Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common disease diagnosis. It usually occurs in older cats, typically around 6–12 months of age.
As the term suggests, it refers to an area inside the body that receives water and nutrients from the outside world. In this case, it is the cat’s urinary system that needs to be protected from infection.
But there are many other places within the body where bacteria can harm a living tissue, such as the skin or internal organs. Therefore, it is important for a veterinarian to know how to recognize and diagnose UTI in cats.
This can be tricky, however. Because of so many changes occurring, some veterinarians may not have access to this information. Fortunately, we have done our best to make this article easy to read and understand for all ages of cats.
Contents:
Herbal remedies
There are many over-the-counter (otc) remedies for urinary tract infections (UTI). Most are concentrated and contain either antibiotics or anti-inflammatories.
Because these drugs can sometimes be very effective, it is best to ask your vet if any other medicines may be appropriate. Many times the owner can determine if their cat has a infection by its behavior. If it is not feeling good, then you know that it has a infection.
If a cat has a natural condition such as kidney failure, then it is always better to have an AI than to try an otc remedy. An anti-inflammatory will usually stop the flow of water and feces, making an AI more effective.
Lastly, remember that your cat does not want you to take care of her! If she needs antibiotics, have them taken immediately after Akiliti drops so that they are still in effect.
Hydration
As stated earlier, water is important for pets. Without enough drinking and bathing, your pet may suffer from dehydration or decreased water intake resulting in poor skin and hair care.
Luckily, cat drinks a lot so this is not a widespread issue. However, if your cat does not drink very regularly, it can be considered dehydrated.
Dehydration can cause many symptoms including loose skin and dryness of the skin, bone pain or bone fracture recovery, excessive wastage in appetite and general poor condition. Luckily, only a small percentage of cats will have this issue but it is still worth checking to see if it gets better or worse on its own.
If it does then know that you should probably try to encourage drinking by giving some canned food a day for at least one half hour before setting out the bowl of food. This helps get the kitty used to the food and helps with recovery.
Rest
As the name suggests, a cat should be rested or fall asleep for a few hours every day. With plenty of time to explore and get up from, your cat will have a good day of fun and exercise.
A restful day means one or both cats should be allowed to sleep in a comfy spot and get up to exercise. It can also mean leaving the bathroom and kitchen tidy, with stops for feeding and cleaning.
Most importantly, it means looking out for any changes in appetite, behavior and comfort. If one member of the household is spending more time at home while the other is lessened, they should consider having a bed in another house made up.
Making your home more comfortable can prevent stress in your pet, which can affect their health.
Limited exposure to urine
The first step in treating an infection in the urinary tract is limiting exposure to it. Because of this, cleaning all urinalises and litter boxes promptly is important.
Additionally, removing lettered litter boxes and keeping a clean, padded one is good sanitation policy.
By limiting exposure to urine, you also reduce the risk of spreading bacteria to other parts of the body. You can either stop using the litter box or use a grass clippings-based one as long as it is cleaned regularly.
As stated earlier, antibiotics are not suitable for animals with mild infections, so supportive care is the next stage of treatment. This includes being aware of any conditions your cat may have and providing relief as needed.
Supportive care includes giving analgesic (pain relieving) or anti-inflammatory medications if pain is present.
Cleanliness of litter box
It is very important that your cat has a clean litter box. Create a designated spot outside the litter box or inside the toilet where you can put its waste.
You should keep an eye on your cat as it uses the litter box to prevent him from spending too much time outdoors without a clean place to use the litter.
When you go out, make sure your cat is indoors during daylight hours. If you think your pet has been sick because of an infection, call a veterinarian right away to check for signs of inflammation and treatment.
A vet can determine if there is enough infection gone by medication or if it will work without killing any more parts of the body.
Change in diet
As cat food becomes more high protein, cats that do not eat meat must be warned about the importance of a high energy food.
Many times, pets that do not eat meat suffer from low energy levels and/or reduced appetite. When this happens, look for supplments such as tuna or fresh vegetables in their diet.
If your cat does not have the need or desire to eat fruits and vegetables, you can still help reduce your cat’s health care cost. By having a snack or two per day, you are still saving money on multiple occasions.
By using fresh vegetables and having a small meal’s of them daily, you are saving money in multiple ways.
Massage therapy
Massage therapy is a common home remedy. There are many online and off-the-counter products that promote or promote massage therapy.
A good massager will always let you know if the cat has a wound or if it needs to be treated with medication. A massager can be manually or electronically applied to your cat’s back, shoulders, and/or neck.
Some cats do not like getting too much attention so the massager can be replaced with a soft towel or soft mat. If your cat does not like nudity, then get some sort of cover to put on them.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a safe and effective home remedy that can help you catch a break when it comes to urinary tract problems.
At least four scientific studies have found that acupuncture can treat issues such as bladder problems, immune system damage, pain, and inflammation. As an alternative medicine, acupuncture has not been studied further and is not considered reliable by mainstream medicine.
But as an independent medical professional, you can try it. And if your cat has a urinary tract infection, there are three main points of treatment that you should use.
The first point of treatment is the mouth — at the base of the neck. The second is the foot — at the bottom of the leg. The last is in your hand — at the wrist or above elbow.