Cats can suffer from urinary tract infections caused by bacteria, fungi, parasites or viruses, which can lead to a blockage - a disorder that requires immediate veterinary attention. There are some simple ways to prevent these infections and avoid life-threatening complications that would require expensive treatments.
Steps
Step 1. Feed your cat by providing him with several small meals a day
Always give him the same amount daily, but divide it into smaller portions.
- Commercial foods that are given to cats may contain minerals (struvite). Most of these foods contain ingredients that promote acidic urine formation, and this mineral can cause infections.
- Do not include drugs that promote urinary acidity in a diet based on commercial products, because if the cat has too much acid, it can develop a mineral imbalance, kidney disease or a condition called metabolic acidosis.
- Limit his dietary magnesium intake to 40 mg per 100 kcal of food. Commercial foods usually meet this standard. Too much magnesium can cause struvite to form.
Step 2. Make sure your cat always has fresh, clean water
Clean the water bowl regularly.
Step 3. Provide enough litter boxes
The rule is to have one more litter box than the number of cats in the house when you can. So, if you have two cats, you should have three litter boxes.
Check it periodically and remove the litter as soon as you see it. Clean it with soap and water every time you change the soil
Step 4. Minimize changes in your cat's routine
Try feeding him at the same time every day. Be aware that a change in schedule or a move to a new home could be causing a urinary tract problem.
Step 5. Check for symptoms of urinary tract infections
- See if he strains or makes repeated attempts to urinate. Listen for any strange noises, howls, meows, or screams while urinating.
- Notice if she licks the genital area too much after urinating.
- Look in the bathtub or on the floor for any traces of pee. Urinating outside the litter box can be a sign of infection. Some cats with urinary tract infections prefer to urinate on cool, smooth surfaces.
Step 6. Take your cat to the vet soon if you see blood in their urine or if they can't urinate at all
Warnings
- Some cats at risk for urinary tract infections may also suffer from other conditions, including struvite and urinary blockage. If you think your kitty has a blockage, seek immediate veterinary care. Death could come in 24 to 48 hours without catheterization or other treatment. A cat's urethra could be blocked by mucus, struvite, cells, or proteins.
- Do not give your cat tuna, especially if it is a neutered male. Too much tuna can cause a blockage of the urinary tract that causes pain and even death.
