Veterinary Care For Feline Utis

If your cat starts urinating frequently, urinating outside of the litter box, or meowing while urinating, they may have a urinary tract infection or UTI. Since UTIs can get serious quickly, spreading to the kidneys and sometimes even to other organs, it is important to call the vet. The vet will start by running a few tests to diagnose the UTI, and then if that is indeed your cat's diagnosis, they can prescribe a few treatments. Here's a closer look at what will happen.

Diagnosing a UTI

Urinary tract infections are usually diagnosed through urinalysis, or in other words, analysis of the urine. The vet will measure the pH of the urine, assess the urine for the presence of bacteria and white blood cells, and also measure the level of protein in the urine. 

Depending on your cat's symptoms, the vet may also culture the urine, which means they will isolate a sample of the bacteria in the urine and give them time to replicate. This will allow them to identify which bacteria are causing the UTI, which may help them decide which treatments are best for your cat.

Treating a UTI

The primary treatment for a UTI in cats is antibiotics. Which antibiotic your vet gives will depend on which bacteria they feel may be causing the UTI. Antibiotics can be given in pill and liquid form. Your vet will ask you which you feel will be easier to administer to your cat, and then they will give you instructions to help you administer it. Most medications need to be given either once or twice a day for 10 days.

In addition to an antibiotic, your vet will probably also recommend a change in diet. Cats who get UTIs are often not getting enough fluids in their diets. Switching to all or part wet cat food will help. The vet may recommend a specific food formulated for ongoing urinary tract health, too.

Your cat's symptoms should start to improve within a day or two of starting the antibiotic. Sometimes, the vet will prescribe a pain reliever for a day or two in order to keep your cat more comfortable. Make sure their litter box is easy to hop into, and don't be too alarmed if they urinate outside of the litter box one or two more times after getting home from the vet.

Urinary tract infections in cats can be serious, but if you seek veterinary treatment right away, your cat should recover and live a healthy life.

Contact an animal clinic like Clovis Veterinary Hospital P A to learn more.