethra (a small tube where urine leaves the bladder and the body). Most UTIs are caused by bacteria and typically affect the urethra and bladder. Left untreated, they can spread to the kidneys, causing a serious infection called pyelonephritis. UTIs are not especially common in cats, but other urinary tract issues occur often. Your cat's trouble urinating can have a number of possible causes, some of which can be painful. Urinary conditions can block the flow of urine or inflame parts of the urinary tract. If you've been on the hunt for information online, you may have heard about feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), which is a catch-all term for a variety of possible culprits, including UTIs and the following conditions:
Some cats are predisposed to problems of the lower urinary tract, especially cats older than 10 years and those with kidney disease or diabetes. A veterinarian can help you figure out the underlying cause of your cat's urinary issues. Proper testing and diagnosis is crucial because some forms of FLUTD are very serious. Because you live with your favorite feline, you are the perfect person to notice changes in behavior. You know your cat's normal litter box habits better than anyone. Possible signs of a UTI include:
If you see warning signs of a urinary tract infection in your cat, it's important to contact a veterinarian. The vet will do a physical exam and likely collect a urine sample for urinalysis. If a UTI is the prime suspect, your vet may prescribe antibiotics even before receiving results from your cat's urine test. With a vet's diagnosis in hand, you still play a crucial part in helping treat your cat at home. If your vet has prescribed an antibiotic, you'll need to make sure to give all the medicine for as long as recommended. "If your cat is diagnosed with a bacterial condition, it is imperative that you give the medication exactly as instructed," says Kathryn Primm, DVM at Applebrook Animal Hospital in Ooltewah, Tennessee. "Otherwise, you risk only killing the part of the bacteria that are most susceptible to the drug and leaving the others to reproduce." How long your cat is on antibiotics for a UTI is best determined by your vet. If you're having trouble giving your cat the medicine, let the vet know. Pills or liquids are options, but an unfinished round of antibiotics may give the bacteria a chance to return, and stronger bacteria can also lead to new drug-resistant strains that harm humans and pets. — Kathryn Primm, DVM, veterinarian at Applebrook Animal Hospital If the antibiotics for your cat's UTI are not working, your vet may prescribe a different antibiotic or recommend further testing to see if there's another cause for the problem. A urine culture and sensitivity test can identify the type of bacteria present and evaluate how it responds to various antibiotics, enabling your vet to prescribe the most effective treatment. In addition to antibiotics, some cats will need fluid therapy and various medications to treat the UTI and any associated complications. UTI treatment costs vary depending on the testing and medicine necessary to get your cat healthy and feeling better. Primm understands how frustrating that can be. "Trust me, we all want to be able to just treat feline urinary problems with an antibiotic and be done, but this isn't the case," she says. "Urinary issues can be complex, and each cat is different. A trusting relationship with your veterinarian is your very best tool to manage urinary disease in cats." There is always a chance, and sometimes a good chance, that your cat's UTI or other lower urinary tract problem will recur. Some recommendations to help prevent recurrences of UTIs and other issues are relatively inexpensive. You can start by taking steps to keep your cat healthy. In addition, your veterinarian may suggest some options like these: Manage your cat's water. Keep bowls clean and fresh at all times. More water intake can lower urine concentration, making it more difficult for debris and microorganisms to clump and multiply. You may also consider getting a drinking fountain since many cats are drawn to flowing water. Improve your litter box hygiene. Offer enough litter boxes (one for each cat plus one more, if you can). "Don't hide them away where they're hard to get to for your cat," Primm says. Scoop the boxes twice daily (or get an automated litter box to do it) and replace all the litter at least weekly. Note your own cat's preferences for the litter box and the litter itself. Primm says some cats like covered boxes, some don't, and different litter appeals to different litter box users. The American Association of Feline Practitioners has helpful tips on how to manage and prevent cat house soiling, covering everything from litter box size to the location of the box within the home If urination problems occur again, don't give up, Primm says. "In the past, it seemed like we had many cases of FLUTD that never resolved," she says. "I think the veterinary industry is making headway in understanding and treating this issue, and that makes me happy." Talk to your vet about the best preventive care and UTI treatments for your cat.
Just like people, cats get sick, too. And one of the most common ways a kitty gets sick — and luckily, one of the most treatable ways if you catch it early enough — is feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD).1 A UTI (urinary tract infection (UTI) falls under the category of FLUTD. As with people, an FLUTD can cause a kitty a lot of pain and discomfort, but often can be quickly fixed with a dose of antibiotics. But how can you tell if your cat is suffering and needs medical attention ASAP? Call a vet immediately if you notice any of the following:1
Which cats are at risk for a FLUTD?The answer to this is that a LOT of cats are at risk,1 especially if they’re indoor cats as the SPCA and many vets recommend. Here is the quick answer:
If it’s not a UTI, what could it be?Even though your cat is showing all the signs of a UTI, it might not be his or her problem. There is a whole host of other issues with the same symptoms, such as:1
Additional conditions could include:3
Because these symptoms have such wide-ranging and potentially fatal causes, any cat that’s in discomfort in the litter box needs to see his friendly neighborhood vet ASAP. How will the vet diagnose my cat?Once you bring your cat to the vet, she’ll determine (or try to) the cause of the issue. The tests include things such as: 1
Yes, all this is yucky, but important.If your cat has a UTI, not only is she in pain — pain which a visit to the vet will help with enormously — but if ignored, a UTI can easily lead to severe kidney problems.4 And that can lead to huge vet bills — or worse, a trip to the rainbow bridge before Kitty’s time. Learn to recognize these signs. If you spot them, it’s time to call the doctor. Is Kitty feeling low? Give her a treat.After a painful UTI episode, Kitty deserves lots of love and treats — and maybe some extra litter. Join the Paw Points® program, and every purchase will earn you points. You can then redeem those points for free litter, coupons and toys. Because when that UTI is cleared up, Kitty’s going to be back to her usual playful, happy self. Hurrah! 1. Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD). (n.d.). https://icatcare.org/advice/feline-lower-urinary-tract-disease-flutd |
How to tell if my cat has a uti
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