A UTI is a bacterial infection of a cat’s urinary tract. This happens when harmful bacterial infections attack the bladder or urethra. When bacteria enter the urethra, they multiply and cause discomfort in cats.
Although urinary tract infections (UTIs) can occur in cats of all ages, they are more frequently diagnosed in older cats and those with underlying health conditions. While it may seem straightforward and simple, the disease is linked to broader urinary tract issues, including bladder stones, blockages, and a complex condition known as FLUTD.
Causes of UTIs in Cats
While the most direct cause is bacterial infections, a variety of underlying factors can contribute to the development of cat UTIs. Here are the common causes:
Bacterial Infections
The primary cause of a bladder infection in cats is the entry of bacteria into the urinary tract. This happens when bacteria from the skin or feces travel up the urethra and into the bladder. Once there, the bacteria multiply, leading to inflammation of the bladder and infection.
Common culprits include Escherichia coli and other bacterial infections naturally present in the environment or the cat’s body.
Underlying Health Conditions
UTIs in cats are often secondary to other health problems. Some of the most common conditions associated with urinary tract infections include:
Diabetes Mellitus: Cats with diabetes have higher glucose levels in their urine. This sugar level creates a favorable space for bacterial infections to grow.
Chronic Kidney Disease: Compromised kidney function can lead to diluted urine, reducing its natural antibacterial properties.
Bladder Stones: The bladder stones can irritate the urinary tract lining and create an environment where bacteria thrive.
Urinary Tract Blockages: Obstructions, especially in male cats, can lead to infections due to urine retention.
Age and Gender Factors
Older cats are at higher risk of developing urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to compromised immune systems and potential diseases like diabetes mellitus. Female cats are slightly more prone to UTIs than male cats because their shorter urethras make it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder.
On the other hand, male cats with narrow or obstructed urethras are at greater risk for life-threatening complications if infections occur.
Poor Litter Box Hygiene
A dirty litter box can become a breeding ground for bacterial infections. Cats that step in soiled litter and later groom themselves may inadvertently introduce bacteria to their urinary tract.
Stress and Lifestyle Factors
Stress may not directly cause a UTI, but it can weaken a cat’s immune system, making them more susceptible to infections. Cats that don’t drink enough water or consume a low-moisture diet may develop concentrated urine, irritating the bladder lining and encouraging bacterial growth.
Weakened Immune System
Cats with weakened immune systems are prone to bacterial infections, including UTIs. Their bodies are less equipped to fight off invaders, and when left untreated, the infection can escalate quickly.
Symptoms of Cat UTI
The signs of a urinary tract infection lie in the slightest of signs. While some symptoms may be subtle, there are other clear signs of cat UTI.
Frequent Urination with Minimal Urine
One of the most common in cats with UTIs is frequent trips to the litter box, producing little or no urine. This can indicate swelling or inflammation of the bladder, making it difficult to empty the bladder fully.
Straining or Discomfort During Urination
Cats with UTIs often strain to urinate. You might hear them vocalizing in the litter box, expressing pain. They may appear hunched or visibly uncomfortable.
Blood in Urine
Blood in the urine, known as hematuria, is another key symptom. It may appear pink or red in the litter box or on the cat’s fur. This results from damage or inflammation of the bladder lining.
Urinating Outside the Litter Box
Sudden urination outside the litter box may be due to your cat associating it with pain. Cats may prefer soft surfaces, such as beds or rugs, instead.
Excessive Licking of the Genital Area
Cats may over-groom their genital area in an attempt to relieve discomfort, often revealing redness or irritation caused by a bladder infection.
Strong-smelling or Cloudy Urine
UTIs can alter the appearance and odor of a cat’s urine. You might notice cloudy urine or a strong smell, a sign of bacterial infections or blood and urine mixing.
Lethargy and Changes in Appetite
In some cases, cat UTI can cause general weakness and discomfort. Your cat may seem less active or playful and might show a decreased interest in food. These symptoms lean toward behavioral changes more than the actual symptoms of the disease.
