Urinary Tract Infections in cats

Have you seen your cat straining in the kitty litter, or find they need to use the little tray more frequently that you would expect?

Have you found that they are leaving a small amount of blood in the litter tray and you don’t know where it's come from?

A cat laying on a blanket — Urinary Tract issues can make cats feel very unwell

There are many causes for these symptoms, one being cystitis.

There can be other causes, such as Bacterial infections, bladder stones, or an umbrella term Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD). Although there are many cross overs, I am only going to talk about cystitis and Urinary tract infections.

Cystitis literally translates as inflammation of the bladder.

In cats, there can be sterile cystitis, or this can be related to in infection, most commonly by E. coli bacteria. To address these issues, we use a similar protocol, however sterile cystitis will not require antimicrobial therapies.

The cats I see most affected by these infections are those whose core diet is predominantly made up with dry food.

Female cats are more prone to Urinary Tract Infections

females are more prone to this as their urethra (tube from the bladder to the outside world) is wider and shorter than males. This means bacteria has a much easier journey to the bladder.

Overweight cats

may be more prone, as they can have trouble cleaning the genitals, and moisture and bacteria can be trapped, making for the perfect playground for bacteria to proliferate.

A white cats face — Female cats can be more prone to Urinary Tract Infections

Signs and symptoms of Urinary tract infections

Straining to urinate
Meowing, or vocalising whilst they urinate
More frequent grooming or attention to the genital area
Frequent trips to the litter tray, which may be unproductive or only passing small amounts of urine at a time
Blood in the urine.
Abnormal toileting habits, with urination outside of the litter tray

Causes of Cystitis UTIS

Cats that are constantly exposed to something in their diet, or in their environment that is causing irritation to the system can create recurrent cystitis, and make them more prone to UTIs.

Bacteria are opportunistic, and are generally hanging around just waiting for the right conditions. As soon as the immune system is suppressed (stress, junk food, dehydration…) the body has a lowered defence system.

If there is something that is irritating tissue, this can increase the vascularisation to the area (makes things red and hot - inflamed) and the weakened tissue will also have a breakdown of the protective mechanisms. This can be a breakdown of the cellular structures, reduced mucosal coverage, a general weakening physical barriers.

Once the bacteria enter, they can have a par-tay!

As with all creatures, they are individual. What will trigger a UTI in one cat, is not necessarily going to create a UTI in another.

If you have a cat that is prone to recurrent UTIs we need to look at what is creating the irritation, what is suppressing the immune system, and address this accordingly.

Diagnosing a Urinary Tract Infection in cats

Some cats are very good as disguising they are uncomfortable. It might be that you have noticed they are using the litter tray more frequently, or when you clean the tray out there is a little blood.

They may be a little off, and generally less active, less engaged, and even off their food.

To definitively diagnose a UTI, your vet will generally use a dipstick test, and look for the presence of white blood cells and blood in the urine. They may also do a physical palpation of the bladder to feel if there is any thickening or pain response from palpation.

Antibiotics are not the whole answer

Antibiotics can be essential for getting on top of a severe infection promptly. This can help to prevent infections travelling further up the urinary tract, and affecting the kidneys. Kidneys are important and we want them to function optimally.

However they are not always appropriate, and unfortunately, they are not always effective.

How can I support my cat with a Urinary Tract Infection?

There are many things we can do to naturally support a cat with cystitis or a UTI.

My core aims when working with a cat with a UTI

Address the infection
Soothe and support healing of the tissue in the bladder.
Reduce inflammation and irritation
Improve immune function to fight infection
Reduce pain and distress
Address allergies or food intolerances
Tone the tissues

How do we address this naturopathically?

All cats are different and may have different triggers. So my protocols are always going to be individualised to their needs. Some may need stress support, others may need more of an allergy support program.

A protocol may consist of some or all of the following nutritional and herbal actions

Antimicrobial herbs

Astringent and tissue toning herbs

Demulcent herbs

Anti-inflammatories

Immune support

Nervine herbs

Analgesics

Can I prevent Urinary Tract Infections in my cat?

Lastly, there are certainly things that we can do to help reduce the frequency and also the severity of UTIs.

Getting the diet right

Looking at potential allergies, and following an elimination diet can help really sensitive cats

Cut the dry food- cats should never be eating a dry food. Eliminate this form the diet. There are good hydrated commercial food options that you can use instead.

Support the microbiome

The Urinary tract has its own microbiome. This can be disrupted if they have been on antibiotics. Replenishing this will help to support

Good litter box hygiene.

If a cat is not comfortable using the litter tray, they may hold their urine longer than ideal. This can increase the risk of Urinary tract infections.

Support good hydration

Good hydration supports good urine production. If we have good urine production and frequent urine flow out of the bladder, we can reduce the likelihood of bacteria being able to colonise the urinary tract.

cat drinking out of a tea cup — Increasing water intake can help improve urine flow

When a UTI is a symptom of something else.

If your cat is experiencing recurrent UTIs, or they are straining to pass urine, they may also have some calculus build up. This can be fine gravel, or crystals in the bladder, or there can be larger stones that form.

Stones can occlude the urethra, and prevent the passage of urine out of the bladder. This is a medical emergency. If you see your cat straining to pass urine, and they are not able to, it's an emergency trip to the vet!

Has your cat experienced a Urinary Tract infection, or any urinary tract problems?

If you would like to work of this for your cat, either preventatively, or for an acute issue, please reach out.

You can book a consultation here