Pet InfoRx^®
Cat Urinary Tract Infections & Cystitis

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is usually a bacterial infection in the urinary tract and can be quite uncomfortable for cats. Most commonly, bacteria travel up the urethra and into the sterile bladder. The bacteria then grow and cause infection. Cats historically also have cystitis, or bladder inflammation, that accompanies a UTI. But they can also have inflammatory cystitis where no UTI is present.

Signs of urinary tract infection or inflammatory cystitis can include bloody or cloudy urine, urinating small amounts frequently, urination outside the litter box, straining to urinate, or crying.

If your cat has a UTI, you should follow recommendations on prescription medications. Most cats will be put on a broad-spectrum antibiotic to clear the bacterial infection. Sometimes pain or anti-inflammatory medications will be added to help with discomfort. Your veterinarian may also recommend a prescription diet to change the pH level in the bladder to prevent recurring infections and bladder stone formation. 

If your cat is diagnosed with inflammatory cystitis, your veterinarian will prescribe pain or anti-inflammatory medications and may or may not prescribe antibiotics. They will also recommend ways to help your cat cope with stress. There are treats (like VetriScience® Composure treats) and diets designed to help calm your cat (for example, Royal Canin® Calm Cat Food – this diet also helps prevent crystal formation), as well as calming pheromones like Feliway®, that come in plug-in diffusers or sprays.

Keep Your Cat Comfortable

The best thing you can do is to administer medications and/or prescription diet as directed and monitor your cat’s urinating habits.

Make sure your cat always has access to water — multiple bowls of clean, cool water or even a circulating pet water fountain may encourage your cat to drink more. It is also imperative to have multiple, clean litter boxes in secluded areas throughout your home.

Use the recommended calming aids that your veterinarian recommends. Avoid any changes to your cat's environment, and be mindful of possible stressors for your cat during this time.

If, at any point, if your cat is straining to urinate and not producing urine or the urine appears bloody, this can be an emergency. Unfortunately, male cats are more likely to get urinary obstructions where the urethra is completely blocked, preventing urination. This can be life-threatening, and your cat should be taken to the vet immediately. Read more about urinary obstruction if you suspect your cat is suffering.

If your pet has not shown any improvements on the medications after 1 week, you should schedule a recheck with your veterinarian. At this time, your vet will likely recommend x-rays, ultrasound, or bloodwork to check for diseases that may be causing your cat's urinary issues (like kidney disease, diabetes, or bladder stones).