Cats can contract a urinary infection much more frequently than their owners would like to imagine. Most often, vets will conclude that the condition is idiopathic in nature, which is simply another way of saying they have no idea what might have caused it. As a result, a common symptom of a cat's urinary tract infection, such as urinating outside the litter box, is generally (and erroneously) assigned to behavioral causes, like stress.
The reality is that a cat's urinary tract infection is more likely to be physiological rather than behavioral. The condition is one of a number of urinary problems, which can include obstruction in the urinary passage as well as bladder inflammation, more commonly known as FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease).
Your cat's urinary infection is as unpleasant and distressing to them as it would be to you. Like with humans, it is marked by a need to urinate, but no amount of straining to do so helps. If you learn the causes of the condition, and to follow simple rules of care, you can help ease your kitty's discomfort.
You may have noticed that your cat rarely visits the water bowl. A reluctance to drink water is actually natural for cats. They originally evolved in arid, desert climates, and time and evolution made them able to get the liquid they needed for survival primarily from their food. The animals they consumed provided most of the fluids necessary to maintain optimum health. Water from a separate source was rarely needed. However, this instinct is still a part of cats today, and is a major reason there has been a rise in the number of cat urinary infections reported.
Your vet, of course, can determine a specific treatment for your cat's urinary infection based upon a review of the results of a urinalysis, among other avenues of investigation, but you can help keep your cat's urinary tract in tip-top health, as well as cut down on vet bills, by putting into practice some proven methods of prevention.
1. Plenty of water is key.
Be sure to wash your kitty's water bowl daily, using only clean, hot water. If using soap, be aware that it might contain harmful chemicals, so make certain to rinse the bowl completely to eliminate any residue.
Make sure water is easy for your cat to find. Place several water bowls around your home. Also, make the bowl large enough that your cat can drink out of them without their whiskers brushing the sides.
If you are providing your cat with dry cat food, mix in a little water to moisten it. To make it even more attractive, try adding something tasty, such as chicken broth.
Cats dig moving water, so consider buying a free flowing water drinking fountain. The fun interaction may encourage them to drink more often.
2. Steer clear of feeding your cat foods with a high magnesium content, like beef, pork, heart and oily fish.
3. Instead of prescription diets, pick foods that are natural; organic is ideal, when available. Be sure to ask your vet if the foods you're providing will create the optimal pH level in your cat's urine.
4. Adding a tablespoon of vinegar to the water once a day will keep the urine pH a little acidic, and helps prevent the formation of bladder stones. Bladder stones can often lead to your cat's getting urinary infections.
An ounce of prevention now saves you a pound of cure later. You can help your cat live longer, healthier and happier by following these basic rules to maintaining their urinary tract health.
The reality is that a cat's urinary tract infection is more likely to be physiological rather than behavioral. The condition is one of a number of urinary problems, which can include obstruction in the urinary passage as well as bladder inflammation, more commonly known as FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease).
Your cat's urinary infection is as unpleasant and distressing to them as it would be to you. Like with humans, it is marked by a need to urinate, but no amount of straining to do so helps. If you learn the causes of the condition, and to follow simple rules of care, you can help ease your kitty's discomfort.
You may have noticed that your cat rarely visits the water bowl. A reluctance to drink water is actually natural for cats. They originally evolved in arid, desert climates, and time and evolution made them able to get the liquid they needed for survival primarily from their food. The animals they consumed provided most of the fluids necessary to maintain optimum health. Water from a separate source was rarely needed. However, this instinct is still a part of cats today, and is a major reason there has been a rise in the number of cat urinary infections reported.
Your vet, of course, can determine a specific treatment for your cat's urinary infection based upon a review of the results of a urinalysis, among other avenues of investigation, but you can help keep your cat's urinary tract in tip-top health, as well as cut down on vet bills, by putting into practice some proven methods of prevention.
1. Plenty of water is key.
Be sure to wash your kitty's water bowl daily, using only clean, hot water. If using soap, be aware that it might contain harmful chemicals, so make certain to rinse the bowl completely to eliminate any residue.
Make sure water is easy for your cat to find. Place several water bowls around your home. Also, make the bowl large enough that your cat can drink out of them without their whiskers brushing the sides.
If you are providing your cat with dry cat food, mix in a little water to moisten it. To make it even more attractive, try adding something tasty, such as chicken broth.
Cats dig moving water, so consider buying a free flowing water drinking fountain. The fun interaction may encourage them to drink more often.
2. Steer clear of feeding your cat foods with a high magnesium content, like beef, pork, heart and oily fish.
3. Instead of prescription diets, pick foods that are natural; organic is ideal, when available. Be sure to ask your vet if the foods you're providing will create the optimal pH level in your cat's urine.
4. Adding a tablespoon of vinegar to the water once a day will keep the urine pH a little acidic, and helps prevent the formation of bladder stones. Bladder stones can often lead to your cat's getting urinary infections.
An ounce of prevention now saves you a pound of cure later. You can help your cat live longer, healthier and happier by following these basic rules to maintaining their urinary tract health.
About the Author:
Author Susan Livingstone adores felines. When her felines get a urinary infection, everything stops until they get the relief they need. Susan wants to show you what works for her, because you love your kitty too. Make their litter box a happy place.Cat Urinary is where to start.
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