Cat UTI Home Remedy : The Ultimate Guide

 

 

Table of Contents

 

  Introduction

  What is a UTI in Cats?

     Symptoms of a Cat UTI

     Causes of Cat UTIs

  Home Remedies for Cat UTIs

     Increase Water Intake

     Provide Wet Food

     Vitamin C Supplements  

     Apple Cider Vinegar

     Cranberry Extract 

     Probiotics

  When to See the Vet

     Symptoms Persist

     Recurring Infections 

     Other Health Issues

  Preventing Future UTIs

     Hydration

     Diet

     Sanitation

     Supplements

  Conclusion

  FAQs

 

 

  Introduction 🐈

 

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are an incredibly common health problem for cats of all ages. These uncomfortable infections occur when bacteria, usually E. coli, enters the urinary tract through the urethra and multiplies within the bladder. While antibiotics prescribed by a veterinarian are often necessary to clear up a cat UTI, there are also several effective natural remedies you can try safely at home to help soothe symptoms and speed up recovery.

 

This comprehensive guide will cover absolutely everything you need to know about recognizing, treating, and preventing feline urinary tract infections without always having to make a trip to the vet. We will thoroughly discuss:

 

- Exactly what a UTI is in cats and how it develops 

 

- The most common signs and symptoms to watch out for

 

- Potential underlying causes and risk factors

 

- Proven home treatment options and natural remedies 

 

- Determining when professional veterinary treatment is required

 

- Steps to prevent UTIs from recurring in the future

 

- And much more!

 

Let's start by looking at what exactly is going on when a cat develops a urinary tract infection. The more you understand about the condition, the better you can remedy it both at home and with your vet's guidance.

 

  What is a UTI in Cats? 🐈

 

A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria, most often E. coli, enters the urinary system through the urethra and multiplies within the bladder. The infection causes inflammation of the bladder wall and urethra, making urination extremely uncomfortable.

 

While both male and female cats can get UTIs, they are much more prevalent in females. Female cats have a shorter, wider urethra that allows bacteria quick access to the bladder. Older cats are also at increased risk due to weaker bladder muscles and sphincters.

 

Here are some key facts about feline urinary tract infections:

 

- They occur when bacteria reach the bladder and urethra

 

- Usually caused by E. coli from the GI tract

 

- More common in female cats due to shorter urethra

 

- Can happen to cats of any age

 

- Often occurs after surgery or catheterization

 

- Can be due to improper litter box hygiene, stress, or illness

 

Once E. coli or other bacteria enter the urethra, they can travel upwards into the bladder, where they may multiply and set up infection if the cat's defenses are low. Within the bladder, the bacteria causes irritation and inflammation of the bladder wall, which leads to symptoms like:

 

- Extreme urgency to urinate

- Straining and pain when urinating

- Excessive licking of genital area

- Crying out while in the litter box

- Blood in the urine

- Loss of bladder control and urinating outside of the litter box

 

If left completely untreated, the bacteria may continue to multiply and spread further into the kidneys, where extremely dangerous kidney infections can occur. So it's very important to recognize symptoms of a UTI promptly and pursue treatment immediately both at home and through your veterinarian.

 

  Symptoms of a Cat UTI 😿

 

Cats are masters at hiding illness, so UTIs can be tricky to spot. Here are some of the most common signs that could mean your cat has a urinary tract infection:

 

- Frequent trips to the litter box - Your cat may seem to live in the litter box, only passing tiny amounts of urine each time. This urgent feeling is from bladder inflammation.

 

- Excessive licking of genital area - The inflammation causes discomfort that makes them obsessively lick their genitals.

 

- Crying or vocalizing in the litter box - Your cat may yowl, whimper, or meow each time they try to pee due to pain.

 

- Difficulty urinating - Your cat may strain, squat, and struggle to pee without much success.

 

- Blood in urine - Look for pink or reddish traces in the litter box or urine spots. This is often the first sign of infection.

 

- Loss of bladder control - Some cats may accidentally urinate outside litter box when the urge hits.

 

- Increased thirst - Your cat may drink more water trying to flush out bacteria.

 

- Lethargy - Illness often causes tiredness and depression.

 

- Poor appetite - UTI discomfort leads some cats to eat less.

