5 Signs Your Cat Has a UTI

UTIs in cats is nothing to scoff at and can become deadly serious very quickly if not treated. It’s a good idea to be aware of the causes and symptoms of a UTI in your cat. These signs will help you know what to look for to take care of your cat’s health. It is essential to keep in mind that if you strongly suspect that your cat is sick, get them to a vet as soon as possible.

How to Tell if Your Cat Has a UTI

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1. Loss of Bladder Control or Problems Urinating

If your cat has a UTI, they may start to have bladder issues. This could take the form of them peeing outside of the litter box, not peeing much at all, or trying to pee but only urinating a little each time they go. If your cat usually has very regular litter habits and never has accidents, this is something you should look for in your cat.

2. Avoiding the Litter Box

Some cats may begin to avoid their litter box altogether if they have a UTI. This is usually because it hurts to urinate, or they don’t feel right when urinating, which could also cause them to have accidents around the house.

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3. Extended Abdomen

Your cat may have a UTI if their abdomen is extended and hard to the touch. This will be different from just belly fat, and it will look rounded and feel stiff and rigid. Even if this isn’t the sign of a UTI, it could result from another serious health issue. Either way, you should get them to a vet immediately.

4. Excessive Drinking

You may notice your cat has started to get more thirsty. Cats typically drink fairly often throughout the day but not in excess. If you notice your cat drinking water excessively, this may be a sign that they have a UTI.

5. Changes in Urine Appearance or Smell

If a cat has a UTI, their urine will often develop a noticeably pungent ammonia smell. This will be very recognizable, and it will be much stronger than it usually is. Your cat’s urine might also change in appearance, becoming excessively yellow-colored or cloudy in appearance. If you notice blood in your cat’s urine, get them to a vet immediately, this could be a sign of a UTI or something more serious.

What is a Cat UTI

Cats can get a UTI infection when there is a bacterial infection in the bladder or urethra. This is most often caused by the bacteria found in their feces. 

This bacterial infection will interact with the minerals naturally found in urine, causing them to clump together and create painful crystals and stones. These can be very painful and abrasive, causing pain when urinating or creating blockages. To determine if your cat has a UTI, your vet will usually collect a uterine sample and test it to find a diagnosis.

Most vets will prescribe antibiotics for a cat that has a UTI infection. This treatment method is fast and straightforward and helps to clear up the infection and get your cat feeling back to normal.

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Home Treatments to Help Your Cat’s UTI Infection

Though you should always first consult with your vet about treatments, there are a few home remedies that you can use to help your cat.

These can be combined with medication to help them get over the infection and get back to normal.

• Get them to drink more water. You can try to encourage this by creating a sodium-free broth.
• Try a homeopathic treatment that helps break down the crystal build-up that is causing the problem.
• Add cranberry powder to your cat’s food as it is an acid and a great way of stopping UTI infections from coming back.

What Happens if a UTI Goes Untreated in Your Cat

UTIs are very common amongst cats, and many cats are generally prone to getting them. Most often, they are nothing to get too worried over as long as you get treatment for your cat. If left untreated, a UTI infection in a cat can progress and even become life-threatening.

If your cat’s UTI progresses, it could cause a complete blockage of the urethra, leading to kidney failure. It could even rupture their bladder once it becomes too full, which is most certainly life-threatening.

This is why it is important to always keep an eye on your cat’s health and day-to-day habits making sure that nothing seems out of the ordinary for them.

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