Home Remedies For A Cat Uti
Once you have diagnosed your cat to have a UTI, the next course of action is to find a remedy. UTI in cats are pretty common and can cause a lot of discomfort and distress to your furry friend. If left untreated, the UTI can lead to blockage of the urethra which can be fatal. Luckily there are home remedies to help in the treatment of a UTI in cats.
Uromaxx Kidney & Bladder Formula
A better option than trying to get a cat to drink cranberry juice may be adding Uromaxx, a product made of cranberry extract to a cat’s diet, suggests veterinarian Dr. Fiona.This over-the-counter supplement is worth mentioning because of its good reviews. It’s made of the extract of cranberry, vitamin C and glucosamine which helps nourish the bladder. Uromaxx works well as preventive for future occurrences and according to veterinarian Dr Fiona, it reduces bacterial adhesion to the bladder wall.
My Cat Suddenly Began Going To The Litterbox Very Frequently A Sample Of Urine Revealed A Bladder Infection How Did This Happen
While urinary tract disorders are fairly common in cats, urinary tract infections are fairly uncommon. Cats with UTIs try to urinate very frequently, they may pass only small amounts of urine, they may strain to urinate, they may cry out or whine when urinating, and there may be blood visible in their urine. Urinating outside of the litterbox is also a red flag that something is wrong in the bladder. Finally, frequent licking around the rear end may signal that a UTI is present.
Generally, a UTI occurs when bacteria travel up the urethra and into the bladder. Urine in the bladder is supposed to be sterile, but once bacteria find their way to the bladder, the bacteria can grow and reproduce, causing the UTI. Some cats will develop bladder stones, with or without a UTI, and this opens the door for additional health issues.
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Best 8 Home Remedies For Cats Urinary Tract Infection
Any pet can develop a urinary tract infection, UTI, however, some cats are more susceptible to the infection than others, male cats, cats with diabetes, and overweight cats are in this category.
As the name suggests, a UTI affects the cats urinary system that is, the bladder and the urethra. There are signs and symptoms you can look out for to tell if your cat has a UTI.
Contents
What Are The Causes Of Uti In Cats
Essentially, urinary tract infections in cats occur when bacteria reaches the bladder by traveling through the urethra of the cat. This is fairly uncommon and UTI in cats might be caused by an underlying disorder, such as Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease . UTI in cats should be treated by a veterinary professional. They can lead to bladder stones, kidney failure, and additional health disorders.
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How To Treat Your Cat’s Urinary Tract Infection
All pet owners know how difficult it is see your pet in pain and diagnosing the source of your pets discomfort can lead to even more frustration.
Because our pets are unable to communicate their symptoms we must resort to what we can observe, which often requires trial and error and expensive vet visits. Sometimes the symptoms are subtle, like minor lethargy.
Other times, an illness is apparent with obvious symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. The truth is, even the smallest behavioral changes can indicate a serious problem. When it comes to urinary tract infections, sometimes the first signs are easily missed. But UTIs are not to be taken lightly as they lead to even more severe infections if left untreated.
Recovery And Management Of Utis In Cats
Most cats will fully recover within 7-10 days of developing a urinary tract infection, but they may need to remain on a canned diet for longer. Your vet may check a urine sample after treatment to determine if all the bacteria are gone.
Occasionally, cats will develop repeated urinary tract infections. Cats with recurring UTIs often require more testing to determine the underlying cause.
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Reduce Stress Level In Your Cats
The most common reason behind uti in cats is FIC , which is a condition closely related to stress. In order to treat uti, it is of utmost importance to reduce stress levels in your cat.
Even managing the stress levels generally keeps the cat away from any uti. There are many ways to reduce stress levels of your cats such as feeding them at the same time daily, regulate their playtimes, keeping their litter box clean, and provide them some private space.
If you want to reduce stress in your cat, then try using soft bedding such as Spray Feliway, which is quite effective in reducing stress in cats.
Is A Vet Visit Required
While there are some at-home remedies for UTIs, you should always call your vet and discuss your pets health with them first. If your cat gets recurrent UTIs, they may suggest some at-home solutions, such as making sure the cat is well hydrated , or possibly that you add something like apple cider vinegar to the cats food to change their pH.
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How Do I Give My Cat Apple Cider Vinegar
When your cat is suffering from a urinary tract disease, we suggest that you give your cat 1-3 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with 1/4 cup water. Administer a teaspoon or so every hour. To do this, you can incorporate the apple cider vinegar into your cats food. If that doesnt work, you may also use a syringe. Your cat might not like the taste, but it is completely safe for them to eat.