 

If you notice any combination of these symptoms, contact your vet right away. The sooner treatment begins, the better outlook for your cat's recovery. Many UTIs can be stubborn without proper veterinary medication.

 

  Causes of Cat UTIs

 

Now that you know how to identify a UTI, let's discuss some potential causes:

 

- Bacteria - E. coli from the GI tract most often causes UTIs through fecal contamination. Improper litter box habits can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract. Female cats are especially prone due to their anatomy.

 

- Bladder stones - Struvite or calcium oxalate crystals or stones in the bladder can irritate the lining and allow bacterial infection to set in more easily. Genetics, diet, and stress contribute to formation.

 

- Blockages - Obstructions in the urethra from stones, mucus plugs, or strictures prevent the bladder from fully emptying, allowing bacteria to multiply in residual urine. This is more common in males.

 

- Cancer - Tumors or polyps anywhere along the urinary tract or within the bladder may lead to obstruction and introduce infection. Some cancers produce excess mucus that traps bacteria.

 

- Bladder or kidney disease - Any issues decreasing bladder or kidney function raise infection risk. Examples are kidney or bladder stones, tumors, inflammation, and FKD.

 

- Diabetes - High blood sugar or glucose spilling into the urine feeds bacteria and allows uncontrolled growth.

 

- Immune deficiency - Conditions like FIV, FeLV, or corticosteroid therapy may lower immunity and ability to fight bacteria.

 

- Improper sanitation - Dirty litter boxes harbor large amounts of bacteria that can easily migrate up the urethra.

 

- Stress - High stress levels may suppress the immune system and reduce the bladder's ability to empty fully due to muscle tension.

 

Being aware of these potential causes can help you prevent recurrent UTIs in your cat through proper veterinary treatment, prevention methods, and addressing underlying illness.

 

Now let's explore some home remedies that can provide relief and speed healing.

 

  Home Remedies for Cat UTIs

 

Prescription antibiotics from your veterinarian are often required to fully clear a cat UTI. However, for mild cases, there are some helpful natural remedies you can try at home to ease discomfort while also working to fight the infection:

 

  Increase Water Intake 💧

 

One of the very best things you can do at home is to strongly encourage your cat to drink more water. This will help dilute the urine and increase urination, allowing more bacteria to be flushed out of the urinary tract with each pee.

 

Here are easy tips to entice your cat to drink up:

 

- Provide fresh, clean water in bowls around the house, changing it multiple times daily. Cats prefer cold, fresh water.

 

- Consider purchasing a pet drinking fountain. The flowing, circulating water encourages cats to drink.

 

- Add a bit of tuna juice, low-sodium chicken broth, or fish broth to the water for extra flavor and appeal.

 

- Feed an exclusively wet food diet, as the high water content in canned foods provides hydration.

 

- Try giving some zero-sugar Pedialyte to maintain electrolyte balance, flush the system, and encourage drinking.

 

- Use glass or ceramic water bowls rather than plastic, which can harbor bacteria. Wash regularly.

 

The more you can get your cat to drink, the faster their infection will clear thanks to flushing action and diluted urine. Provide easy water access throughout your home.

 

  Provide Wet Food 🍽

 

Switching your cat to a high-quality canned/wet food diet can be extremely beneficial for helping to resolve a UTI fast. Wet foods have a very high-water content that allows your cat to take in extra fluids with each meal.

 

The increased water intake helps dilute the urine, allowing bacteria to be flushed out more readily. It also creates a higher urine volume that rinses the bladder clean.

 

Look for canned foods that are all-natural, grain-free, low in carbohydrates, and contain meat as the first ingredient. Avoid fish flavors as they are high in magnesium, which could exacerbate bladder issues.

 

If your cat is on dry food, try to transition to at least 50% wet food. This provides much needed hydration to help clear infection fast.

 

  Vitamin C Supplements 💊

 

Giving your cat vitamin C supplements during a UTI can help alter the urine pH level, making it more acidic. This acidic environment inhibits bacterial growth and makes it harder for infection to thrive.

 

Look for pet-safe vitamin C supplement powders or tablets and follow the dosage directions carefully based on your cat's size. Give the vitamin C with meals rather than on an empty stomach to avoid GI upset.

 

You can also add ~1 teaspoon of freshly brewed chamomile tea to your cat's wet food or water once a day. Chamomile is an antimicrobial herb that may help fight off UTI bacteria when ingested.

