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Holistic Treatments for Cat Urinary Tract Infections

Cats > Urinary System > Holistic Treatments for Cat Urinary Tract Infections

also see FLUTD

also see Feline Urinary

also see Cat Infection

also see Feline Urine

A variety of cat urinary tract problems can be managed holistically. Proper diet, supplements and a healthy lifestyle can improve many feline bladder problems.

A cat urinary infection causes several typical symptoms:

Straining to urinate
Passing only small amounts of urine
Pain during urination
Blood in urine
Inappropriate urination
Incontinence

Left untreated, a mild urinary tract infection can lead to more serious conditions. Cat kidney infections often result from an untreated UTI, and in a male cat, UTIs can lead to a dangerous urethral block.

A Healthy Diet For Bladder Health

Most holistic veterinarians agree that must change the diet to improve bladder health in cats. While a switch to a raw or home-prepared diet is ideal, a change to a top-quality commercial brand will offer significant benefits.

When choosing a commercial cat food, look for a food that lists a named meat as the primary ingredient and avoid foods that contain soy, wheat or corn.

Supplement dry food with ample amounts of canned food. This will increase the amount of fluids your cat consumes, an important strategy for managing urinary tract health. Add several teaspoons of water to the food to further increase hydration.

Herbal Supplements

Herbal supplements can prevent or resolve a mild bladder infection.

Cranberry is available in capsule form. It prevents E. coli bacteria from sticking to the bladder walls where it can replicate and spread.
Uva Ursi is available in health food stores. It is an antibacterial diuretic.
Oregon Grape supplements contain berberine, a natural antibiotic that also provides anti-inflammatory action.
Other helpful herbs include barberry and sarsaparilla. Both of these herbals are helpful when urinary calculi or stones are present.
A veterinary herbalist can help you design an herbal program for your cat.

Vitamin Therapy

Vitamin A supports healthy kidney function.
Vitamin C aids in detoxification and acidifies the urine that controls bacterial infections.
Magnesium prevents the reformation of stones.

Exercise and Stress Reduction

Renal failure in cats is common as cats age. To keep the your cat as healthy and fit as possible, help her stay active and stress-free. Interact with your cat on a daily basis and provide a stimulating but safe environment. Stress and fear can cause your cat to avoid her litter box; "holding it" increases the risk of bacterial bladder infections.

Acupressure

Acupressure is useful for treating and supporting the bladder. A trained acupressurist can increase circulation to the urinary tract and strengthen the bladder and kidneys.

Homeopathy

For early stage urinary tract inflammation, homeopathic remedies can be helpful. One of the following may be suitable for your cat; speak to a qualified animal homeopath for the best recommendation.

Urtica urens 6X (stinging nettle)
Apis mellifica 3X (bee venom)
Rhus toxicodendron 6X (poison oak)

If no improvement is seen in 24 hours, discontinue homeopathic treatment.

Other tips to prevent feline urinary tract infections:

Provide unlimited fresh water, filtered if possible
Keep litter boxes clean, accessible and in safe, stress-free locations
Feed smaller amounts more frequently
Avoid free choice feeding in favor of twice daily feeding
Maintain your cat's weight

When it comes to feline urinary tract problems, a healthy lifestyle is the most effective preventative. A holistic approach may provide the best solution for your cat.

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