You should not try to treat the UTI at home with things like cranberry products, which have not been proven to be effective for UTIs in cats. For female cats, feed them canned food only and see the vet within 24 hours. For male cats, it can be fatal to wait even a few hours. If you see any signs of UTI in your cat, take them to the vet. Occasionally, acute infections-especially first-time infections that show up suddenly-are treated with a broad-spectrum antibiotic without trying to determine which bacteria are involved.Ĭhronic infections, however, almost always require more testing to isolate the type of bacteria causing the problem and identify the best antibiotic. This helps the vet determine the best antibiotics for your cat’s exact infection. During this test, the bacteria are isolated and studied. This is necessary to prevent contamination of the urine sample from cups, tables, or any other surface the urine may come into contact with.Īfter cystocentesis, your veterinarian will run a culture-and-sensitivity test. These samples must be collected through a process called cystocentesis, where urine is drawn directly from the bladder with a fine needle. Vets diagnose urinary tract infections by collecting a urine sample and examining it for the presence of bacteria. If your cat is older or has other medical conditions, they are more likely to develop bacterial urinary tract problems. The bacteria involved in UTIs usually come from either the gastrointestinal tract or lower down the urinary/reproductive tract. Causes of Urinary Tract Infections in Catsīoth sudden and chronic urinary tract infections are caused by bacterial infections. However, some cats with the chronic form show no signs of disease. In most cases, acute (sudden) and chronic urinary tract infections will cause very similar symptoms. Your cat also may vomit and seem lethargic as the problem progresses-especially male cats. Sinks, bathtubs, and clean laundry are popular spots. Instead, they may urinate in other places in your home. Some cats will avoid the litter box because they have associated it with the discomfort caused by the UTI. Occasionally, their urine may appear bloody. They may go into the box and strain to pee but produce either a small amount of urine or no urine at all. Most cats with urinary tract infections will make frequent trips to the litter box and seem restless. Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections in Cats Chronic infections, or those that do not respond to regular medication, can require more testing to figure out why your cat is at higher risk for urinary tract infections. Bacterial urinary tract infections in cats are generally relatively easy to treat and respond well to medications. In most cases, UTIs in cats are usually caused by bacteria. Fortunately, by running some simple tests, your veterinarian will be able to tell the difference. Only 1-3% of cats with signs of urinary tract disease will have a urinary tract infection.īecause they can resemble so many other conditions, UTIs need to be distinguished from other conditions, such as crystals in the urine. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are not common in cats. What Are Urinary Tract Infections in Cats?
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