 

  Apple Cider Vinegar 🍎

 

Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar is another supplement that can help create an acidic urine pH to discourage bacterial overgrowth when your cat has a UTI.

 

Add 1-2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar to your cat's wet food or water bowl daily. You may need to mix it into tuna water or broth at first, as cats can be reluctant to drink the tangy vinegar.

 

Introduce ACV slowly if it's new. Start with 1/4 tsp and work up to avoid tummy upset. The vinegar taste also encourages drinking, further flushing out bacteria.

 

Look for organic, raw vinegar with "the mother" containing probiotics. This is much more effective than processed vinegars. Shake before use.

 

  Cranberry Extract 🍒

 

Just like with humans, cranberry is a time-honored natural remedy for cat UTIs. Cranberries contain compounds that prevent bacteria like E. coli from adhering to the walls of the bladder.

 

Look for cranberry extract capsules formulated specifically for cats and follow the provided dosing instructions carefully. Human cranberry supplements are NOT safe for cats. 

 

If your cat will eat fresh cranberries, you can also sprinkle a few berries onto their food or mash some into canned food. Avoid giving cranberry juice, which has high sugar.

 

  Probiotics 💊

 

Giving your cat probiotic supplements during and after antibiotic treatment can help restore healthy populations of beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiome.

 

Antibiotics kill off both bad AND good bacteria in the intestines, which allows pathogenic bacteria like E. coli to overpopulate and migrate to the urinary tract more easily.

 

Probiotics containing multi-strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species help rebalance your cat's GI tract to prevent UTI recurrence. Look for pet-specific probiotic powders and give per package instructions.

 

Probiotic gut support is crucial to preventing repeat infections down the road. Work with your vet on the best probiotic regimen for your cat.

 

  When to See the Vet

 

While home care can help soothe a mild UTI, it's crucial to involve your vet promptly if you notice any of the following:

 

  Symptoms Persist

 

If UTI symptoms like frequent urination, crying in the litter box, or blood in the urine last more than 24 hours without improvement using home remedies, your cat likely needs prescription antibiotics and veterinary care.

 

Only your vet can run diagnostic tests on urine samples to identify the type and amount of bacteria involved. Catching and treating UTIs quickly is vital before kidney infections develop.

 

  Recurring Infections

 

If your cat has had more than 2-3 UTIs in a short amount of time, something more serious is going on that requires investigation. Recurring UTIs may signal:

 

- Anatomical defects allowing bacterial entry

- Embedded bladder stones

- Polyps or tumors

- Underlying illnesses like kidney disease, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism

 

Your vet can perform urine cultures, bladder ultrasounds, bloodwork, CT scans, x-rays, or other tests to diagnose the root cause of frequent UTIs requiring surgical or medical treatment.

 

  Other Health Issues

 

Some urgent symptoms warrant an immediate trip to the emergency vet. Seek same-day veterinary care if your cat has:

 

- Complete inability to urinate for 12+ hours

- Crying and signs of extreme pain while peeing

- Vomiting or loss of appetite

- Fever higher than 103° F

- Fatigue/lethargy with no interest in playing 

 

- Blood in the urine along with frequent straining

- Confusion, disorientation

 

These may indicate the infection has spread to the kidneys. Your vet can provide IV fluids, pain medication, and advanced treatment that could save your cat's life.

 

Do not wait with these serious symptoms - take your cat to the emergency vet clinic right away if you notice any of the above.

 

  Preventing Future UTIs

 

The key after your cat recovers from a UTI is prevention so that infection does not recur. Be meticulous with the following prevention tips:

 

  Hydration

 

- Encourage regular water intake through fountains, broths, canned food diet, etc. to flush out bacteria before they can establish infection.

 

- Avoid dry food diets that chronically dehydrate cats. Feed at least 50% wet food.

 

- Check prescription urinary tract support diets that promote hydration.

 

- Add water to dry food to increase moisture intake.

 

- Give Pedialyte after playtime or stress to prevent dehydration that allows UTIs.

 

Well-hydrated cats have far lower UTI risk, so focus daily on getting fluids into your cat.

 

  Diet

 

- Feed exclusively all-natural, grain-free canned foods since dry food is dehydrating.

 

- Avoid fish, tuna, and seafood flavors high in magnesium that could cause crystals.

