How to Keep Your Cat’s Urinary Tract in Tip-top Shape

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UTI in Cats: Symptoms, Causes, Home Remedies & More

What is UTI in cats?

UTI, also known as Urinary Tract Infections, are any infection in the urinary system. Such infections are not common in cats. In fact, not every cat with UTI symptoms has a urinary tract infection. According to NCBI, only one to two percent of cats suffer from urinary tract infections. However, UTIs resemble several other feline diseases; hence, it is imperative to visit a vet for further diagnosis.

Symptoms of UTI in cats

Since Urinary Tract Infections can cause severe pain and discomfort, every cat parent must learn about cat UTI symptoms. Here are a few major UTI symptoms in cats:

Frequent urination but in small amounts
Blood in the urine
Constant licking of the urinary opening
Crying out while passing urine
Urinating outside the litter box

How is cat UTI diagnosed?

In order to diagnose UTI in cats, veterinarians first test urine samples. This test helps them detect any bacteria in the urine. Doctors directly draw urine from the bladder with a needle to avoid contamination. Once the urine sample is tested, the vet will then isolate the bacteria to study it further. This step is called the Culture and Sensitivity test. It helps determine the right medicines based on the cat's infection.

First-time infections or acute infections are generally cured using broad-spectrum antibiotics. However, if your cat is suffering from a chronic infection, the vet might recommend additional tests to start bacteria-specific medication.

Causes of UTI in cats

There are multiple factors that can lead to UTI in cats. Let's explore a few common causes of cat UTI:

Weak immune system due to medical conditions like diabetes, cancer, etc.
Replacement of the urinary catheter
Bladder stone
Issues with the cat's gastrointestinal tract

Cat UTI prevention

Although UTI is rare in cats, it's best to take the right measures to prevent it at all costs. Here are a few points on how to prevent UTI in cats:

Ensure that your cat drinks enough water. Clean the water bowl regularly and fill it with fresh water every day.
Do not forget to clean the litter box frequently. Scoop the litter twice daily. Moreover, make sure to replace it with a new box once every two weeks.
Monitor any changes in the quantity or colour of the urine while cleaning the litter box. In case you see any changes, consult a vet.
Learn about diseases that are most likely to further cause UTI in cats. If your cat contracts any such disease, consult a vet immediately.
If your cat is old or overweight, it may have a hard time reaching the backsides of its body. Hence, assist your fur baby in cleaning itself.

Can you treat cat UTI with home remedies?

There are multiple cat UTI home remedies like cranberry juice, apple cider vinegar, bone broth, etc. And most of them are believed to alleviate the symptoms of UTI. However, we do not know if these remedies heal you completely. Hence, it is best to consult a veterinary doctor for cat UTIs. Moreover, in some cases, especially if left untreated, UTIs can be recurrent. The vet will provide the right medication to get rid of the bacteria.

Frequently asked questions

How to tell if a cat has UTI?

A cat with UTI will exhibit following symptoms:

It might urinate frequently, but in small quantities
It might whine while urinating
It might lick its urinary area excessively due to irritation
It might have blood in its urine

If you see any of the above symptoms, rush your cat to the doctor.

Can cat UTI go away on its own?

Certain Urinary Tract Infections can heal on their own. However, to understand whether it's a mild or chronic condition, you must visit your veterinarian. In case it is a chronic case, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics.

Can lack of water cause UTI in cats?

Water is essential for cats. Lack of water not only causes dehydration but also Urinary Tract Infections in cats. So, make sure that your fur baby drinks sufficient water throughout the day.

How do indoor cats get UTIs?

Cats contract Urinary Tract Infections when harmful bacteria enter their bladder. Does that mean cats that live indoors won’t get UTIs? No. Cats make use of a litter box to excrete every day. If you do not clean this box regularly, it can turn into a breeding ground for countless deadly bacteria. Hence, as a cat parent, you must clean the litter box at least twice daily. The bacteria around your cat's faeces can enter its urethra every time your fur baby urinates. While this is one of the major causes of UTI in indoor cats, sudden changes in their routine, stress, and poor immunity can also lead to Urinary Tract Infections.

