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 Constipation And It's Remedy
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You've just got a new, adorable kitten, and its curiosity and playful nature fill your home with joy. However, one fine day, you notice that your little feline friend is a bit off its game. It seems to be in discomfort and eats barely anything. Moreover, you haven't seen anything in its litter box for a while. Could it be kitten constipation?

What is kitten constipation?

Just like in humans, kitten constipation is a condition where your kitten might find it difficult to have a bowel movement. In some cases, this discomfort can be severe and life-threatening, especially if left untreated for more than 48 hours.

Kitten constipation symptoms

While different kittens may present different symptoms, here are some commonly observed kitten constipation symptoms:

Lack of faeces production: If your kitten hasn't produced any faeces for 24-48 hours, it may be a sign of constipation.
Straining to defecate: Your kitten seems to be struggling in the litter box but produces nothing or very small, hard pieces of faeces.
Loss of appetite: Your kitten isn't eating as much as it used to.
Lethargy: The usually playful and curious kitten is spending more time sleeping and seems less interested in activities.
Bloating or vomiting: If your kitten's tummy seems bloated, or it is vomiting, it could be due to constipation.

Common causes of kitten constipation

Kitten constipation can occur due to a variety of factors, such as:

Dehydration: Just like in humans, lack of sufficient water intake can lead to constipation in kittens.
Ingestion of indigestible items: Kittens love to play, but if they end up swallowing items like ribbons or hair ties, it could lead to a blockage in their digestive system.
Lack of defecation stimulation: Unweaned kittens require stimulation to defecate. If this isn't done, they might get constipated.
Intestinal parasites: Heavy parasitic infections in the intestines can also cause constipation.
Neurological or other diseases: Certain neurological conditions or diseases affecting the hindquarters can lead to constipation in kittens.
Now that we've covered what kitten constipation is, let's dive into how we can help our little furry pals.

Treating kitten constipation

In a case where your kitten is still active and eating, some home remedies can help alleviate their discomfort. However, if the kitten constipation symptoms persist, or if your kitten becomes less active and stops eating, it's time to seek veterinary assistance.

At the vet, treatments may include fluid injections, enemas, or x-rays to check for blockages. In severe cases, the vet may perform procedures to manually remove the blocked faeces or even surgery.

Home remedies for kitten constipation

Your kitten's health and comfort are paramount. If you spot the initial signs of constipation, there are some home remedies you can try before visiting the vet:

Keep your kitten hydrated: Hydration is crucial in preventing constipation. Make sure your kitten always has access to fresh water. If your kitten is fond of dry food, consider adding some water to it to increase their fluid intake.
Add fibre to your kitten's diet: A little bit of fibre can work wonders for constipation. Consider adding a spoonful of canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix) to your kitten's food for a kitten constipation remedy. Moreover, you can incorporate IAMS Proactive Health Mother and Kitten food in your pet’s day-to-day meals to ensure sufficient fibre intake. This kitten food also contains FOS natural prebiotic to improve gut health and digestion.
Get your kitten moving: Just like in humans, physical activity can help stimulate bowel movements in kittens. Engage your kitten in fun, physical activities to keep them active.
Continue observing your kitten: Monitor your kitten closely. If the symptoms worsen or persist for more than a day, it's time to call the vet.

Recovery and management of kitten constipation

Recovery from kitten constipation is generally swift once the obstruction is removed, but it's crucial to address the underlying cause to prevent recurrence. Follow your vet's instructions to the letter, which may include finishing a prescribed medication course and maintaining regular deworming and fecal checks.

Remember, our adorable little kittens rely on us for their well-being. Being proactive in understanding kitten constipation symptoms and causes can help ensure your kitten stays happy, healthy, and ready to explore the exciting world around them.

Don't hesitate to reach out to a vet if you're unsure. With a little love, care, and the right kitten constipation remedy, your kitten will be back to their playful, cuddly self in no time.
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