What Are the Causes of UTI in Cat?

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in cats are often not infections at all. Especially in younger cats, a UTI can describe a variety of symptoms that affect the bladder, including cystitis, bladder stones and crystals. While veterinarians aren't sure what causes these conditions, diet and stress are prime suspects.

Older Cats

Older cats are more prone to urinary tract infections than young cats are. Diabetic cats are most susceptible because sugar spills into the urine, creating a friendly environment for the growth of bacteria.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing the cause of a cat's UTI includes urinalysis, urine culture and sensitivity, and radiographs to determine whether the cat has crystals or stones.

Dry Food

Cats who eat mostly dry food tend to have concentrated urine, and that's the perfect environment for the formation of stones and crystals. Cats who are prone to crystals and stones should not eat dry food.

Not Enough Wet Food

Cats' bodies are designed to get most of the moisture they need with their food. An all- or mostly-wet food diet dilutes the urine, discouraging the formation of stones and crystals.

Lifestyle

Overcrowding and living strictly indoors are stressful for many cats and can trigger cystitis. Providing high places for perching and tunnels and cartons for hiding reduces stress by increasing the cats' usable space. Training the cat to go out on a harness and leash relieves the stress of living strictly indoors.

References

• VeterinaryPartner.com: Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD); Wendy C. Brooks, DVM, DipABVP
• Pet Diabetes: Urinary Tract Infection

Resources

• Catinfo.org: Common Feline Health Problems and Their Ties to Diet; Lisa A. Pierson, DVM
• Vetinfo.com: How Cat Food Affects Urinary Tract Health

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Photo Credit

Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Andrey