Urinary tract infections in cats happen when bacteria invade the urinary system. The urinary tract includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Cystitis, a bladder infection, is the most common UTI. Bacterial infections are uncommon in young cats but more likely in females and older cats with other illnesses. Symptoms range from mild to life-threatening.

 

Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, happen when bacteria, usually from the skin or bum, get into the urinary system and overcome the body’s defences. Infections in the bladder and urethra are lower urinary tract infections. Upper urinary tract infections involve the kidney(s) and ureter(s). Only 1-2% of all cats get a bacterial UTI in their lifetime. But it can cause life-threatening complications of common illnesses in older cats. Always talk to a vet if you think your cat has a UTI.

 

Overview

What are urinary tract infections in cats?

Urine (pee) is produced in your cat’s kidneys. It’s stored in the bladder before being expelled through the urethra when your cat pees. Urinary tract infections happen when bacteria get into the bladder from the urethra.

Cystitis is a general term for inflammation of the bladder. The most common cause of these symptoms in cats is FLUTD. In younger cats, bacteria are not involved. But 45% of cats over 10 years old with FLUTD get bacterial urinary tract infections. Non-bacterial cystitis or FLUTD can result from:

• Stones or crystals irritating the bladder wall
• Stress or anxiety
• Unknown cause or idiopathic cystitis

Lower urinary tract infections, bladder infection or cystitis

• Bacteria on the skin enter the vulva of female cats or the penis of males.
• Bacteria can also result from bladder stones (urolithiasis).
• These bacteria overcome the body’s defences to invade the bladder wall.
• Infection causes inflammation and weakening of the bladder’s protective layers.
• Urine irritates the exposed and inflamed bladder wall, making things worse.
• Symptoms develop due to pain, bladder irritability, bleeding and infection.

 

Upper urinary tract infections, kidney infection or pyelonephritis

• Often develop as a result of lower urinary tract infections.
• Occasionally results from kidney stones.
• Inflamed and infected kidneys stop working properly.
• Illness is more severe because the kidneys are vital for filtering and cleaning the blood.
• Symptoms develop due to pain, buildup of toxins in the body, and infection spreading into the blood.

Pyelonephritis and severe cystitis can be life-threatening illnesses. Seek help from a vet if you think your cat may have a urinary tract infection.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of a UTI in cats?

Symptoms of a lower UTI or cystitis

General symptoms:

• Straining or taking longer to pass urine.
• Pain when passing urine, shown as yowling.
• Peeing more frequently, in small amounts, often with blood.
• Peeing outside the litter tray.
• Becoming more withdrawn, more grumpy and irritable.
• Becoming restless and finding it hard to settle.

More severe symptoms of cystitis:

• Vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, eating less and feeling hot to touch

 

Symptoms of an upper UTI or kidney infection

• May include or happen after symptoms of cystitis.
• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• Not eating
• Becoming listless and lethargic
• Tummy pain
• Feeling hot to touch, trembling and shaking
• Shock and collapse

Click on the links to find out more about these symptoms in cats. Any questions or worries? Joii Vets are on hand 24/7 for support and expert advice.

 

Risk

Which cats are most at risk of urinary tract infections?

Any age, breed or sex of cat can get cystitis, but certain factors will increase individual risk:

• Being female with a shorter, wider urethra than males; easier for bacteria to enter. This contrasts with a blocked bladder, which mainly affects young male cats.
• Having other illnesses: hyperthyroidism, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, urolithiasis
• Being older: the body’s defences are weaker
• Being obese
• Being on certain prescribed medicines: steroids, anti-cancer drugs
• Having cancer of the bladder or kidney
• Not drinking enough: urine becomes too concentrated and irritates the bladder wall

Complications of urinary tract infections

• Chronic kidney disease
• Acute kidney failure
• Septicaemia: bacteria from the urinary infection invade your cat’s bloodstream.
• Sepsis: life-threatening illness. May result in multiple organ failure and death.

Are my other pets at risk of catching a UTI?

UTIs affect individual cats. They won’t spread between cats or from cats to humans. But cats living in the same household with the same risk factors may also develop a UTI at some point in their lives.

 

Diagnosis

How do vets diagnose urinary tract infections in cats?

Vets will usually suspect a lower urinary tract infection based on the symptoms. Kidney infections may be harder to diagnose in the early stages. Further tests to confirm urinary tract infections in cats include:

• Urine sample analysis and bacterial culture
• Blood tests
• Imaging: ultrasound scan, x-ray, CT scan

 

Vet treatment

Vet treatment of urinary tract infections in cats

• Antibiotics to kill invading bacteria. Bacterial culture and sensitivity tests help choose the best antibiotic. Most young cats with FLUTD do not need antibiotics.
• Anti-inflammatory painkillers: reduce discomfort, irritation and bladder damage.
• Bladder supplements: to improve the health of the bladder wall.
• Special diets to dissolve bladder stones, help anxiety and improve urinary health. We recommend Hills Prescription Diet c/d multicare stress® or Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Urinary Care S/O®.
• Treating underlying causes, or the illnesses that aggravate urinary tract infections.
• Surgery: to relieve a blocked bladder and remove stones.

 

Home treatment

How to care for a cat with a urinary tract infection at home

Your cat will need to see a vet for treatment of a severe or recurrent urinary tract infection. There are no effective or safe home remedies if bacteria invade the bladder and kidneys. But home care is an essential part of recovery.

• Give all medicines your vet prescribes at the correct time and dose.
• Encourage your cat to drink as much as possible: feed wet food, add water to dry food and offer ice cubes.
• Consider bladder health supplements suggested or approved by your vet.
• Clean faeces (poo) from under their tail if your cat has diarrhoea due to their illness or medication.
• Let them rest until they’re completely better.

 

Prevention

How to prevent your cat from getting a urinary tract infection

It’s impossible to remove all the risks of your cat getting a urinary tract infection. But there are always measures you can take to reduce the risk.

• Keep your cat at a healthy weight and body condition score
• Feed a healthy, balanced diet suitable for your cat’s age and lifestyle. Continue to use prescription diets if your vet advises this to prevent recurrence of a UTI.
• Ensure your cat gets lots of exercise, and mental stimulation with safe toys and games.
• Encourage your cat to drink and ensure fresh water is always available.
• Clean under your cat’s tail if poo gets stuck in long hair or if your cat has very loose stools.
• Identify and treat other illnesses promptly.
• Consider supplements to improve bladder and kidney health.

 

When to worry

When to worry

Find your nearest vet practice if your cat is:

• In shock or collapsed
• Unable to pass any urine
• Shaking and very hot or very cold to touch
• Developing severe and worsening symptoms, despite vet treatments for cystitis

Joii can help with:

• Recognising symptoms and causes of urinary tract infections in cats
• Choosing the right diet for your cat’s health and lifestyle
• Supplements to improve bladder health
• Weight management