Urinary tract infections are a common occurrence in cats. In fact, according to a recent study urinary tract infections are the number one reason for veterinary visits. That said, knowing the symptoms by heart can help you identify the condition early on and possibly avoid the frustration, and added expense, of dealing with a cat urinary tract infection that turns chronic.
A feline urinary tract infection will become chronic in left untreated, or if the condition is not recognized early on about 40 percent of the time.
Having had a number of cats with this condition over the years I can tell you with confidence that there are four symptoms which are rarely mentioned in those handy veterinary manuals worth noting. Why don't we start with these.
*Excessive water consumption: I once had a cat that had a urinary tract infection brewing that starting sleeping next to the water bowl instead of his normal spot on the couch. The first couple of days I thought there wasn't anything wrong (maybe just having a senior moment) but then when he started sleeping there and drinking a giant bowl of water every night I knew something was wrong and after a urinalysis my suspicions were confirmed.
*Anti-social behavior: While many believe cats to be antisocial creatures mine have always wanted to be where I am most of the time. If you start to notice changes in this type of loving behavior it is a sure indication they are not feeling well and a bacterial urinary tract infection could be brewing.
*Smelling changes in urination habits: Now I must tell you that for many cat owners using your nose rather than your eyes may give you the investigative edge needed to identifying a cat urinary tract infection. Cats who have become infected will sneak off in a corner somewhere and let the urine fly. So if you start to smell the pungent odor of urine outside the litter box area there is chance your cat is struggling with a UTI.
*Other animals in the house avoiding areas they frequent: I have no firm scientific evidence to support this but I have noticed this phenomenon over the years. Perhaps it is the pungent odor of residual urine or maybe it is other animals sensing sickness.
The four signs and symptoms that your cat may have a urinary tract infection listed above are a good place to start in identifying this type of infection early. Nevertheless, you may need more information to confirm the presence of a UTI since one could make the argument that a diabetic or thyroid challenged animal could produce similar symptoms.
Now let's move on to seven additional symptoms your cat may have a urinary tract infection to get a more accurate reading.
*Blood in the urine
*Overly dilute urine
*Inability to fully empty their bladder.
*Signs of pain or straining while attempting to urinate.
*Consistently frequent trips to the litter box.
*A change in the smell or their urine which has become quite pungent.
*Soreness in the hind area where the bladder is located making them sensitive to touching or stroking.
In conclusion, it is rare, though not impossible, that a cat will not show signs of a urinary tract infection. The key is picking up on the symptoms early and taking action to address the problem before it gets out of hand.
Some pet owners will prefer to treat the early signs conventionally, others will feel more comfortable taking a more natural approach, while still others will decide to take no chances and implement a two step approach combing antibiotics and homeopathic natural UTI remedies.
Robert D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic consumer advocate for natural health and natural living with over 10 years experience in the field. To discover more about pet health along with information about safe and effective herbal and homeopathic pet remedies Click Here
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