Diagnosing Cat UTI
Diagnosing a urinary tract infection in cats is essential to determine the main cause and develop an effective treatment plan. Here’s how we effectively diagnose your cat’s UTI:
Veterinary Examination
To begin, we will ask about your cat’s symptoms, behavior changes, and medical history. Observations such as frequent urination, vocalization during urination, or accidents outside the litter box are important details to share as well. During the exam, we may palpate your cat’s abdomen to check for signs of pain, bladder fullness, or abnormalities.
Lab Tests
When diagnosing the cause of cat UTI, we’ll mostly use a combination of lab tests, such as a urinalysis, urine culture, and blood test. Here are the common ones we use:
Because of the nature of the condition, a urinalysis is the fundamental diagnostic test for cat UTI. We start by collecting a urine sample by using a sterile needle to draw urine directly from the bladder. This method minimizes contamination and provides the most accurate results.
The urinalysis evaluates several factors, including pH levels and turbidity of your cat’s urine.
If bacteria are detected during urinalysis, we may also recommend a urine culture. This test identifies the specific bacteria responsible for causing your cat’s UTI, helping us determine which antibiotics will be most effective. A culture is particularly valuable for persistent or recurrent infections.
Blood tests may be used to check for conditions that could predispose a cat to UTIs, such as diabetes or kidney disease. Elevated glucose levels, for instance, are a hallmark of diabetes and can create a breeding ground for bacteria in the urinary tract.
Imaging Tests
In cases where the diagnosis is unclear, imaging tests such as X-rays or ultrasounds are possible options. These tests help identify abnormalities like bladder stones, tumors, or thickening of the bladder wall that could contribute to the urinary tract infection symptoms in your cat.
Treatment for Cat UTI
Once a urinary tract infection has been diagnosed in your cat, we’ll proceed to create a treatment plan that will help your cat recover. The process for treating cat UTI will usually involve a mix of medication, supportive care, and management.
Antibiotic Therapy
The cornerstone of UTI treatment in cats is antibiotics. Based on the results of the urinalysis and urine culture, we will prescribe a specific antibiotic that targets the particular bacteria causing the urinary tract infection in your cat.
During the course of this treatment step, make sure to follow our vet’s schedule for your cat’s UTI treatment. This helps fully eliminate the bacteria and helps your cat recover. Additionally, make sure to monitor your cat for any possible side effects, such as vomiting or diarrhea.
Pain Management
UTIs can be uncomfortable or even painful for cats. In addition to antibiotics, our vets may prescribe pain relief medications to keep your cat comfortable while the infection is being treated. These medications are typically safe for short-term use under veterinary supervision.
Hydration Support
Encouraging your cat to stay hydrated is an important part of the recovery process. Proper hydration dilutes the urine, making it less likely for bacteria to thrive. Make sure to increase your cat’s water intake. For cats with severe dehydration, fluid therapy may be administered.
You can do this by offering fresh water all the time and placing water bowls at places your cat frequents in the house. Additionally, incorporating wet food can help increase hydration levels and help your cat recover from UTI.
Addressing Underlying Conditions
If the cat's UTI is related to a health issue, such as diabetes or bladder stones, we’ll work on treating that specific condition. By doing so, we can get rid of the problem and make your cat’s body become stronger.
Preventing Cat UTI
Preventing urinary tract infections in cats is possible with the right steps. Here are the steps we recommend:
Provide Fresh Water
Make sure to provide clean, fresh water for your cat. Consider using a water fountain at home to encourage your cats to drink.
Feed a Moisture-Rich Diet
Incorporate wet food into your cat’s diet or add water to their dry food to improve hydration and support healthy urine flow.
Clean the Litter Box Regularly
Scoop the litter box daily and regularly wash it to minimize bacteria that can cause infections.
Schedule Regular Vet Visits
Take your cat for routine checkups to detect and address potential health concerns, like diabetes or kidney disease that could increase UTI risk.
Spay or Neuter Your Cat
Spaying or neutering your cat will reduce the risk of urinary tract infections. By doing so, you’ll also be able to avoid a lot of medical conditions that can impact your cat’s health.
"A healthy bladder means a happier cat. When your feline friend is free from pain, they return to being the playful, curious companion you know and love."
- Dr. Soheyl Simaei
Final Thoughts
Cat UTIs can be uncomfortable but are treatable with prompt care. With proactive care, you can keep your cat happy, healthy, and free from urinary issues.
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