Easy Home Remedies for UTI in Cats and Best Cat UTI Treats

What are the symptoms of UTI in cats?

• Changes in Litter Box Behavior: Cats may exhibit alterations in their litter box habits, such as frequent urination, straining to urinate, or avoiding the litter box altogether. This can indicate discomfort associated with UTIs or urinary tract problems.

• Genital Area Licking: Excessive grooming of the genital area is another potential sign of UTIs in cats. Cats may lick their genital area more frequently as a response to irritation or bladder inflammation caused by the infection.

• Urinary Accidents: Cats with UTIs may experience urinary accidents outside the litter box, particularly if they associate the litter box with pain or discomfort. Pet parents may notice urine spots around the house as a result.

• Blood in Urine: Hematuria, or blood in the urine, is a common symptom of obstruction of the urethra and urinary tract issues in cats. Blood may be visible in the cat litter box or on surfaces where the cat urinates.

• Foul-smelling Urine: UTIs can cause changes in the odor of the cat's urine, resulting in a strong or unpleasant smell. Pet parents may notice a distinct odor when cleaning the litter box or when the cat urinates.

• Lethargy and Discomfort: Cats with UTIs may exhibit signs of lethargy, decreased activity levels, or general discomfort. They may appear less playful or engaged in their usual activities due to the discomfort associated with the infection.

• Increased Water Consumption: Some cats may drink more water than usual when experiencing UTIs, as their bodies attempt to flush out bacteria and alleviate urinary tract symptoms.

Easy home remedies for UTI in cats

• Hydration and Water Intake: Adequate hydration is crucial for flushing out bacteria and promoting urinary tract health. Encourage your cat to drink plenty of water by providing fresh, clean water sources throughout the house. Consider adding water fountains or flavoring water with low-sodium broth to entice your cat to drink more.

• Dietary Adjustments: A balanced food diet plays a vital role in maintaining urinary tract health. Consider switching to wet food or incorporating canned food into your cat's diet, as these options have higher moisture content, which helps dilute urine and reduce the risk of UTIs. Additionally, avoid feeding dry food exclusively, as it may contribute to dehydration and urinary blockages.

• Supplements: Certain supplements can support urinary tract health and help prevent kidney failure in cats. Consider adding cranberry or cranberry juice to your cat's diet, as it contains compounds that can help prevent bladder infections in the urinary tract. D-mannose supplements may also be beneficial, as they can help prevent harmful bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract walls.

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is another natural remedy that may help prevent UTIs in cats. Adding a small amount of apple cider vinegar to your cat's water bowl can help create a more acidic environment in the urinary tract, making it less hospitable to bacteria. Start with a small amount and gradually increase the dosage as tolerated by your cat.

• Increased Water Consumption: Encourage your cat to consume more water by providing multiple water bowls throughout the house and ensuring they are kept clean and fresh. Some cats prefer running water, so consider investing in a pet fountain to entice them to drink more.

• Urinary Tract-Friendly Treats: Certain cat treats are specifically formulated to support urinary tract health. Look for treats containing ingredients like cranberry, glucosamine, or other urinary tract-friendly ingredients. These treats can be given as part of your cat's regular diet to help prevent UTIs and maintain urinary tract health.

Best cat UTI treats

• Cranberry Treats: Cranberries are known for their ability to prevent bacterial infections in the urinary tract. Look for cat treats containing cranberry extract or cranberry juice, as they can help maintain a healthy urinary pH balance and reduce the risk of UTIs.

• Glucosamine Treats: Glucosamine is a compound that supports joint health and can also benefit urinary tract health. Consider giving your cat treats containing glucosamine, as they can help support the integrity of the bladder and urinary tract tissues.

• D-Mannose Treats: D-Mannose is a type of sugar that can help prevent harmful bacteria from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract. Treats containing D-Mannose can help maintain a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria in the urinary tract and reduce the risk of UTIs.

• Hydration Treats: Some cat treats are specifically formulated to encourage hydration, which is essential for maintaining urinary tract health. Look for treats with a high moisture content or treats that can be moistened with water to help increase your cat's water intake.

• Kibble Treats: These specialized kibble treats are formulated with ingredients to prevent urinary issues caused by bacteria such as E. coli and the formation of struvite crystals in your cat's bladder.

• Prescription Diet Treats: If your cat has a history of urinary tract issues or recurrent UTIs, your veterinarian may recommend prescription diet treats formulated to support urinary tract health. These treats are typically formulated with specific ingredients to help prevent the formation of urinary crystals and maintain urinary pH balance.

When should I take my cat to the vet for a UTI?