Urinary Tract Infections In Cats

Urinary tract infections can be a medical problem for cats. Urinary tract infections can have many causes. The urinary tract infection may be caused by a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection. The urinary tract infection can be a symptom of another medical condition like cancer. Urinary stones are the most common cause of urinary tract infections. These crystals can completely block the urethra and prevent urination.

A cat with a urinary tract infection may make frequent attempts to urinate. Often, a cat with a urinary tract infection will strain will attempting to urinate. The cat may meow or howl while attempting to urinate. Attempts to urinate are often ineffective and result in little to no urine. Sometimes, there is blood in the urine.

Cats with urinary cat infections may urinate outside the litter box. They may prefer to use a cool surface, such as a tile floor. A cat with a urinary tract infection commonly will lick its genital region.
Some urinary tract conditions can become fatal. Therefore, it is important for the cat owner to consult a veterinarian when the symptoms occur. The veterinarian may diagnose and treat the cause of the urinary tract infection. A urine sample may be collected as a cat urinates in the veterinarian’s office or directly from the bladder by a needle. Treatment is dependent on the cause of the infection and the severity of the urinary tract infection.

A severe urinary tract infection in cats may require catheterization. The catheterization of cats typically requires general anesthesia. Some cats that have had a urinary tract infection may experience multiple recurrences of the infections.

As more is becoming understood about the causes of urinary tract infections in cats, the more information is available to help cat owners prevent the occurrence of these infections. Stress is a possible risk factor of urinary tract infection. Cat owners are encouraged to keep stress to a manageable level for the cats in their care. Major changes in the cats’ lives and having more than two cats in the household can produce high levels of anxiety and stress. Too many dietary changes also tend to increase stress.