Signs Your Cat May Be Suffering From a Urinary Tract Infection

When cats feel unwell, they often hide away in a quiet, warm spot. This instinctive behaviour helps them feel secure when they are vulnerable or in pain. If your cat is acting unusually and having trouble with toileting, it might be suffering from a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Urinary tract infections and related diseases in cats are serious and require prompt veterinary attention. Advances in veterinary medicine and a greater understanding of feline nutrition have made treating these conditions more effective. Recognising the symptoms early can make a significant difference in your cat's recovery.

Symptoms to Watch Out For

Being aware of urinary tract infection symptoms in your cat is essential. Watch for these signs:

1. Difficulty in Urinating

Your cat may strain or appear to be in pain when urinating. This can be due to inflammation of the bladder, known as feline idiopathic cystitis – one of the most common lower urinary tract diseases. If untreated, it may worsen and lead to bladder stones. Male cats are particularly at risk of life-threatening urethral blockages.

2. Frequent Attempts to Urinate Without Success

If your cat repeatedly attempts to urinate but passes little or no urine, this may indicate a blockage or severe inflammation. This is dangerous as toxins can accumulate, requiring emergency veterinary care.

3. Painful Urination and Excessive Licking

Persistent licking of the abdomen or genital area is your cat’s way of soothing discomfort. Pain when urinating is a clear warning to seek veterinary help promptly.

4. Changes in Behaviour

Irritability or unusual aggression in a normally gentle cat can signal urinary discomfort or illness. Also, cats may avoid their litter trays, associating them with pain during urination.

5. Blood in Urine

Blood (haematuria) in your cat’s urine usually means there is an infection or urinary tract disease. This is more frequently observed in female cats but can occur in males as well.

6. Avoidance of Litter Tray

A cat with a urinary tract infection may refuse to use its litter tray due to the fear of pain. Observing inappropriate urination outside the tray is often a sign that veterinary advice is needed.

7. Additional Symptoms

Other signs to monitor include a distended abdomen, restlessness, increased thirst and drinking more water than usual, lethargy, or even vomiting. These symptoms indicate that your cat’s health might be compromised and warrant immediate veterinary assessment.

How to Help Your Cat with a Urinary Tract Infection

If your cat shows any combination of these symptoms, it’s vital to book a veterinary appointment without delay. Early diagnosis can prevent complications, especially in male cats at risk of urethral blockage, which is a medical emergency.

Your vet will typically collect urine samples and may recommend blood tests, X-rays, or an abdominal ultrasound. These tests help identify the exact cause and extent of the urinary condition and guide appropriate treatment, which may include antibiotics, pain relief, dietary changes, or surgery if necessary.

Essential After-Care for Your Cat

Post-treatment care is crucial to your cat’s full recovery. Following surgery or treatment for obstruction, cats might require a urinary catheter for a few days and may wear an Elizabethan collar to prevent licking wounds. Monitoring for swelling or bleeding is essential, and any concerns should prompt a visit to the vet.

Use pelleted or paper litter after surgery to reduce irritation. Stitches may require removal by a veterinary nurse, and follow-up check-ups one month and then every three months help ensure the condition has fully resolved and has not recurred.

By recognising symptoms early and seeking veterinary advice, you protect your cat from potentially life-threatening complications and improve their comfort and wellbeing. Responsible pet ownership includes attentive health care and prompt action when your cat shows signs of illness.