 

- Pick low-carb, low-calorie foods to avoid obesity, diabetes, and inflammation.

 

- Discuss urinary tract prescription diets with your vet that alter urine pH.

 

- Supplement with cranberry, Vitamin C, ACV to support urinary tract health.

 

Diet is incredibly influential on bladder and kidney health. Preventive nutrition is key!

 

  Sanitation

 

- Scoop all litter boxes 2+ times daily to remove bacteria before they multiply.

 

- Replace clumping litter weekly and dump entirely monthly - bacteria accumulate over time.

 

- Use unscented clumping litter since fragrance irritates the urinary tract.

 

- Deep clean boxes monthly with mild soap and hot water to kill bacteria.

 

- Have at least 1 more box than you have cats to prevent accidents that spread bacteria.

 

Immaculate litter habits are crucial for avoiding recurrent infections. Be meticulous!

 

  Supplements

 

- Discuss UTI prevention supplements with your vet. Cranberry, Vitamin C, probiotics, and omega-3s may help.

 

- Avoid supplements like glucosamine that exacerbate bladder inflammation.

 

- Give L-methionine supplements to acidify urine pH but check with your vet first.

 

- Try marshmallow root capsules to coat and soothe the urinary tract.

 

- Use supplements alongside prescription urinary foods for maximal prevention.

 

Work closely with your vet to devise the optimal supplement plan for your cat.

 

  Conclusion

 

Urinary tract infections are extremely prevalent in cats, but very avoidable and treatable if caught early. While antibiotics are often needed, many natural remedies like increased hydration, wet food diet, Vitamin C, probiotics, ACV, and cranberry can help cats overcome UTIs and prevent recurrence.

 

Monitor cats closely for symptoms like frequent urination, bloody urine, and crying in the litter box. Seek prompt veterinary treatment when these signs appear. With attentive care, proper nutrition, meticulous sanitation, and preventive supplements, your cat can stay happy and UTI-free for life!

 

  FAQs

 

  What causes frequent UTIs in cats?

 

Frequent UTIs usually indicate an underlying issue like bladder stones, anatomical defects, or illnesses like kidney disease or diabetes. Your vet can perform tests to determine the root cause.

 

  Are cat UTIs contagious?

 

No, UTIs are not contagious from cat to cat. They occur when bacteria enters an individual cat's urinary tract, often from their own GI system. Maintaining clean litter boxes is important, but UTIs don't spread between cats.

 

  How is a cat UTI diagnosed?

 

Vets diagnose UTIs through a urinalysis to detect bacteria, blood, crystals, etc. They may also perform a urine culture, bloodwork, imaging tests, or cystoscopy. Symptoms along with urinalysis usually confirm a UTI.

 

  How much apple cider vinegar should I give my cat for a UTI?

 

Start with 1/4 teaspoon apple cider vinegar mixed into wet food once daily. Gradually increase to 1/2 tsp twice daily. Use raw, unfiltered vinegar. Too much can upset their stomach. Cranberry extract is another option.

 

  Can cat UTIs go away on their own?

 

Mild UTIs may clear on their own, but it's best to get veterinary treatment. Without antibiotics, the infection could worsen and spread to the kidneys. Home remedies can provide relief but vet care is recommended.

 

  How long do cat UTIs last?

 

With proper treatment, cat UTIs typically clear within 5-7 days. More severe kidney infections can take 2-4 weeks to resolve. If symptoms last more than 1-2 days without improvement, visit your vet for an exam and urinalysis. 

 

  What helps soothe a UTI in cats naturally?

 

Natural ways to soothe cat UTIs include giving vitamin C supplements, probiotics, increasing water intake, feeding wet food, and adding apple cider vinegar or cranberry to their diet. Herbs like marshmallow root and goldenseal may also help reduce inflammation.

 

  Why does my cat pee on the bed when she has a UTI?

 

When cats have a UTI, the urgency to pee can cause them to go outside the litter box. Soft surfaces like beds mimic the feeling of litter. Make sure to give your cat easy access to several clean litter boxes until the infection clears.

 

  Can cats die from untreated UTIs?

 

If left untreated, UTIs can spread to the kidneys and become life threatening. Septicemia and other serious complications could occur. Even mild UTIs, if chronic, can cause bladder damage. Always seek prompt veterinary treatment for cat UTIs.