What Leads to Bladder Infections in Cats
Nov 20,2024 | puaintapets
Bladder infections in cats can be caused by multiple factors. Bacterial invasion is a primary cause, often due to bacteria like E. coli entering the bladder. Urinary tract abnormalities, improper diet and hydration, stress, and underlying diseases such as diabetes can also lead to these infections.
What Are Bladder Infections in Cats?
A bladder infection occurs when bacteria enter the bladder, causing inflammation and irritation. While more common in older cats or those with underlying health conditions, bladder infections can affect cats of any age or breed.
What Causes Bladder Infections In Cats？
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Stress reaction
Cats in a state of prolonged shock, restlessness and anxiety will cause the body to be unable to function properly and resistance to be lowered, thus causing cystitis.
Also Read: Can Cats Throw Up From Stress
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Insufficient water intake
Insufficient water intake in cats can lead to concentrated urine and increase the prevalence of cystitis. In addition, feeding only milk, fruit and soup to supplement water will also increase the risk of the disease.
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Frequent breeding
Frequent breeding even when the cat needs to be barred from breeding will increase the probability of cystitis, so neutering at the right age is the best choice for male cats to prevent cystitis.
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Dietary problems
Consuming too much oxalic acid or calcium foods may lead to stone formation, and stone irritation of the bladder wall can cause inflammation. In addition, a diet high in oxalic acid may lead to cancerous bladder cells. Prolonged consumption of dry foods and foods high in mineral content may also trigger cystitis.
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Urinary tract obstruction
Problems such as narrowing and blockage of the urethra can make it difficult to urinate and cause cystitis. Because the urine cannot be excreted properly, the pressure in the bladder increases, damaging the bladder mucosa.
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Bladder stones
Bladder stones can cause pressure and friction on the bladder wall, which can cause an inflammatory response.
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Trauma
Trauma may cause damage to the bladder, allowing bacteria to enter the bladder and cause infection. In addition, hematuria caused by trauma can also serve as a culture medium for bacteria, promoting their growth and reproduction.
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Genetic factors
Certain genetic disorders, such as polycystic kidney disease, may increase the risk of developing cystitis. Genetic mutations in these disorders affect the functioning of the kidneys and bladder, leading to a reduction in their defenses against bacteria.
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Bacterial infections
Infection by pathogenic bacteria predisposes to bacterial cystitis and is common in older cats, female cats, and male cats that have had urinary tract modifications.
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Medical Infections
During indwelling catheterization or cystoscopy, due to poor sterilization or special circumstances, bacterial infection may result, which may lead to cystitis.
What are the Symptoms of Bladder Infection in Cats?
①Abnormal urination
Frequent urination: the cat frequently goes to the litter box to urinate, but the amount of urine discharged each time is small or in the form of drops.
Urgency of urination: the cat suddenly has a strong desire to urinate, which is difficult to control.
Painful urination: the cat will show pain and uneasiness when urinating and may make growling or screaming noises and sometimes even dare not urinate because of the pain.
Urinary incontinence: In severe cases, the cat may not be able to urinate, causing urine to accumulate in the bladder, resulting in an enlarged bladder.
Hematuria: Inflammatory irritation caused by cystitis can lead to blood in the cat's urine, which may vary from trace amounts of red streaks to bright red urine.
Related: Understanding Hematuria in Cats: Blood in a Cat's Urine
②Behavioral changes
Indiscriminate urination: cats may appear to urinate in places other than the litter box.
Frequent genital licking: cats may lick their genital area frequently out of discomfort.
③Systemic Symptoms
Decreased appetite: the cat may experience a loss of appetite.
Poor mental state: the cat may appear sullen, depressed or restless.
Elevated body temperature: In some cases, cats may show signs of elevated body temperature.
Vomiting: In severe cases, cats may show signs of vomiting.
④Changes in urine character
Cloudy urine: The infection will cause the urine to become cloudy and may be accompanied by a strong ammonia odor.
Impurities in the urine: the urine may be mixed with a lot of mucus, blood or blood clots, as well as a large number of white blood cells.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, it is recommended that you take it to the veterinarian as soon as possible for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
How to Treat Bladder Infection in Cats?
Treatment of bladder infections in cats includes the following main areas
⑴Medication
Ⅰ.Antibiotics: used to reduce inflammation and prevent the infection from continuing to worsen. For example, tachyzoite at a dose of 12.5-25mg/kg orally twice daily.
Ⅱ.Diuretics: to increase urination and soothe cystitis, used according to the cat's weight.
Ⅲ.Painkillers: to reduce pain pressure in cats. For example, Bianco, once a day, 0.5/dose.
Ⅳ.Bladder mucosal repair medication: e.g. Saxitrophen, twice a day, 1/2 capsules in the first period and 1/1 capsule in the second period.
Ⅴ.Mood relievers: for anxiety, e.g. gabapentin, taken orally during stressful times such as moving, bathing, going out.
⑵Other treatments
Catheterization
If the urethra is obstructed, prompt catheterization, antibiotics and symptomatic treatment are required. In cases of severe azotemia, cystocentesis may be necessary to remove some of the urine.
Surgery
If the stones in the bladder are large, surgery may be needed to remove them.
Rehydration
Rehydration of the bladder with fluids, along with diuretics to flush the bladder and urethra, may be necessary to facilitate recovery.
⑶Daily care and prevention
Increase water intake: Ensure daily water intake, about 200-250ml/day, and can change cat food to urinary tract prescription food to reduce magnesium intake.
Reduce stress: as cat stress can also lead to cystitis or urinary incontinence, e.g. avoid sudden change of environment, reduce contact with strangers and other pets.
Control weight: Increase exercise appropriately, excessive obesity in cats will not only increase the burden on the liver and kidneys, but also easily induce urinary system diseases.
