How Do You Know if a Cat Has a Urinary Tract Infection

marzo 15, 2022 Publicar un comentario

Cat Urinary Tract Infection - Symptoms, Treatment & Recovery

Cat urinary tract infections are rare compared to the occurrence of UTIs in dogs, all the same older cats oftentimes experience a host of other urinary tract issues that cause similar symptoms. Today our vets in Somerset Canton NJ share the symptoms, causes and treatments for urinary tract infections and diseases in cats.

Urinary Tract Infection - Cat UTI

While urinary tract problems are ofttimes seen in cats, nosotros most often encounter urinary tract disease rather than actual infections.

When cats practice develop urinary tract infections it is oftentimes a sign that they are suffering from an underlying endocrine affliction, such as hyperthyroidism or diabetes mellitus. About cats that experience these illnesses - accompanied by urinary tract issues - are 10 years of historic period or older.

True cat's that are diagnosed with urinary tract infections such equally cystitis are typically prescribed an antibacterial to help fight the infection.

The most mutual symptoms of urinary tract infections in cats include straining to urinate, reduced amounts of urine, not urinating at all, hurting or discomfort when urinating, passing urine tinged with blood and urinating effectually the firm, exterior of the litter box.

If your cat is showing whatsoever of the symptoms listed above they may be suffering from a UTI but these symptoms could also be an indication of a feline lower urinary tract disease or FLUTD.

Feline Urinary Tract Affliction - FLUTD

FLUTD, Feline lower urinary tract disease is actually a general term referring to a cluster of clinical symptoms. FLUTD can cause issues in your cat's urethra and bladder, oft leading the urethra to go obstructed, or preventing your cat's bladder from emptying properly. These conditions tin be serious or even life-threatening if left untreated.

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

Causes of Feline Urinary Tract Disease

Since at that place are multiple causes and contributing factors associated with FLUTD it can exist a tricky condition to diagnose and treat. Crystals, stones or debris can gradually build up in your true cat'south urethra - the tube connecting the bladder to the exterior of your true cat's body - or bladder.

Other causes of lower urinary tract bug in cats include:

Incontinence due to excessive water consumption or weak float
Spinal cord bug
Urethral plug caused by the accumulation of droppings from urine
Bladder infection, inflammation, urinary tract infection (UTI)
Injury or tumor in the urinary tract
Built abnormalities
Emotional or environmental stressors

Overweight, middle-aged cats who have niggling to no access to outdoors, eat a dry out food diet or do not get plenty physical activeness are more susceptible to urinary tract issues, although cats of any age can go the status. Male cats are as well more prone to urinary diseases since their narrower urethras are more than likely to become blocked.

Using an indoor litter box, emotional or environmental stress, multi-cat households or sudden changes to their everyday routine can too leave cats more than vulnerable to urinary tract illness.

If your kitty is diagnosed with FLUTD it is essential to make up one's mind the underlying cause. FLUTD symptoms can be caused by serious underlying wellness bug such equally bladder stones, infections, cancer or a blockage.

If your vet is unable to determine the cause of your true cat's FLUTD, your kitty may be diagnosed with a urinary tract infection chosen cystitis which is inflammation of the float.

Symptoms of Feline Urinary Tract Affliction in Cats

The following are some of the near common symptoms associated with urinary tract issues in cats:

Inability to urinate
Loss of bladder command
Urinating pocket-size amounts
Urinating more than usual or in inappropriate settings
Avoidance or fear of litter box
Potent ammonia odor in urine

Hard or distended belly
Cloudy or encarmine urine
Drinking more than water than usual
Excessive licking of genital surface area
Sluggishness
Vomiting

The symptoms to a higher place indicate a serious medical issue that could quickly lead to kidney failure or rupture of the bladder. FLUTD can quickly be fatal if there is an obstacle that is not eliminated immediately.

Diagnosis of Feline Urinary Tract Disease

If you believe that your feline friend may be having issues with their lower urinary tract, contact your veterinarian direct away, especially if your cat is straining to urinate or showing signs of pain.

Your vet will perform a consummate concrete exam to help assess your cat'southward symptoms and perform a urinalysis to get further insight into your cat'due south condition. Radiographs, blood work and a urine culture may as well need be washed.

True cat Urinary Tract Infection Recovery

Urinary issues in cats can be complex and serious, so the first step should be to make an appointment with your veterinary every bit soon as possible. The underlying cause of your cat'due south urinary symptoms will dictate which handling is prescribed, merely may include:

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

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