Cat UTI: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding Feline UTIs
Urinary tract infections affect 1-3% of cats annually. Female cats and older cats are more susceptible. Early detection prevents complications like bladder stones.
Key Symptoms
Frequent urination, straining in the litter box, blood in urine, urinating outside the box, and crying during urination are classic UTI signs.
Diagnosis
Your vet will perform a urinalysis to check for bacteria, crystals, and blood. A urine culture identifies the specific bacteria and guides antibiotic selection.
Treatment Options
Antibiotics are the primary treatment, usually for 7-14 days. Pain medication may be prescribed. Always complete the full course even if symptoms improve.
Prevention
Ensure adequate hydration with wet food and water fountains. Reduce stress, maintain clean litter boxes, and feed urinary-health formulas if recommended by your vet.