Also Read: How to Help My Cat Lose Weight
Pay attention to cleanliness and hygiene: bacterial infections can easily cause urinary system diseases, so be sure to disinfect and clean diligently.
Increase interaction: For cats that don't move well, owners can play with their cats more by setting up cat climbing frames and using cat teasers to stimulate more movement,
Replacement of cat litter: Choose the right cat litter and keep the litter box clean.
How to Make Cats Drink More Water?
I. Provide suitable water containers
①Place more water bowls
Place a few more clean water bowls in areas where cats frequently move around, such as the living room, bedroom and balcony. Cats may be more willing to drink water because of the convenience of the water bowls, and different locations can also increase their chances of drinking water.
②Choosing the right water bowl
Size and depth: Choose a water bowl that is the right size and shallow. If the water bowl is too deep, cats may find it uncomfortable, especially kittens or cats with flat faces, and a shallow bowl makes it easier for them to reach the water.
Material: Ceramic or stainless steel water bowls are better than plastic water bowls. Plastic water bowls may retain odors and are prone to bacteria, and cats may drink less water because they don't like the taste of plastic.
③Flow-through water fixtures
Pet-specific water fountains: you can purchase pet-specific water fountains that mimic a natural flowing water source. Many cats are more interested in flowing water because it is usually cleaner and fresher in its natural environment.
Homemade flowing water device: You can also make your own simple flowing water device, such as using a small pump to circulate water in a container.
II. Adjusting the nature of water
①Provide fresh and clean water
Change the cat's drinking water every day to keep the water fresh. Cats are sensitive to water quality, and if the water has been left for too long or has an odor, they may not drink it.
②Regulate the water temperature
Cats usually prefer water that is room temperature, and water that is too cold or too hot may discourage them from drinking it. Keep the water at a similar temperature to the room temperature, usually around 20 - 25°C.
③Change the flavor of the water
Add a pet-specific flavoring: there are some pet-specific drinking water flavoring agents on the market that can be added to the water in small quantities to make it more appealing, but be careful to choose a product that is safe and suitable for cats.
Add low-sodium broth: You can add a small amount of low-sodium broth, such as chicken broth or beef broth, to the water, but make sure that there is no added onion, garlic and other ingredients that are toxic to cats.
III. Increase water intake through food
①Wet food feeding
Increase the proportion of wet food (e.g. canned food). The water content of wet food is higher, usually around 70 - 80%, compared to dry food (water content is usually around 10%), which allows the cat to consume more water while eating.
②Homemade food
You can occasionally make some homemade food with high water content for your cat, such as chicken puree and fish puree, which can provide nutrition while replenishing water.
When to See a Vet
If your cat shows the following symptoms, it is recommended to take it to the hospital immediately:
- Urinates frequently but with little or no urine output
- Showing pain or discomfort when urinating
- Blood in urine or abnormal color (e.g. pink, red)
- Cats show systemic symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite and weight loss
- Cats show digestive symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea
If a cat has been diagnosed with a bladder infection, treatment is usually required under the guidance of a veterinarian and may include medication such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, painkillers and operations such as catheterization may be required. During the course of treatment, the cat's condition needs to be closely monitored and the medication and dosage adjusted according to the veterinarian's recommendations.
FAQs
What ingredient in cat food causes urinary problems?
Ingredients in cat food that may cause urinary tract disorders
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High Magnesium Ingredients
Cat food that is too high in magnesium may lead to urinary disorders in cats. For example, excess magnesium can encourage the formation of magnesium ammonium phosphate (struvite) crystals in the urine. These crystals may build up in your cat's urinary system, causing inflammation that can progress to urinary tract disorders such as cystitis or urethral blockage.
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High calcium content
When calcium levels are too high, they may affect the mineral balance in your cat's urine. Calcium may combine with other minerals to form stones, especially if the cat does not drink enough water. Once stones form, they may block the urethra or irritate the tissues of the urinary system, leading to inflammation and disease.
Can a cat get a UTI from a dirty litter box?
The link between unclean litter boxes and feline UTIs
Increased risk of infection
An unclean litter box can increase your cat's risk of contracting a UTI. Contaminants such as bacteria, fungi and parasite eggs in the litter box that come into contact with the cat's external urethral opening may take advantage of the opportunity to invade the urethra and cause UTIs.
For example, when a cat's urine is left in the litter box, it can harbor a large number of bacteria, such as E. coli. When a cat uses a dirty litter box, these bacteria may contaminate the skin and mucous membranes around the urethra, and then travel up the urethra, ultimately leading to UTI.
Also Read: Understanding and Managing Cat Urinary Tract Infections
What is the best diet for a cat with urinary problems?
Dietary advice for cats with urinary tract disorders
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Mainly wet food
For cats with urinary tract disorders, wet food is a better choice. Wet food is high in water content, which can increase the cat's water intake, thus diluting the urine and reducing the possibility of mineral crystal formation in the urine. For example, the moisture content in canned cat food is usually around 70% - 80%, which can better meet the needs of sick cats compared to dry food.
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Prescription food
Your veterinarian may recommend a prescription food specifically for the urinary tract. These prescription foods are usually formulated according to the type and cause of the cat's urinary tract disease. For example, a prescription food for stone problems will adjust the mineral content to prevent further stone formation or promote dissolution of existing stones. Also, the prescription food may have nutrients added to help maintain urinary health, such as specific fatty acids.
Conclusion
Bladder infections in cats can cause discomfort and, if untreated, lead to serious complications. By understanding the causes and recognizing symptoms early, you can take steps to ensure your cat receives the care they need. Prevention through hydration, diet, and regular veterinary visits is key to maintaining your feline’s urinary health. If you notice any concerning symptoms, consult your veterinarian promptly to address the issue effectively.
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