Urinary tract infections in cats
Urinary tract infections are relatively uncommon in cats under 10 years of age. They're more common in older cats, but still rare, especially compared to other causes of urinary symptoms. However, urinary tract infections do occur, and if you suspect your cat has one, it's important to visit the vet for a proper examination and treatment.
A urinary tract infection in cats happens when bacteria get a chance to attach to the urinary tract, usually through an ascending infection. The bladder is normally sterile, meaning it shouldn't contain any bacteria. If bacteria do enter, an infection can develop, causing inflammation of the bladder wall, which can be painful for cats, particularly when they try to urinate.
Urinary tract infections are less common in male cats but can occur more often in female cats. It's not always the case that bacteria entering the bladder will cause an infection; typically, a cat's local defence system is quite good at dealing with bacteria before they take hold and an infection develops. However, if you suspect your cat has a urinary tract infection, you should take them to the vet for an examination.
Symptoms of a urinary tract infection in cats are similar to other urinary complaints. Your cat may visit the litter box more often than usual and try to urinate even when little or nothing comes out. They might urinate outside the box or elsewhere in the house, and it's not uncommon for them to frequently pass small amounts of urine due to urinary urgency. Urinating is often painful, and you may sometimes see blood. Additionally, the urine might smell bad. In some cases, their general condition may decline; the cat could develop a fever, eat less, and show signs of abdominal pain.
To check for a urinary tract infection, a urine sample needs to be collected and analysed. At the vet's, a sample is taken either via a catheter or a puncture through the abdomen into the bladder (the latter often guided by ultrasound). The sample is then analysed and cultured, especially if bacteria are found in the urine sediment. This helps identify the type of bacteria and determine the appropriate antibiotic based on a resistance test.