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Kitten Basics: How to Keep Your Kitten in Good Health

Kitten Basics: How to Keep Your Kitten in Good Health-mob

Raising a Healthy Kitten: The Ultimate Guide to Kitten Care

A newborn cat brings endless love and laughter to any household. However, as a new kitten parent, it is important to understand that caring for a kitten is not just about feeding and playing with them. Kittens have specific dietary needs, and it is important to provide them with high-quality kitten food that meets their nutritional requirements. Regular grooming, vaccination, and preventive care are essential in keeping your kitten healthy and free from diseases. This guide will give you all the information you need to raise a healthy kitten and ensure that it grows into a happy and healthy adult cat.

Requirements for keeping your kitten in good health

Keep your kitten clean: Regular grooming and bathing will help keep your kitten's coat shiny and free of parasites. Use a mild shampoo and do not forget to dry its coat thoroughly after a bath. This will help remove dirt and debris from the coat and prevent skin infections.
Provide adequate nutrients: Kittens have specific dietary needs, and it's essential to provide them with high-quality kitten food that meets their nutritional requirements. Kitten food is formulated to give them the essential nutrients they need during their growth stage.
Provide socialization: Kittens are social creatures, and it's important to provide them with plenty of opportunities to interact with other cats and humans. This will help them develop their social skills and prevent any behavioural issues in the future.
Take preventive measures against diseases: Regular visits to the vet, vaccinations and preventative care will help keep your kitten healthy and free from diseases. By staying up to date with your kitty’s vaccinations, you can keep serious and fatal diseases at bay.

Kitten development milestones

Check out the below table to understand how a cat develops with time:

Age	Milestone
5 to 6 months old	Sexual maturity
8 months old	Full set of adult teeth
9 months old	Comparable digestion ability to adult
12 months old (female) and 18 months old (male)	Reach adult body weight
Between 10 to 12 months of age	Energy requirements go down to adult levels

Want to know how old your cat is in human years? Check out the below table and find out:

Life stage	Cat age	Cat age in human years
Kitten	0 to 1 month old	0 to 1 years old
2 months old	2 years old
3 months old	4 years old
4 months old	6 years old
5 months old	8 years old
6 months old	10 years old
Junior	7 months old	12 years old
12 months old	15 years old
18 months old	21 years old
2 years old	24 years old
Adult	3 years old	28 years old
4 years old	32 years old
5 years old	36 years old
6 years old	40 years old
Mature	7 years old	44 years old
8 years old	48 years old
9 years old	52 years old
10 years old	56 years old
Senior	11 years old	60 years old
12 years old	64 years old
13 years old	68 years old
14 years old	72 years old
Super senior	15 years old	76 years old
16 years old	80 years old
17 years old	84 years old
18 years old	88 years old
19 years old	92 years old
20 years old	96 years old
21 years old	100 years old
22 years old	104 years old
23 years old	108 years old
24 years old	112 years old
25 years old	116 years old

Checklist for your kitten's body conditions

Ears: Check for any signs of infection, such as redness or discharge
Eyes: Look for any signs of discharge or cloudiness
Nose: Check for any signs of discharge or congestion
Mouth: Look for any signs of inflammation or infection
Skin and Coat: Check for any signs of parasites, such as fleas or ticks
Nails: Check for any signs of overgrowth or cracking
Attitude: Look for any signs of lethargy or depression
Digestion: Watch for any signs of constipation or diarrhoea
Thirst: Make sure your kitten is drinking enough water

In conclusion, raising a healthy kitten requires a lot of care and attention, but with the right knowledge and commitment, you can ensure that your kitten grows into a happy and healthy adult cat. Always consult your veterinarian for any questions or concerns, and don't hesitate to seek advice or guidance. With the right care and love, your kitten will bring you years of joy and companionship.

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