- VEG
- 1 day ago
- 9 min read
Maybe you’ve noticed your cat has started urinating outside the litter box, or has been visiting it more often than usual with little or no urine coming out. While these behaviors may not seem alarming at first, they can be signs of a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) - a condition that requires prompt veterinary attention.
VEG ER for Pets emergency animal hospitals are open 24/7 to help diagnose and treat your cat’s urinary tract issue.
Does my cat have a UTI?
Discerning if your cat has a UTI is best left to a professional vet. Never try to diagnose your cat's issues; although you have the best intentions for your cat, you could miss a clue that could make the difference between something that would have been easily treatable at the vet or "waiting it out" and it becoming worse for your cat without proper treatment.
There are some definite UTI signs to watch out for, which we list below. If you spot any signs, treat it as an emergency, as your cat is likely in discomfort or pain.
Let's explore what a UTI is and how cats get it.
What is a UTI in cats and what causes it?
UTIs in cats can occur as a result of bacteria entering your cat’s urinary tract system (bladder, urethra, ureter tubes, kidneys). This can happen if:
Your cat’s litter box isn’t regularly and properly cleaned
Underlying medical issues that can weaken the immune system, like diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or kidney disease
Your cat has poor grooming habits possibly stemming from arthritis or obesity, making it difficult for them to properly clean themselves
Though rare, congenital defects such as ectopic ureters where these tubes attach to the urethra or vagina instead of the bladder, causes urine from the kidneys to bypass the bladder, resulting in incontinence or constant dribbling, leaving the area more susceptible to infection
Bladder stones, crystals, polyps or tumors that hinder urine flow can create an environment conducive to bacterial growth
Medications that weaken your cat’s immune system
Stress and dehydration
How common are UTIs in cats?
Studies vary, but here in the United States, it’s estimated that UTIs are diagnosed in about 3% of cats. This number spikes to over 35% in cats over the age of 10.
What is an FIC in cats?
Nearly 65% of cats younger than 10 with urinary tract issues are diagnosed with Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC). This can have very similar symptoms to UTIs but with no definitive cause (hence the term “idiopathic”). What that means, is that when your vet runs tests to determine the cause of your cat’s urinary tract symptoms, and results rule out bacterial infections, blockages, stones or crystals, they can assume the diagnosis is FIC.
FICs can happen when chronic stress increases the nerve fiber density in the bladder wall, making your cat more sensitive to bladder pain and urinary discomfort. Cats are sensitive creatures by nature, (you already knew that!) attuned to their environment and daily routine. Disruptions such as moving, the addition of another pet or child, or changes in food or litter can cause stress and trigger FIC.
Treatment for FIC focuses on pain management and lifestyle changes whereas UTIs include a course of antibiotics along with pain relief. FICs are recurrent in anywhere from 45%-65% of cats in the first 3 years after initial diagnoses.
It is critical to understand that FIC is not a benign condition just because bacterial infections, stones, or crystals aren’t involved. Inflammation of the bladder lining, especially if chronic or severe, can result in mucus plug formation (a mix of cellular debris, proteins and blood released by the inflamed bladder) that can block the urethra, especially in males. Urethral spasms can also occur, constricting the tube to the point where urine flow is blocked.
Signs & symptoms of UTIs in Cats
Now that you know what a UTI is, let's discuss what it looks like. If you spot the signs early, it can save your cat a lot of grief, anxiety, and pain.
Signs of cat's UTI
Litter box avoidance
Straining to urinate
Increased urination
Unproductive attempts to urinate or small amounts of urine produced
Blood in urine or urine that is dark or cloudy
Urine that smells stronger than usual
Vocalizing (howling, crying) while urinating
Licking of the genital area
Vomiting, distended abdomen
Note: Though rare, some cats with UTIs are asymptomatic. If your cat has not urinated more than a few drops in 8 hours or more, take them to your nearest VEG ER for Pets emergency cat hospital for evaluation.
Urinary problems in cats should be treated asap
Why the rush for treatment? Urinary tract problems are a serious medical issue. UTIs in cats fall under a larger veterinary distinction known as Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD). The lower urinary tract includes the bladder and the urethra - the tube that carries urine from the bladder to where it’s expelled from the body.
There are a number of lower urinary tract issues that can affect your cat, some more time-critical than others:
UTIs
Bladder stones or obstructions of the urethra
Crystals in the urine (Crystalluria)
Polyps or tumors anywhere throughout the lower urinary tract
Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC)
Symptoms for these conditions can be very similar, which is why a suspected UTI should be treated as a medical emergency to correctly diagnose life-threatening conditions like blockages which can be fatal in as little as 24-48 hours.
Can male cats get UTIs?
Due to their anatomy, male cats are particularly vulnerable to more severe urinary tract issues. Their long, narrow urethra puts them at higher risk for life-threatening obstructions, shortening their time from when symptoms first appear to critical health crisis to hours, not days.
Risks of untreated UTIs
Kidney infections/kidney disease are risks of untreated UTIs, as are urinary blockages - one of the most serious concerns.
Kidney stones and/or crystals can develop from untreated bladder infections. These are very painful for your cat and can trigger further inflammation. They can also cause partial or complete urinary blockages resulting in possible bladder rupture, loss of kidney function, sepsis, and even death.
Factors that make cats more susceptible to UTIs
Gender
Both female and male cats can get UTIs. Female cats - particularly older ones - tend to get bacterial UTIs more frequently than males due to their shorter, wider urethras, while male cats tend to have more blockage-based UTIs due to their longer, more narrow urethras.
Problems with urination in young male cats should be treated as medical emergencies since they are almost always due to some type of life-threatening blockage.
