6 Cat UTI Symptoms to Get Checked Right Away
A cat’s urinary system is a complex network made up of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. It plays an important role in numerous body functions, such as ridding the body of waste products and balancing water and electrolytes for the body’s cells.
Unfortunately, cats are prone to a number of painful and uncomfortable urinary tract issues. There are so many potential issues specifically related to urinary health that an umbrella term – known as both feline urinary syndrome (FUS) and feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) – was created to capture the breadth of problems facing cats in that area.
Among the causes of FUS are urinary tract infections (UTIs). These infections are fairly common conditions in humans, particularly adult women. “The infection is not demonstrably different in felines than it is in humans,” explains Dr. Byron de la Navarre, chief of staff at Animal House of Chicago, “though symptoms will naturally present differently.”
But how can you tell if a behavior or action is a symptom of a UTI in cats, a sign of another urinary problem, or something else entirely? Read on for more info about cat urinary tract infections, plus the 5 symptoms of cat UTIs to get checked right away.
Urinary Tract Infections in Cats: An Overview
A urinary tract infection is when bacteria that does not typically live in the bladder gets to the bladder, causing irritation and inflammation, says Dr. Victoria Guillen of Pleasant Care Pet Hospital and Cat Care Clinic in Cincinnati.
“Female cats are more likely to get an infection of their urinary tract than male cats due to their anatomy,” Dr. Guillen says. Additionally, she says older cats are at a higher risk of getting a UTI as they have a higher preponderance of kidney disease than their younger counterparts. This is because the acid content and concentration of urine helps prevent UTIs, and kidney disease can alter the acidity of urine and decrease urine concentration. When that happens, infection is more likely.
Feline UTIs are a relatively rare condition. According to a 2021 study in Topics in Companion Animal Medicine, UTIs are considerably more common in dogs than in cats, with 39.3 percent of analyzed dogs showing a urine culture that was positive for UTI-causing bacteria and just 24.7 percent of cats showing the same.
Cat UTI Symptoms to Get Checked
While it can sometimes be tough to tell when your cat is fighting a UTI, here are five symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored.
Urinating in Inappropriate Places
Cats’ instinctual attraction toward using the litter box is one of nature’s miracles, and when they don’t follow through, it can be very jarring. One of the most common symptoms of many feline diseases is improper elimination, or doing their business outside of the litter box.
“What’s difficult about not using the litter box is that it can be hard to isolate what’s causing the problem,” Dr. de la Navarre says. “It could be as simple as you moving something in the room, and the cat is showing you they’re not happy about it, so they pee inappropriately.”
He adds that if you moved the litter box, and the cat is peeing where it used to be, it’s fairly likely that the cat wants it put back in its original location. But if you’re seeing repeated incidents of inappropriate urination without explanation, it’s worth discussing with your veterinarian, as a UTI or other cause of FLUTD may be present.
Blood in Urine
If you see blood in your cat’s urine, it could be a sign of a urinary tract infection. Inflammation in a cat’s urinary tract or bladder can cause discolored urine or blood-tinged urine. Pay extra attention to your cat’s litter box for signs of bloody urine and seek veterinary care if you notice any.
Increased Frequency in Urination
When UTI-causing bacteria are present in large enough numbers, a cat’s bladder can become irritated and inflamed, Dr. de la Navarre says. “It gets uncomfortable, so they tend to pee more frequently.”
If your cat is posturing to urinate more than usual but is producing minimal to no urine, prompt veterinary attention is recommended to determine if your cat has a UTI or something more serious like a blockage.
“A urinary blockage is a medical emergency and should be addressed promptly, as it can result in death if not treated,” Dr. Guillen says.
This can happen when the urethra gets severely inflamed or if a stone forms and doesn’t pass through, Dr. de la Navarre says. “They’re much more common in male cats than female cats, and recurrence is fairly common. In that case, surgery may be recommended to prevent future blockages.”
Increased Thirst
Also known as polydipsia, increased thirst can be a product of increased frequency of urination or a cause of it; in either case, it’s worth checking with your veterinarian. If a UTI is present, drinking more water than usual may be the cat’s way of trying to flush out the urinary tract and rid themself of the bacteria causing the infection.
Your veterinarian may also test for the possibility of diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, or hyperthyroidism, as polydipsia is a symptom of these three common conditions.
Vocalizing or Straining While Urinating
Healthy cats usually go about their “business” without calling too much attention to themselves, but in the case of a UTI, Dr. de la Navarre says a cat may yowl or vocalize while attempting to urinate. Additionally, you may observe your cat physically straining to use the bathroom when they’re dealing with a UTI.
Another potential underlying cause for straining and/or vocalizing during urination is cystitis, which is an inflammatory condition of the bladder that can lead to the formation of stones. Dr. Guillen says stress can be a cause of cystitis, and a special diet may be recommended by your veterinarian to help rebalance the acidity in urine, which can break up any potential stones and flush out unwanted bacteria.
Vocalizing and straining while attempting to urinate can also signal that your cat could have a urinary blockage. A cat who is repeatedly straining in the litter box and yowling should be examined quickly to ensure they are able to pass urine. Blockage can result in kidney failure and bladder rupture, which can be fatal.
Unusually Lethargic, Restless, or Standoffish Behavior
Does your cat just seem “off,” exhibiting unusual behavior like restlessness or lethargy? Changes like this can be a symptom of dozens of diseases and conditions, including UTIs.
Guillen says that because of cats’ sometimes subtle nature, behavior that’s abnormal for them – especially if it lasts for more than a day or so – is worth discussing with your veterinarian. “A full medical workup is always recommended before assuming it is a behavior issue,” she explains.
Next Steps if You Suspect a Cat UTI
If you suspect a cat urinary tract infection, or any other urinary issue, call your veterinarian and discuss your observations.
If it seems like a blockage is possible (and especially if your cat is male), Dr. de la Navarre says you should make sure to seek out immediate care. “If nothing or very little is coming out, that can become toxic to the cat within hours,” he explains.
Dr. Guillen says cats who are eating and behaving otherwise normally can schedule an appointment. The vet will take a urine sample, which may be cultured at a lab to test for UTI-causing bacteria or examined under the microscope for evidence of infection. X-rays of the abdomen and/or blood work may also be ordered, she says, depending on the age, overall health, and symptom profile of the cat.
“If the cat has a true UTI, then antibiotics are typically prescribed,” she notes. “If there is a urinary stone in the bladder, a special prescription diet may be prescribed to dissolve it.” Some stones will not dissolve with a prescription diet and need to be surgically removed.
To prevent recurrence, Dr. Guillen recommends having plenty of clean water available to drink, especially from cat fountains. Some vets, she says, will want the cat to stay on a special urinary diet for an extended period, potentially lifelong.
She also advises following the rule of “plus one” when it comes to litter boxes in the house: “One cat should have two, two cats should have three, etc.” Having options, and especially giving a cat its own box that no other cat in the house uses, makes them feel more comfortable and confident.
