Has your cat had a urinary tract problem? Unfortunately, this is not entirely uncommon.
In order to alleviate the circumstances for your fur-clad darling as much as possible, it is important to know what the disease is and means.
Urinary tract problems in cats are not uncommon – especially not in the elderly and overweight.
In the case of cats, urinary tract problems are most often caused by inflammation of the urethra and bladder, rather than by a bacterial invasion.
A stressed cat is extra sensitive
So why does the cat suffer from urinary tract problems? The answer to the question is not entirely straightforward, nor does it always follow the same pattern. Sometimes there is simply no explanation behind why the cat is affected.
However, you can often see that an unexplained inflammation occurs when the cat has been exposed to stress, such as during a move.
Therefore, be a little extra vigilant at these for the cat, dizzying occasions.
Signs and symptoms of urinary tract infection
The urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria from the outer parts of the urinary tract migrate into the bladder to cause an infection and inflammation in its wall. Bacteria can also be spread through the bloodstream – even if it is unusual.
Cats that have a urinary tract infection or inflammation often urinate, which is a symptom you should react to. Just like with humans, it is painful for the cat and even if the urination takes place more frequently, there is only a little at a time. Sometimes there may even be blood in the urine.
Other signs and symptoms to keep an eye on are the general condition.
Does the cat seem tired, eat less and drink more?
Does the cat have a fever?
If your cat moans unusually much, shakes or makes other sounds that indicate pain, you should of course react.
More symptoms to keep track of:
- Turbid urine
- Loses control of the bladder and urinates unevenly
- Hooks for a long time in the litter box
- Avoid the litter box and pee a little anywhere
- Constantly licks the urine opening
- Strong smell of ammonia in the urine
- Vomiting
It is important to see a veterinarian
In addition to analyzing the symptoms, your job is to take the animal to the vet to get a diagnosis. At the vet, the cat undergoes various tests such as blood tests and urine tests.
Depending on what the results show and what type of problem the cat has suffered, treatment will be initiated. If it is an infection, the veterinarian will probably want to grow the sample to see more specifically which bacteria it is. In this way, the most effective antibiotic can be used.
X-rays and ultrasounds of the lower urinary tract can reveal the presence of stone formation or other damage. Then the veterinarian will recommend treatment methods for these diseases as well.
Prevent urinary tract problems
Yes, there are actually measures to take to minimize the risk of urinary tract disease in your cat. A trick is to always have several water bowls with fresh water, in order to encourage the cat to drink more. Excessive water intake can, however, cause weak bladder and incontinence.
A large and clean litter box, preferably several, stimulates the cat to urinate more often, which is positive. Also make sure that the cat lives in a safe environment without unnecessary stress and that the weight is kept at a good level.