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Some typical symptoms have brought you and your cat to the veterinarian’s office; urinating outside of the litter box, crying out
during urination, blood in the urine, frequently urinating small amounts, and perhaps even licking of the genital area. These
behaviors all point to the likelihood of a urinary tract infection.
The next step is to properly diagnose your cat’s condition by collecting a urine sample, usually by cystocentesis. For this type of
procedure, a fine needle, guided by an ultrasound probe, is inserted directly into your cat’s bladder to obtain a sample that is free
from contamination. Diagnostics are then performed to confirm or rule out an infection.
Once a diagnosis of infection is confirmed, treatment may begin. Treating urinary tract infections typically consists of antibiotic
therapy, pain medication, antioxidants, and/or immune system support. Follow-up urinalyses are going to be necessary to monitor
progress of your cat’s recovery. Since the bacteria involved in these infections can be resistant and opportunistic, changes of
antibiotics may be necessary during the course of your cat’s treatment. These changes of medication may add considerable time to
your cat’s treatment plan.
. If your cat’s infection involves the formation of crystals in their urine, a change of diet may also be necessary. Certain types of
crystals require your cat to be fed a special prescription diet to help dissolve the crystals and to prevent future infections and
bladder stones. Also, certain high quality cat foods can help to normalize the pH levels in the urine which can minimize crystal
formation and aid in maintaining urinary tract health. If a special food is prescribed for your cat, it is extremely important that your
cat stays on this diet until your veterinarian advises you to do otherwise.
It is also very important that cats with a urinary tract infection or cats prone to urinary tract problems drink plenty of fresh water
every day. To help facilitate this, chicken broth may be added to the cat’s drinking water to make it more enticing. A “drinking
fountain” type water bowl that has circulating water running at all times is available online or at most pet stores. Cats find running
water very appealing and they tend to drink more from these types of bowls. Whichever type of water bowl you offer, make sure
they are cleaned thoroughly and frequently to prevent a build-up of fungus and bacteria that may affect your cat’s health and
exacerbate an existing urinary tract infection.
Rounds of different antibiotics, dietary changes, urine rechecks, and the cost and time involved can be very frustrating for most cat
owners but stopping treatment too soon will increase the chances of a relapse. Unlike urinary tract infections in humans where we
are given a 5-day super pack of antibiotics, told to drink a gallon of cranberry juice, and “bam” we’re done, cats take a little more
time and patience. Owner compliance makes all the difference in treating these difficult health problems and your reward will be a
happy, healthy cat (who doesn’t pee in the sink).
| Oh No, My Cat Has a Urinary Tract Infection Sabyl Myers |