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Bladder infection in cats are not as common as they are in dogs but are not uncommon either. Most statistics have bladder infections in cats affecting one out of every five felines overall but if you were to factor in the reality that few animals under the age of 5 will have one of these types of infection and that the bulk of bladder infections in cats are concentrated in those felines over the age of 8 the picture starts to look a whole lot different. There are studies suggesting that 50 percent of all cats over the age of 8 will battle this type of infection and many of the infections will end up becoming chronic.
Female cats tend to have the highest incidence of infection with male cats tending to have the highest probability of developing a potentially fatal urinary blockage.
Bacteria which sets up shop in the urinary tract and is able to overwhelm you cats immune defenses is the cause. That said, there is a long list of possible contributing factors which can, and often do, play a role in the development of the condition. This list could include stones (uroliths), poor diet, other illness which have weakened the immune system (diabetes, cancer), regular exposure to bacteria laden litter boxes, failure to fully empty the bladder, not enough trips to the bathroom, inactivity, old age, and something called idiopathic bladder infection in cats where no cause can be found.
What are the signs and symptoms?
I believe most pet parents who have been through this type of infection with their cat will tell you that the very early signs were very subtle and included things like changes in behavior, loss of appetite, excessive urination, and above average water consumption. They will likely also tell you that while they suspected something might be wrong they simply didn't have enough evidence to justify a costly trip to the vet.
I believe most pet parents who have been through this type of infection with their cat will tell you that the very early signs were very subtle and included things like changes in behavior, loss of appetite, excessive urination, and above average water consumption. They will likely also tell you that while they suspected something might be wrong they simply didn't have enough evidence to justify a costly trip to the vet.
On the other hand as these types of infection increase in severity the signs often start to become quite obvious and include urinating in other places other than their litter box, blood in the urine (hematuria), unusually pungent urine smell, howling when trying to urinate, straining to urinate as if they are constipated, avoiding the litter box area because they associate it with pain, and licking the genital area for relief. Cats may also pace around the home for no apparent reason.
The most dangerous symptom of bladder infection in cats is not being able to urinate. In just a couple of days urine backup can cause the bladder to swell to the size of an orange. This in turn causes urine to flood the kidneys and uremic poisoning to occur.
What to do next?
Catching the infection early is important and if you start to notice the signs, or even suspect a cat bladder infection could be knocking on the door a trip to the vet is the best course of action. Your vet will likely feel to see whether the bladder is swollen or sensitive to the touch. He will likely then run a urine analysis, draw blood, and take a few X-rays.
If the cause is bacterial antibiotics such as Clavamox, Amoxicillin, or possibly Clindamycin Hydrochloride will be prescribed. If a urinary blockage is present more drastic measure will have to be taken possibly requiring hospitalization.
Prevention
Without a doubt the best way to treat bladder infection in cats is through prevention. Sound preventative steps include age appropriate food that balances pH level, feeding your pet primarily wet food instead of dry, keeping litter boxes bacteria free, adding a few drops of cranberry or raspberry juice to their water daily, reducing stress levels, and administering a urinary tract condition supplement (preferably homeopathic) two or more times a week.
Homeopathic urinary tract supplements are also a safe and affordable way to reduce the chances of recurring infection after treatment.
Robert D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic consumer advocate for natural pet health and wellness with over 10 years experience in the field.
To discover more about FLUTD in pets along with information about a safe and effective herbal and homeopathic pet urinary tract conditioning supplement Click Here
To discover more about FLUTD in pets along with information about a safe and effective herbal and homeopathic pet urinary tract conditioning supplement Click Here
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