Why Do Male Cats Get Bladder Infections?

Cats get bladder infections just like humans.

Male cats are more susceptible to bladder infections than female cats. Their anatomical differences make the male cat's urinary system a likely site for infection. Untreated infections can have serious health consequences for a male cat.

Medical Terminology

In a cat, a bladder infection is also called Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD). FLUTD was formerly called Feline Urinary Syndrome (FUS). FLUTD is a generic term that covers infections in the bladder and urethra.

Cause of Obstruction

Male cats get bladder infections when urine particles congregate in the urethra where it narrows to pass into the penis. Female cats have a much wider urethra opening into the vagina, and are therefore less susceptible to bladder infections.

Migration of Infection

Obstruction in the male cat's urethra leads to inflammation and infection. The bacteria then travel up the urethra into the bladder, causing a bladder infection. A veterinarian should treat both the obstruction and the infection as soon as you notice symptoms.

Symptoms

Male cats exhibit specific symptoms of bladder infection and urethra obstruction. They will howl and exhibit pain, cease urinating and have palpable swelling of the bladder in the abdominal cavity.

Effects

A male cat's bladder infection can lead to death if the obstruction of the penile urethra is not removed. The inability to eliminate will lead to uremic poisoning. Frequent male cat bladder infections can also lead to bladder stones.

References

• Pawprints and Purrs: FUS FAQs