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Cause, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment of Feline Bladder Infection


Urinary tract infections in cats are fatal if left untreated. Diagnosis in the early stages can result in successful treatment and identify additional health risks.

Feline bladder infections or urinary tract infections (UTI’s) are a common, often reoccurring problem in cats. This type of infection is most frequently seen in male cats--both neutered and un-neutered, but can impact the health of female cats as well. In many cases, the signs of a urinary infection remain hidden from their owners because cats tend to disguise signs of pain and discomfort. However if left untreated, a feline UTI can lead to the blockage and complete obstruction of the urinary tract leading to permanent damage or death.
Cause

There are many factors that can cause a cat to develop a urinary tract infection. Some of these causes include, but are not limited to:

* Diet - Choose cat food with low levels of magnesium to reduce the risk of kidney stone development.
* Environment - Ensuring the litter box is clean, adequate fresh water is available and a clean home environment will reduce the risk of feline UTI’s.
* Stress - Exposure to stressful changes, including changes to the environment or diet can increase risk factors.
* Gender - Male cats are at increased risk for developing urinary tract infections, development of kidney stones and blockage of the urinary tract.
* Age - As a cat ages, the risk of developing urinary tract infection increases. Cat owners should have their pets kidney function tested on a regular basis once they reach 7 years of age to detect infection, fungus, kidney stones and feline kidney disease.
* Urolithiasis -The formation of kidney stones in the urinary tract. They can cause infection, block the pathways of the bladder and damage the urinary tract if they are passed.

Symptoms

In a healthy state, the bladder is devoid of bacteria. However, when a feline urinary tract infection sets in several common symptoms are visible. These symptoms may occur individually or together.

* Urinating outside the litter box - Cats with UTI’s tend to urinate in cool areas or unusual places. Some locations include tile floors, the bathtub or sink, concrete or the corners of your home.
* Yowling or excessive crying when using the litter box or during urination
* Straining to urinate
* Bloody urine
* Strong urine smell
* Excessive thirst
* Excessive licking of the bladder area
* Redness or irritation of the bladder area
* Inactivity

13 years ago. Rating: 3
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Male cats that are neutered have a much likelier chance of developing a problem with this, similar to kidney stones in humans. My cat almost died once from crystals in his urine. It's very important to get them to the vet as soon as you notice a problem. Hope your kitty is ok...

Sounds exactly like what happened to my cat, I almost lost him, make sure to take him to the vet tomorrow. It cost me a few hundred bucks, but was worth saving his life. Hope everything works out.

I had to put him on a special diet after that. Cheap cat food or ash in food can cause the problem.

13 years ago. Rating: 2
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He will squat on the floor outside of his litter box as if he's urinating, but he's not..... because he cant. Might drag his hind end on the floor; probably will cry (meow) alot. Its painfull and extremely dangerouse. When a cat cant urinate, toxins build up in thier system; because they're so small it can be fatal if not treated early enough. Get to vet at once!

13 years ago. Rating: 2
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You need to take your cat to the vet and have complete blood work done on the cat.  This will let the vet know what is going on and what needs to be done.  I have an 18 year old cat that has kidney disease and he is on prescription food and I make sure he has plenty of fresh water and food and I watch him and any signs that something is not right with him I take him to my vet.  So far so well for him but you do need to get your cat to the vet and blood work done and the vet can then tell you what needs to be done.  Hope this helps.

12 years ago. Rating: 1
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Stick your finger up it's pooper!

12 years ago. Rating: 0
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