Cat Urinary Tract Infection

Did you know that there are urinary conditions that can affect your cat other than a urinary tract infection? It is more common for cats to experience feline lower urinary tract disease. Here, our Killen vets share more information about cat urinary tract infections and other conditions that affect their urinary system.

Urinary Tract Infections in Cats

While it can be easy to refer to all cat urinary issues as urinary tract infections or UTIs, it is actually more common for cats to experience feline lower urinary tract disease or FLUTD. Either way, these urinary tract conditions more commonly affect older male cats.

Cat urinary tract infections (UTIs) can also be caused by an endocrine disease such as hyperthyroidism or diabetes. 

The most common symptoms of urinary tract infections in cats include straining to urinate, reduced amounts of urine, not urinating at all, pain or discomfort when urinating, passing urine tinged with blood, and urinating around the house, outside of the litter box.

If your cat is showing any of the symptoms listed above it could indicate that they are suffering from UTI or FLUTD. Either way, you must seek veterinary care for your feline friend. 

The Effects of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)

FLUTD, Feline lower urinary tract disease is an umbrella term that refers to numerous clinical symptoms. FLUTD can cause issues in your cat’s urethra and bladder, often leading the urethra to become obstructed, or preventing your cat's bladder from emptying properly. These conditions can be serious or even life-threatening if left untreated.

Urinating can be difficult, painful, or impossible for cats suffering from FLUTD. They may also urinate more frequently, or in inappropriate areas outside their litter box (occasionally on surfaces that are cool to the touch such as a tile floor or bathtub).

The Causes of Cat Urinary Tract Infections and FLUTD

Urinary tract disease in cats and FLUTD are difficult to diagnose and treat since there are multiple causes and contributing factors to this disease. Crystals, stones, or debris can gradually build up in your cat's urethra - the tube connecting the bladder to the outside of your cat’s body - or bladder.

Some other common causes of lower urinary tract issues in cats include:

• Incontinence due to excessive water consumption or weak bladder
• Spinal cord issues
• Urethral plug caused by the accumulation of debris from urine
• Bladder infection, inflammation, urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Injury or tumor in the urinary tract
• Congenital abnormalities
• Emotional or environmental stressors

Urinary tract disease in cats is most often diagnosed in overweight, middle-aged cats who have little to no access to the outdoors, eat a dry food diet or do not get enough physical activity. However, cats of any age can suffer from FLUTD. Male cats are also more prone to urinary diseases since they have a narrower urethra that is more likely to become blocked.

If your kitty is diagnosed with FLUTD it is essential to determine the underlying cause. FLUTD symptoms can be caused by a range of serious underlying health issues from bladder stones or infection to cancer or a blockage.

If your vet is unable to determine the cause of your cat's FLUTD, your kitty may be diagnosed with a urinary tract infection called cystitis which is inflammation of the bladder. If this is the case, your vet will prescribe your cat an antibiotic to help fight off the UTI. 

The Symptoms of Cat Urinary Tract Infections

If your cat has FLUTD or a cat urinary tract infection you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:

Any bladder or urinary issues must be treated as early as possible. Allowing the condition to go untreated could lead to a completely blocked urethra. This is an emergency as your cat will not be able to pee at all and could experience kidney failure or a ruptured bladder. FLUTD can quickly be fatal if there is an obstruction that is not eliminated immediately.

How Urinary Tract Infections in Cats Are Diagnosed

If your cat is experiencing any of the symptoms associated with urinary conditions you should contact the vet right away to schedule an appointment. If your cat is straining to urinate or crying out in pain contact your vet, or the nearest emergency vet as soon as possible - your cat may be experiencing a veterinary emergency.

Your vet will perform a complete physical exam to help assess your cat's symptoms and perform a urinalysis to get further insight into your kitty's condition. They may also do additional diagnostic testing, such as an X-ray or bloodwork to help them diagnose your cat's condition. 

Cat Urinary Tract Infection Recovery

Urinary tract issues can lead to other more serious complications and should be addressed sooner rather than later in order to avoid further issues. While the specific treatment that your cat receives will depend on their condition, some of the common treatment options include:

• Increasing your kitty's water consumption
• Antibiotics or medication to relieve symptoms
• Modified diet
• Expelling of small stones through the urethra
• Urinary acidifiers
• Fluid therapy
• Urinary catheter or surgery for male cats to remove urethral blocks

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

Are you concerned that your cat is experiencing the painful symptoms of a UTI or FLUTD? Contact our Killen vets to schedule an examination