Most successful users of apple cider vinegar for cats notice a difference in urinary tract health within the next day.
What Is Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease
Feline lower urinary tract disease describes a variety of conditions that affect the bladder and urethra of cats. Cats with FLUTD most often show signs of difficulty and pain when urinating, increased frequency of urination, and blood in the urine. Cats with FLUTD also tend to lick themselves excessively and may urinate outside the litter box, often on cool, smooth surfaces like a tile floor or a bathtub.
While FLUTD can occur at any age, it is usually seen in middle-aged, overweight cats that get little exercise, use an indoor litter box, have little or no outdoor access, or eat a dry diet. Factors such as emotional or environment stress, multi-cat households, and abrupt changes in daily routine may also increase the risk that a cat will develop FLUTD.
Major signs of feline lower urinary tract disease include:
- Straining to urinate
- Frequent and/or prolonged attempts to urinate
- Crying out while urinating
- Excessive licking of the genital area
- Urinating outside the litter box
- Blood in the urine
Note that cats with a urethral obstruction will also show these signs but will pass little or no urine and become increasingly distressed. Urethral obstruction is seen more often in males than female cats due their longer, narrow urethra. A urethral obstruction is an emergency and requires immediate veterinary treatment.
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How To Treat A Cat Uti At Home
A cat UTI is more common in female cats than male cats.
However, male cats can have serious complications from UTIs as well.
Cats diagnosed with idiopathic cystitis can also have crystal formation. Male cats may experience blockage in their narrow urethras, which can become deadly.
Urinary tract infections occur when bacteria grows in the bladder.
UTIs and bladder infections usually cause physical discomfort, although some show no signs at all.
Cats with UTIs typically exhibit:
- Blood in urine
If your cat exhibits any of these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian immediately.
Dog Natural Urinary Tract Infection Remedies Considerations
Cystitis can sometimes be reversed quickly, especially if caught early and before an infection has set in. Urinary tract infections are painful and need to be taken seriously. If caught and treated early, you can stop the pain and potential infection before your dog needs veterinary care. However, if your dog seems to be in discomfort or is straining to pass urine, see your veterinarian for an exam and urine tests to identify any underlying infection or health conditions. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or other medications. Discuss the safety of natural treatments along with prescribed therapies in order to provide the most effective and appropriate treatment.
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What Can I Do At Home To Prevent Future Occurrences Of Flutd
Depending on the underlying cause for FLUTD, the clinical signs may never, or only occasionally, reoccur. However, recurrence is more common with FIC. To help reduce the chances of recurrence:
- Feed small meals on a frequent basis.
- Consult with your veterinarian about the best diet for your cat. Many commercial diets are acceptable, but some urinary conditions respond better to specialized diets. Canned food may be preferred.
- Provide clean, fresh water at all times.
- Provide an adequate number of litter boxes with the type of litter that the cat prefer
- Keep litter boxes in quiet, safe areas of the house.
- Keep litter boxes clean they should be scooped twice a day and the litter changed weekly .
- Minimize major changes in routine.
- Reduce stress.
What Is The Best Cat Food For Urinary Health
Remember, moisture is the key to long-term urinary tract health. A high-moisture, biologically appropriate diet is one of the best things you can offer to keep your cat healthy. Choose low-carbohydrate, meat-based canned foods, or a nutritionally balanced homemade or commercial raw food.
Take a look at our guide to the 6 Best Cat Foods for Urinary Tract Health.
Quick heads upwe are in an affiliate program with the next cat food Im about to mention, so if you buy it through our links, we will get a percentage from the sale. Youll also be supporting us so we can bring you more content and information. Thank you!
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NomNomNow cat food is available through a personalized subscription, or, if youre not sure your cat will like the food, you can get a six pouch variety pack. If youd like to purchase a NomNomNow cat food subscription, your cat food quote.
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Alexander Animal Hospital is a full-service animal hospital located in Severna Park, Maryland, serving the Severna Park, Pasadena, and Arnold Areas. Our goal is educating clients on the needs of their pets and understanding the importance of individualized veterinary care in order to strengthen the human-animal bond between owners and their pets.
We understand you have a choice when deciding on the care for your pets, and we strive to provide you with unparalleled services including wellness exams, vaccines, lost pet microchip ID, dental care, surgical services, digital radiography, and in-hospital laboratory services and diagnostics. Other highlights of Alexander Animal Hospital are the separate cat and dog waiting and exam rooms, as well as after-hours on-call emergency services.
Please take a look around our website and then give us a call at 410-777-8678 to set up an appointment.
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When To Seek A Veterinarian
It is quite important to get a proper diagnosis if you cat shows any signs of illness. After knowing the exact problem as well as the root cause of the problem, you can thereafter decide the proper treatment for that specific uti.