Medical Conditions
Pre-existing health conditions that compromise your cat’s immune system can leave them more vulnerable to UTIs. These conditions include but aren’t limited to, diabetes, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and obesity.
Environment
A sedentary lifestyle, dehydration, low-moisture diets, and poor litter box hygiene are all contributing factors to increased UTI risk.
Breeds
Certain breeds may be more susceptible to UTIs for varied reasons:
Abyssinian - Higher genetic risk for UTIs than many other breeds.
British Short Hair - Tendencies of diet sensitivities and possible low water intake due to their flat facial structure that can affect drinking posture.
Burmese - Susceptible to kidney stones.
Himalayan - Inherent quiet temperament/low pain threshold can make them more sensitive to stressors.
Maine Coon - Genetic factors affecting kidney function that may increase mineral content in urine.
Persian - Genetic predisposition to bladder stones/high stress sensitivity.
Ragdoll - Can be picky drinkers leading to low water intake/high stress sensitivity.
Siamese - Genetic predisposition to bladder stones.
How are UTIs diagnosed in cats?
Unless your cat is displaying emergency symptoms that need immediate care, your primary care vet can diagnose this issue. Your vet will likely perform a complete physical examination to assess your cat’s current state of health and to diagnose any underlying health issues.
Diagnosing a cat for UTI; steps a vet may take
Your vet should take bloodwork for an overall health panel.
Your vet will lightly press on your cat’s bladder and kidneys to assess pain reaction as well as to feel for any blockages.
A urinalysis will be performed to check for the presence of bacteria, blood, or crystals, pH levels and enzyme count. This will also help determine: how concentrated your cat’s urine is. If ketones or glucose is present, it can indicate diabetes; protein levels to help assess kidney function; and the presence of bilirubin which can indicate liver issues or bile duct obstructions.
A urine culture will be performed to determine the particular type of bacteria that may be present, and to ensure the proper antibiotic is being given. (Your vet may provide your kitty with a general antibiotic before the urine culture comes back to begin treatment but may switch it to something more tailored after the culture results are known).
If your vet suspects a blockage, stones, or crystals, they’ll also perform an x-ray or ultrasound for additional confirmation. If your vet cannot perform these tests, your nearest VEG emergency vet hospital is ready to assist with testing.
Treatment for UTI in cats
Antibiotics are typically the first line of treatment for UTIs. This may be in the form of a liquid you can give your cat at home or an injection that allows the antibiotic to stay in your cat’s system for up to 2 weeks. A recheck is imperative after the course of antibiotics is completed to confirm the infection has been cleared.
Your vet might also prescribe pain/anti-inflammatory meds to help keep your kitty more comfortable while healing.
If your vet determines your cat also has urinary crystals or stones, they’ll recommend a prescription diet that will help keep the pH balance of urine at a level that dissolves existing stones and crystals and keeps new ones from forming.
Obstructions found in the urethra are an emergency, requiring immediate care. Your vet may try to dislodge the obstruction by flushing sterile solution through a catheter (narrow tube) placed into your cat’s urethra. The catheter may be left in place for a few days to allow swelling to go down once the obstruction is removed.
Cysts or tumors may have to be surgically removed if they are causing disruption to the urine flow and may be further biopsied to determine if they are cancerous.
How to prevent UTIs in your cat
It’s not always possible to prevent your cat from getting a UTI (or FIC), but there are steps you can take to limit the risk.
How to help your cat not develop a UTI
Have enough litter boxes (usually one per cat, plus an additional box) placed in quiet areas your cat can safely access.
Keep litter boxes clean. Scoop clean twice a day, change litter weekly and deep clean the box with pet-safe soap and water every other week. Fecal waste can cause infections, and dirty litter boxes can stress your kitty out, leading them to hold their urine and triggering a bladder infection. Replace boxes completely once a year, since surface scratches can trap and harbor bacteria.
If you have multiple cats, provide separate areas for sleeping, eating, water, litter box use, scratching, climbing, and play to minimize conflict between cats and allow each cat to be separate from the others if they prefer.
Encourage hydration in your cat. Low water intake can cause dehydration and concentrated urine which can result in crystal formation and bladder inflammation, and/or infection. Cats that only eat dry food are at greater risk. You can help improve your cat’s hydration by:
Always having fresh water available in multiple locations for your cat.
Keeping water bowls accessible but away from litter boxes, which some cats find off-putting.
Moving your cat’s water bowls if they’re not drinking to see if a different location helps.
Seeing if a slightly warmer or cooler water temperature encourages your cat to drink.
Adding cat-safe bone broth (salt-free, no harmful spices) to your cat’s water to see if that encourages your kitty to drink.
Using a cat water fountain. Studies have shown a 30% increase in water consumption by cats using fountains.
Clean water bowls daily with soap and warm water.
Add or switch to wet cat food.
Keep regular primary care vet appointments.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Ensure your cat’s environment is safe and comfortable, and that they have adequate playtime, exercise, and attention to relieve stress.
Talk to your vet about supplementing your cat’s diet with cranberry or apple cider vinegar. While these can be helpful if your cat’s urine pH is too alkaline (which can happen with bacterial infections), they can make your kitty more susceptible to crystal formations if their urine pH becomes too acidic. Don’t guess - discuss!
Change in your cat’s litter box habits? See any VEG ER for Pets emergency vet
VEG ER for Pets emergency vet hospitals are open every day and night of the year, so there’s never a need to wait and worry when it comes to caring for your pet. Call anytime you have questions. No appointment is ever needed; just come in and we’ll take care of you and your cat promptly!
