Bladder infections in cats usually refer to bacterial infections inside the bladder. There’s often another underlying cause.
These infections are often also referred to as cystitis or urinary tract infections (UTI).
If you see signs of an infection in your cat, then you must get to a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Here’s what you should know about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for bladder infections in cats.
Symptoms Of Bladder Infection In Cats
Bladder infections in cats can usually be spotted by observing changes in the cat’s litter box behavior.
Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Urinating more than usual
- Urinating outside of the litter box
- Having difficulty urinating
- Presence of blood in the urine
- Urinating in smaller amounts than usual
Causes Of Bladder Infection In Cats
Sometimes the causes of bladder infections in cats are not precisely clear. But some conditions have been found to commonly cause the condition.
Some of those conditions include:
- Bacterial infections
- Crystals in the cat’s urine
- Environmental stress
- Being overweight
Treatments For Bladder Infection In Cats
If your veterinarian suspects that your cat is suffering from a bladder infection, they’ll carry out a full physical exam. It can be helpful to bring along a urine sample, if possible, so that your vet can check it out. In some cases, they might use an ultrasound to investigate the cause.
Once the vet has confirmed the diagnosis, the course of treatment they prescribe might include a combination of anti-inflammatory medicine to help alleviate any pain, along with antibiotics if there’s a bacterial infection.
If crystals are found in the urine, then the cat might require a surgical procedure to remove crystals from the bladder.
While your cat recovers at home, it’s important to provide a calm and stress-free environment for them. In some cases, vets may recommend a change of diet to help ward off the chances of any further infections.
Has your cat ever had a bladder infection? What advice did your vet give you to help your cat recover? Let us know in the comments section below.
