Cats Urinating Less: Causes & Medications

Part 1: Causes of Frequent and Reduced Urination in Cats

Frequent and reduced urination in cats is often indicative of urinary system issues. Here are some common scenarios to consider:

Firstly, Cystitis in cats: This condition can arise from factors such as excessive dust in the litter box or a dirty, chaotic living environment, leading to urinary tract infections. Cats suffering from cystitis may experience pain and heat during urination, causing them to be cautious and produce less urine each time. However, due to the inflammation, they may feel the constant urge to urinate, resulting in frequent urination with reduced volume. Sometimes, cats may even urinate outside of the litter box.

Secondly, Bladder Inflammation: Spontaneous cystitis is quite common in cats, often triggered by stress or sudden stimuli, such as moving homes, changing owners, the arrival of a new family member, transportation, or noise disturbances.

Thirdly, Urolithiasis in cats: This condition is more common in cats that do not drink enough water. Due to insufficient dietary intake, the kidneys reabsorb urine, leading to its further concentration and crystallization. Over time, this can result in urinary tract stones, kidney stones, or bladder stones. These stones can block the urethra, cause irritation, and lead to pain, blood in the urine, and even complete urinary obstruction.

Part 2: Medications for Cats with Frequent and Reduced Urination

When a cat exhibits symptoms of frequent and reduced urination, pet owners can initially administer diuretics and antibiotics. Diuretics stimulate urine formation and excretion, helping to alleviate pain during urination. A recommended diuretic is Prenate's hydrochlorothiazide tablets. For antibiotics, cephalexin tablets specifically designed for pets are suggested to prevent secondary infections and relieve symptoms of urinary tract inflammation.

During treatment, it is crucial to encourage the cat to drink more water to promote the excretion of inflammation and reduce the burden on the kidneys. If there is a significant amount of dust in the litter box, consider switching to a different type of litter to minimize the risk of urinary tract infections.

If the symptoms persist despite home treatment, it is essential to seek veterinary care promptly. The vet will check for urinary tract blockages due to stones and may recommend surgery and lithotripsy to treat the cat.

This article has outlined the causes and treatment methods for cats with frequent and reduced urination. If you have any further questions, feel free to consult an online veterinary doctor. For more information, you can also read about the symptoms and treatment of Cat Urinary Tract Stones.