Home remedies can never replace a vet’s diagnosis. If you suspect the cat is ill, immediately see your veterinarian. Remember that cats are good at hiding their pain, especially kittens. This will delay the treatment and can cause irreversible damage.
If you have financial problems, try the following ways:
- You should share this around where you live, maybe your friends or someone else give can you some hints on where to go for help.
- Try your best to find a local cheap vet clinic where you can help him reduce the damage.
- Youre also able to find a veterinarian around who can perform a cat urine analysis when you bring the sample to the clinic. Many veterinarians want you to carry the cat to visit the office so they can reduce your vet costs. That way you will know for sure whether your cat has a uti or something else.
- If they give you medicine, let them know you need to buy around. They will write a prescription for you then.
- The humane society may be your best bet or find other places for help with vet costs.
- Also find your SPCA and beg. Perhaps they also provide volunteer services for veterinary care.
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Feeding A Wet Or Canned Food Diet
Research shows us that the biggest single factor that improves cat bladder health is feeding a wet diet.
Switch from dry kibble to wet food. Simple as that for an easy home remedy for cat urinary tract infections.
A healthy thirst helps produce weak urine, which is an important home remedy for cat uti. A weak urine literally dilutes out any bacteria or urinary crystals that may cause problems. Plus, a full bladder makes the cat pee more often, and voids the nasties from the body.
Encourage drinking by:
- Provide large dog bowls of water, rather than small saucers
- Avoid double-dipper bowls, with food and water in the same container. Cats prefer their water a distance away from food.
- Have lots of water bowls, one in every room if possible
- Use pet drinking fountains. Cats love to drink running water
- Consider offering mineral water, as some cats dislike the chemicals in tap water.
Again A Lot More Research Needs To Be Done On This Home Remedy
In a study performed by a holistic website, 43 cat owners were polled. All of them had cats displaying the signs of a urinary tract infection. Of those 43 people, 41 reported their cats health improved to the point of being back to normal. One found no marked improvement and the final pet owner said the cat was improved but not fully treated.
Whether these cats would have recovered without treatment or if the apple cider vinegar actually helped is unclear. These cats were not diagnosed with a specific disease, so we dont really know if they had urinary tract infections or crystals. Recovery was subjective and recurrence wasnt recorded. But those statistics are compelling.
On Earthclinic, the personal experiences with apple cider vinegar as a treatment for idiopathic cystitis are also promising. As of August 4th, 2017, 72 out of 87 reviews of this home remedy give 5-star ratings.
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Urinary Tract Infections In Cats
While cats often have urinary tract issues, our kitty companions are more prone to urinary tract disease than infections. Cats that do develop urinary tract infections are typically 10 years of age or older and often suffer from endocrine diseases, including hyperthyroidism and diabetes mellitus.
If your feline companion is displaying symptoms of a urinary tract infection and is diagnosed with cystitis, your veterinarian will prescribe and antibacterial to help battle your cats UTI.
The most common symptoms of urinary tract infection in cats include reduced amounts of urine, straining to urinate, pain or discomfort when urinating, not urinating at all, urinating around the house , and passing urine tinged with blood .
These symptoms may be caused by a urinary tract infection, but there are also numerous feline lower urinary tract diseases that may cause your cat to display the symptoms of UTI listed above.
Prevention Key : Invest In A Water Fountain
If your cat refuses to drink from their water bowl, theyre only trusting their natural instincts. In addition to providing more water through their food, you can hack those instincts by making their water more appealing.
We recommend using a cat water fountain instead of a bowl of still water. Thanks to constant aeration, moving water in a fountain smells, looks, and usually is cleaner and fresher than water in a bowl. Besides appealing to your cats need for non-stagnant drinking water, the movement of the water flowing and bubbling taps into their naturally adventurous spirit.
We recommend this cat water fountain from Miaustore.
With 8 different drinking areas, including 4 easy-flowing bodies of water, 3 mini waterfalls, and a bubbling spring, the fountain appeals to various feline personalities and drinking preferences. The European-made fountain is built from ceramic which is more hygienic than plastic. Its also dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
You CAN treat your cats UTI and other forms of FLUTD at home.
Apple cider vinegar, stress reduction, bone broth, and D-mannose can all help to fix the problem. A high-moisture diet and a water fountain will help you make sure it never happens again.
If your cat has a urinary blockage, however, you need to get your cat to a veterinarian. Urethral blockages are ticking bombs and, if they dont clear within 24 hours, may cause your cats bladder to burst. Only a vet can help you with that.
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