Effective Ways to Prevent Feline Urethral Infections: T

Part 1: Preventing Feline Urinary Tract Infections

1. Keep your cat at a healthy weight. Overweight cats tend to face more issues than those at a normal weight. Use a body condition scoring system to assess your cat's health. Rate your cat on a scale from 1 to 9 to determine if they are overweight, underweight, or at an ideal weight.

2. Ensure your cat always has access to fresh, clean water. Water is crucial for the urinary tract. Maintaining the appropriate pH level in urine can help prevent the formation of crystals and stones. Feeding your cat a balanced diet with plenty of water can flush out crystals from the bladder, preventing urinary issues. Some cats prefer flowing water, so consider investing in a pet water fountain. If your cat uses a bowl, make sure to clean it regularly.

3. Provide your cat with an adequate number of litter boxes. The general rule is to have one more litter box than the number of cats in your home. So, if you have two cats, you should have three litter boxes. Regularly check the litter and remove feces immediately. Clean the litter box with soap and water each time you change the litter, and avoid using bleach as the lingering odor may deter your cat from using the box.

4. Minimize stress for your cat. Stress seems to be linked to feline urinary issues, so try to keep routine changes to a minimum. Feed your cat at the same time each day. Be aware that changes in weather or moving to a new home can trigger urinary tract problems in cats.

Part 2: Observing and Treating Urinary Tract Infections in Cats

1. Be aware of the symptoms of urinary tract infections in cats. Watch for any of the following:

Straining to urinate or making other noises while urinating

Producing only small amounts of urine or not urinating at all

Visiting the litter box frequently

Urine containing blood

Urinating outside the litter box

An increase in water consumption

Licking the genital area

2. Know when to take your cat to the vet. If your cat's urine has blood or if they are unable to urinate, take them to the veterinarian immediately. Male cats are more prone to being blocked by crystals or stones in the urethra, often caused by inflammation. This can lead to a closed renal pain and ultimately death. Seek veterinary care as soon as you notice these urine issues.

3. Tests the vet may perform. When you bring your cat to the vet for a urinary tract diagnosis, they will conduct tests to determine the exact problem and how to treat it. These tests may include:

Urinalysis to determine pH levels and the presence of bacteria or crystals

Urine culture to identify infections, the type of bacteria present, and which antibiotics will kill these bacteria

Blood chemistry tests to assess kidney health

Xrays to check for bladder stones

Ultrasound to evaluate bladder tumors and assess the bladder wall (inside of the kidneys and ureters)

4. Your cat may require hospitalization. Hospitalization ensures your cat receives the necessary care and treatment. This may include administering intravenous fluids, placing a catheter in the urethra to help clear blockages, or using antibiotics to treat a urinary tract infection. Your cat may need to stay in the hospital for a few days.

Cats that have experienced a complete or partial urinary blockage may have recurring issues. If this is the case, it's crucial to follow your vet's advice and maintain a proper diet, home care, and regular veterinary checkups.

For more information on common urinary diseases in cats and their prevention, click here.