Cat Bladder Infections

A bladder infection in a cat, or any other pet, is similar to bladder infection found in a human, both resulting in intense pain and discomfort. An inflamed bladder in a cat can mean anything from a bacterial infection, to interstitial cystitis (frequent urination), to urinary stones that can block the bladder, which could even be life-threatening. If you think your cat might have some of these symptoms, you should take it to a veterinarian immediately to seek treatment.

What Causes a Bladder Infection

A bladder infection in a cat is typically caused by bladder stones in the urinary tract, a bacterial infection, or could be related to the animal's food. Some dry commercial pet foods, if stored for long periods of time in inappropriate storage areas, can lead to a risk of E.Coli bacteria, as well as contribute to a bladder infection. A bladder infection may also be caused by high ash and mineral content found in some dry foods. Your cat can also suffer from a bladder infection from other problems like being too dehydrated, or even feeling to much stress.

Symptoms of a Bladder Infection

If you have noticed your cat strain to urinate, or urinate on a frequent basis, he might be suffering from a bladder infection. You may also notice excessive straining in your cat when it is trying to urinate, as well as absent urination, where your cat looks as if it is trying to urinate, but with no urine coming out. It is also not uncommon to notice an unusual meowing while urinating, almost as if the cat was crying. Other signs you might want to be aware of is blood in the urine, your cat excessively cleaning its genitals or excessive vomiting.

Diagnosing a Bladder Infection

If you suspect that your cat might be suffering from some of these symptoms, the best idea would be to take him your veterinarian as soon as possible. Upon diagnosis, several tests may be performed to spot an active bladder infection. The veterinarian might include a urinalysis test, that will include a bacterial urine culture, to test if there is any bacterial infection currently present in your cat's urine.

The veterinarian will also feel for bladder stones by pressing on the bladder to see if there might be a blockage of some kind. If the veterinarian suspects that there might be some kind of blockage caused by a bladder stone, she can insert a needle into the cat's bladder to draw out a urine sample, and relieve bladder pressure. The veterinarian might also test for blood, or bladder stone forming crystals in the cat's urine sample, as well as checking the pH levels in a cat's urine. An overly acidic pH level in the cat's urine may be a tell-tale sign of a bacterial infection.

Treatment Options

Bladder infection in a cat is typically treated with antibiotics, or other anti-inflammatory type medicines. This may relieve symptoms, but may not work to treat the root of the problem. The antibiotics work to kill harmful bacteria located in your cat's urinary tract, but also may kill necessary, healthy bacteria in the process. If you see signs of your cat's urinary problems repeatedly coming back, you may want to discuss some other types of treatments, whether it be natural remedies, or a change in the cat's diet, which might work to ease your cat's symptoms

Other treatments may include hydrating your cat, either by changing your cat's diet and ensuring that he drinks more water, or by a vet-administer IV. This will help to prevent further formation of crystals in your cat's urine, as well as balance pH levels. Your vet may also insert a catheter into your cat's urethra to dislodge any blockage.

Natural Herbs for Treatment Options

Well known herbs, such as Berberis vulgaris and Arctostaphylos uva ursi, are both found to have powerful antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties which might help to treat a cat's urinary infection. These herbs also work to the strengthen a cat's immune system as well as reduce inflammation.

References

• Pet MD
• Excellent resource on cat urinary problems
• Resource on cat bladder infections

Resources

• Little Big Cat website