Cat Urinary Tract Infections
The urinary system of the cat includes the kidneys, the bladder, the urethra and the ureters. A urinary tract infection can occur in any one of these areas or it can occur in several areas at once.
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Common Symptoms
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There are several symptoms that are associated with a urinary tract infection. In cats, one of the most common symptoms is bloody urine. You may not notice bloody urine at first, however some cats may begin to urinate outside their litter box, making the blood apparent. Additional symptoms of a urinary tract infection include difficulty urinating, urinating in unusual places (such as outside the litter box) and licking at the urinary opening, most often due to pain. (See References 1, 2, 3; Resources 1, 2.)
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease
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Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD or FUS) can be fatal if left untreated. Symptoms of FLUTD in cats include pain during urination, which is displayed through meowing or howling, frequent urination or straining to urinate, blood in the urine, depression and vomiting. (See References 2, 3.)
Feline lower urinary tract disease usually occurs due to the imbalance of pH in the urine, decreased water intake, stress, and/or a diet high in magnesium. Your veterinarian will perform a urinalysis to diagnose the cause. Causes of FLUTD include crystals, bacteria, and even red and white blood cells. (See References 2, 3.)
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Bladder Stones
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Bladder stones and urinary crystals can be caused by certain diets. The chances of your cat developing either of these conditions can also be based on genetics. In order to reduce the chance of stones or crystals forming, it's important for your cat to have fresh water on a daily basis. The more water your cat drinks throughout the day, the less likely it is for crystals to form in the urine. When your cat increases his water intake, the frequency of his urination will also increase. Frequent urination leads to the bladder being emptied out on a regular basis, reducing the time for stones or crystals to form. (See References 1, 3.)
Obstruction
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In some cases, an obstruction or "plug" may be present. The obstruction often prevents the cat from urinating. In most cases, male cats (both neutered or intact) are at the highest risk for this condition. This is because the urethra in a male cat is significantly narrower and longer than the female cat's urethra. (See Reference 3.)
Obstructions are usually caused by mineral build-up due to the cat's diet. However urethral plugs can also occur because of bacteria, viral infections, lack of water or decreased water intake, and even stress. Cats with this condition must be seen immediately because if left untreated, cats will become unconscious and die. (See Reference 3.)
Kidney Disease
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In cats, kidney disease or kidney infection can also be associated with a urinary tract infection. However, most cats who suffer from kidney disease are older. Signs of kidney disease include increased water intake and urination, decreased urination or a total lack of urination. There may also be blood in the urine, decreased appetite or vomiting, diarrhea, as well as weight loss, and an overall poor appearance. (See Resource 1.)
Kidney disease should be inspected by your veterinarian who can then provide you with the best approach for treatment. In some cases, cats can die from untreated kidney disease or an infection of the kidney. (See Resource 1.)
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