Urinary Infection in a Male Cat

Male cats are prone to urinary infections

Male cats are more susceptible to urinary tract infections than females. A urinary infection affects the bladder and urethra and is usually caused by bacteria, but there are other causes.

Anatomy

A urinary tract infection occurs when the bladder or urethra become infected. Male cats, whether neutered or not, have an urethra that is more narrow than a female's, creating a greater chance for a blockage.

Causes

Bacteria is the main cause of infection

A urinary tract infection can be caused by several things, including bacteria, parasites, cancer or urinary stones. When there is a blockage or obstruction, an infection occurs. Due to a male cat's narrow urethra, obstructions from inflammation or a stone are common. If there is a complete blockage, the cat's life is in danger and immediate care is needed. Sometimes the cause of a urinary infection can't be determined. This is called an idiopathic disease.

Symptoms

Cats may urinate outside the litter box

The most obvious symptom is when the cat tries to urinate, but only passes a little urine or cries and gives up, only to go back to the litter box again. Cats will lick around their genitals to try to ease the pain and will sometimes urinate away from the litter box on a cold surface like the floor or bathtub. A urinary tract infection can cause bleeding and blood will be passed in the urine.

Treatment

Antibiotics are administered

Treatment of a urinary tract infection includes antibiotics, dietary changes or surgery, in the worst cases. If there is a blockage, a catheter can be inserted into the urethra to clear the obstruction. Since a male cat has such a narrow urethra, a small catheter is needed. Sometimes a cat, especially a male cat, will have frequent recurrences of infections and blockages, so it must be watched carefully for any signs of the infection returning.

Prevention

Clean water is essential

Diets should include food that produces urine that is acidic enough to fight off bacteria and that does not contain too much magnesium. Most store-bought food is adequate. There must always be plenty of clean water available, especially for male cats so they will produce enough urine to flush out bacteria. Litter boxes should always be clean so bacteria is not picked up from soiled litter.

References

• Cat urinary tract infection information
• Feline lower urinary tract disease
• Bladder infection