A feline UTI, or urinary tract infection, is a bacterial infection affecting any portion of a cat's bladder or urinary system. These infections may be contracted through a variety of behaviors and sources and are relatively common amongst cats that spend time outdoors. Although a urinary tract infection is not, in itself, a dire medical concern for your pet's overall health, if the infection is left alone and untreated it can spread to other parts of your cat's body. In some cases, infections of these types can enter your pet's vital organs and may prove to be extremely damaging or even fatal. For these reasons, it is important to be familiar with the various symptoms associated with feline UTIs.
Overview of Feline Urinary Tract Infections
An infection of the urinary tract causes painful swelling and inflammation of one or more parts of your cat's body. One of the most common symptoms of a urinary tract infection in cats is excessive licking of the genital area. Your cat detects some discomfort and attempts to dislodge what feels like a foreign body by licking at his genitals. Unfortunately, the infection itself is not remedied by this behavior.
Lack of Urination
Cats with urinary tract infections may have discomfort while urinating. In some cases, pets may urinate in inappropriate areas, such as on furniture or walls within the home. The cat may appear to be skittish or afraid while urinating, and the urine itself may have a foul odor or unusual color.
In extreme cases, cats with urinary tract infections may refuse to urinate at all. This is a symptom of serious UTIs and occurs when the inflammation and pain associated with the infection is enough to overwhelm the cat's natural need to urinate. If your cat has not urinated for a day or more, take him to a veterinarian immediately. By refusing to urinate, your cat puts his own life in serious danger. If urine builds up in his system, it can prove toxic to him and may cause serious long term health damage or even death. Cats that refuse to urinate typically have advanced infections of the urinary tract and require immediate medical treatment.
Treating a urinary tract infection is generally a relatively simple task. Urinary tract infections in cats are typically caused by the overgrowth of harmful bacteria. Antibiotics like amoxicillin are useful in killing these bacteria or preventing them from reproducing. When the bacteria population diminishes, your pet's body ceases to react defensively and the swelling and inflammation surround the urinary tract go down. Following this, your pet will begin to urinate again regularly.
If you suspect that your pet has a urinary tract infection, and especially if he refuses to urinate entirely, take him to a veterinarian right away. Hesitation or failure to act may prove to be fatal, and urinary tract infections are both easy to diagnose and readily treatable.