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Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are thankfully an uncommon occurrence in cats. UTIs affect the lower urinary system, including the bladder and urethra. They normally occur when bacteria travel up the urethra and enter the usually sterile urinary bladder, causing an infection. UTIs can become serious if not treated as soon as possible. The infection can move further into the kidneys and cause severe complications like acute kidney injury (AKI) and septicemia (bacteria in your cat’s bloodstream).
Of course, if your cat has been getting UTIs consistently for a while, you already know how urgent the condition can be. But you might be wondering why your beloved pet keeps getting them. Keep reading to find seven likely reasons why your cat is getting UTIs.
FLUTD vs UTI
While researching UTIs, you may stumble across another acronym: FLUTD or feline lower urinary tract disease. FLUTD is an umbrella term that refers to various clinical signs causing problems in your cat’s lower urinary tract. It is important to highlight that around 85-95% of FLUTD cases are not caused by bacterial infections.
Cats can develop UTIs, but they may be more prone to suffer from urinary tract diseases instead. The potential causes of FLUTD include infections (UTIs), crystals and stones, urethral plugs, tumors in the urinary tract, congenital abnormalities, and a condition called Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC) which means inflammation of the bladder without a known cause. This is actually the most common reason for FLUTD.
On occasion, your cat may develop an obstruction, where they can’t urinate at all or have a very difficult time peeing. This is a medical emergency, so you should take your cat to your vet straight away.
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What Are the Signs of a UTI in Cats?
If your cat has FLUTD or a UTI, you may notice the following signs:
Inability to pass urine
Vocalizing when urinating
Loss of bladder control
Urinating in small amounts
Urinating more often than usual
Urinating in uncommon places
Avoiding the litter box
Spending lots of time in the litter box
Strong ammonia scent in litter
Distended belly
Cloudy urine
Bloody urine
Excessive licking of the genital area
Drinking more than usual
Vomiting
Lethargy
Now that we know the difference between the two most commonly found urinary tract disorder acronyms and the signs to look out for, let’s take a closer look at why your kitty might be getting UTIs.
The 7 Reasons Your Cat Keep Getting UTIs
1. Your Cat Has a Bacterial Infection
Sudden and chronic UTIs are often caused by bacterial infections. The bacteria that cause these infections are typically found in the gastrointestinal tract or lower down in your cat’s urinary tract.
A common source of bacteria is a dirty litter box. Fecal bacteria can travel up your cat’s urethra when they squat to urinate or defecate.
E. Coli has been isolated in as many as 67% of feline UTIs.1 Other bacteria that may cause infections include Streptococcus, Enterococcus, and Klebsiella. Regardless of the causative agent, they all can cause infections, which lead to the UTI your cat experiences.
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2. Your Cat Has Chronic Kidney Problems
UTIs are relatively common in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD), as their dilute urine may allow bacteria to thrive. UTIs occur in approximately 30% of cats with CKD.
3. Your Cat Has an Endocrine Disease
Cats with diabetes mellitus are more likely to develop UTIs than the general feline population. Studies suggest that even if you’re controlling diabetes as you should, your cat may still be predisposed to developing a UTI.2 Routine monitoring with urine sediment exams may be necessary to keep tabs on your diabetic cat’s urinary tract.
Hyperthyroidism is another chronic condition that can increase your cat’s risk of developing a UTI. Like CKD, feline hyperthyroidism results in very dilute urine, allowing bacteria to thrive. Other long-term conditions that may increase the likelihood of UTIs include Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) infections. Your vet can diagnose these conditions and give you the best advice possible for your cat.
4. Your Cat Has Bladder Stones
Uroliths, or bladder stones, form in the bladder on the urethra. Minerals naturally occur in urine and can clump together to form urine stones. The stones can develop anywhere in your cat’s urinary system.
Bladder stones are painful and can be life-threatening. In addition, they can cause secondary issues like UTIs and blockages that require immediate veterinary care.
To restore bladder health, the stones must be dissolved via a prescribed diet from your vet or removed surgically.
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5. Your Cat Is Female
Older female cats are more likely to be diagnosed with a UTI than their male counterparts. This is due in part to the size of the urethra. That said, male cats may be more likely to have a urethral obstruction because they have a longer and thinner urethra, so the narrower passage can become more easily blocked. This is a life-threatening emergency and signs may mimic the signs of a UTI, so it is essential to have your cat examined by the vet if they are exhibiting UTI signs.
6. You’re Feeding the Wrong Food
Feeding your cat a diet of only dry food can make them prone to urinary issues. Dry food may result in more concentrated urine, which can be part of why your kitty is developing a urinary condition. Dry food is lower in moisture content than fresh or canned food and may result in your cat receiving less hydration than needed to maintain optimal health. Ensure your cat is drinking enough water to avoid UTIs and other health issues that result from poor hydration. If you’re still concerned about your cat’s hydration, you could ask your vet if and how you can transition them to a semi-moist or wet food diet.
Since cats are naturally attracted to moving water, adding a water fountain to your home is a great way to entice your cat to consume more water.
7. Your Cat Is a Senior
Cats older than ten years may be predisposed to developing UTIs, and they usually have concurrent illnesses.3 That said, it is not entirely unheard of for younger cats to develop a UTI, so never discount it if they exhibit signs of a urinary problem.
Other Potential Causes for UTIs
The seven reasons above are most likely the cause of your cat’s recurring UTIs. There may be other reasons for your cat’s urinary issues, however. These include:
Bladder neoplasia (cancer)
Indwelling urinary catheter
Transurethral procedures
Urinary incontinence
Urogenital surgery
Gastrointestinal disease
Decreased body weight
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Final Thoughts
UTIs are an annoying condition that can put your poor kitty in a lot of pain. If your cat is getting a lot of UTIs, you need to seek veterinary advice to determine the best treatment option. The treatment may depend upon the cause of the infection, but your vet will know exactly what to do to provide your kitty with some much-needed relief. Be sure to check out our blog on how to prevent UTIs in cats for some helpful advice until you can get in to see your vet.
Featured Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock
