UTI Symptoms in Felines
Cats can get urinary tract infections (UTIs) when bacteria grow in the bladder or other parts of the urinary tract. There are several different reasons why bacteria would gain entry into the urinary tract. According to "ASPCA Complete Guide to Cats" (James R. Richards, DVM; 1999), those causes can range from deformities to muscle weakness as a result of aging. Whatever the reason, UTIs in cats are usually treatable.
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Incontinence
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According to "Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook" (Delbert G. Carlson, DVM, et al; 1995), one of the most common UTI symptoms in cats is urinating outside of the litter box. That is because the need to urinate is suddenly so urgent that the cat cannot make it to the litter box in time. The cat may only dribble a little or urinate in greater quantities.
Frequency
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Although some cats with UTIs have difficulty in passing urine, others may urinate far more than usual. That is usually accompanied by an increase in thirst. Those symptoms can also be signs of a kidney disorder or feline diabetes, so the cat should be seen by a veterinarian right away.
Even if you do not see the cat drinking constantly or urinating frequently, if you have to refill the water bowl and clean the litter more often, then the cat may have a UTI.
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Pain Symptoms
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Cats are usually silent when they urinate. They should not cry out, growl or screech. Some cats, panicked by the pain of urinating with a UTI, may not cry out but begin to pant with their mouths open. Another sign of pain in some cats is that they will flatten their ears and squat determinedly for a long time in the litter pan, even though only a couple of drops of urine are produced.
Color
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If a cat is missing the litter box, you may be able to see the urine color, especially if the cat goes on a tiled floor. Normal cat urine is a pale yellow. If it is cloudy, has a lot of mucus-like material or is bloody, then that could be a sign of a UTI. If the cat urine is very dark, then that also can be a sign of infection.
Body Shape
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If the cat has not been able to empty its bladder regularly, the abdomen may appear distended, giving the cat a bloated appearance. The cat will not like being touched around the abdomen and may hiss, bite, scratch or run away when touched in that area.
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