Urinary tract infections in cats are characterized by increased frequency of urination, difficulty in urination, soreness in the bladder, and occasionally the presence of blood in the urine. They will typically avoid urinating in the litter box at all costs. A cat with a UTI prefers smooth surfaces like the floor, bathtub, or shower enclosure.
There is no cause to be worried if your cat develops a urinary tract infection (UTI). Here are home remedies for your cat’s UTI and the symptoms. These remedies have the potential to alleviate the pain associated with a UTI, as well as to lessen or get rid of the infection altogether.
What Are Urinary Tract Infections in Cats?
Cats rarely suffer from urinary tract infections (also known as UTIs). Only 1% to 3% of cats exhibiting symptoms of urinary tract infection may develop a disease.
It is essential to differentiate urinary tract infections (UTIs) from other diseases, such as crystals in the urine because UTIs can seem like a wide variety of other medical issues. Your vet can identify the difference with basic testing.
Bacteria typically cause cats’ urinary tract infections. Urinary tract infections caused by bacteria in cats are typically not difficult to cure, and medicine is usually effective against these infections. Chronic infections that don’t respond to treatment may require extra testing to determine why your cat is prone to UTIs.
Symptoms of a Cat UTI
Even though a urinary infection in cats is a potentially life-threatening problem, the good news is that there are several warning signs that are simple to recognize.
The following is a list of the most typical symptoms that a cat may exhibit if they are suffering from a urinary disorder:
- Frequent litterbox use
- Minimal urination
- Howling when urinating
- Genital licking
- Blood in the urine
- Urinary incontinence
- Urinating outside the litterbox
- Frequent or prolonged urination
Causes of UTI
Urinary tract infections (UTI) are especially common in kitties and are usually caused by numerous bacteria species.
Other factors that may contribute to the development of a urinary tract infection (UTI) include an injury to the urethra, urine retention, stress, and problems with the spinal cord.
But remember, some viruses and some pre-existing health conditions also lead to UTIs in cats.
Remedies for a Cat UTI
There are a number of remedies for a cat UTI that are helpful in treating the infection. Rather than attacking the difficulty with antibiotics, which can lead to undesired side effects, it is recommended that medications not be used.
Juniper Berry
The juniper berry is a type of herb that assists the kidneys in more efficiently eliminating waste and toxins from the bloodstream. This can stimulate urine production, cleaning your cat’s system and removing harmful bacteria from the urinary tract.
This herb reduces inflammation, which helps ease your cat’s UTI pain. Juniper berry can fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria and fungi, helping to cure your cat’s UTI.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a natural treatment for a number of conditions, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), that are rather frequent in cats. However, excessive dosages might be dangerous, so limit the intake.
Apple cider’s acidity can help prevent bacteria in your cat’s urinary tract. This reduces and eliminates UTIs in cats.
Before administering it to your cat, dilute the apple cider vinegar with water. Apple cider vinegar should never be given to cats in its pure form.
A few drops in their water daily should be sufficient for little cats weighing less than four pounds. Cats weighing more than six pounds can have as much as one-half of a teaspoon daily. Medium-sized cats should get 1/4 teaspoon every day.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Glucosamine and chondroitin are two supplements used for managing arthritis joint discomfort; however, they can also be used to lessen the symptoms of a feline urinary tract infection (UTI). Glucosamine has the potential to assist in the replacement of a substance found in the lining of the bladder wall in cats. Chondroitin helps avoid the breakdown of this compound.
Two supplements can repair the bladder wall and reduce microbial infection. This alleviates inflammation as well as the other symptoms of a UTI. You should give your cat 100 milligrams of glucosamine and 50 milligrams of chondroitin for every ten pounds the cat weighs.
Bone Broth
In addition to managing the pH level and strengthening the bladder wall, it is essential to keep your cat adequately hydrated when treating a cat UTI. This will assist in cleaning out the bladder and preventing the buildup of potentially dangerous bacteria.
You can hydrate your cat with bone broth. Bone broth hydrates and includes nutrients and minerals that fight illness. Bone broth’s amino acids, glycine and arginine, decrease inflammation.
Marshmallow Root
Marshmallow roots can destroy germs, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the bladder lining to fight a UTI. It serves as a diuretic to enhance urine flow and clean the bladder.
According to research, marshmallow root’s mucilage can soothe membranes and support the bladder lining.
Cranberries
According to studies, cranberry juice can treat UTIs. It stops bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract. Bacteria can’t produce an infection if they can’t attach to the urinary tract.
Unfortunately, the high sugar content of cranberry juice makes it unsuitable for felines. However, there are other possibilities. A few drops of cranberry concentrate have less sugar than cranberry juice.
Parsley leaf
Parsley leaf is a powerful diuretic that can facilitate urine elimination. In addition to their high nutritional value, parsley leaves possess antibacterial properties, making them an excellent choice for treating urinary tract infections.
Uva Ursi
The leaf of the uva ursi plant is one of the most potent natural astringents that can be found. Holistic vets utilize it to fight UTI-causing bacteria. It can prevent bleeding and bring down the inflammatory response caused by these illnesses.
Medically formulated commercial cat food (Best Option)
If you do not have time or access to the above-mentioned remedies for feline UTI treatment, then the best solution is to offer your kitty some medically formulated cat food specially made to cure feline UTI infections. You can find all the best possible options such as non prescription cat food for urinary crystals easily online.
Are Some Cats Predisposed to UTIs?
Older female cats and cats with diabetes mellitus get UTIs more often. Cats with bladder stones are susceptible to repeated UTIs, highlighting the significance of a full diagnosis anytime there are urinary tract indications. Bladder stones must be eliminated or broken to restore bladder health.
