Having a feline companion means never having a dull moment in your home – they’ll entertain you with their acrobatic stunts, help you de-stress after a long day, and lull you to sleep with their purring. It doesn’t matter if you’re a first-time cat owner or an experienced one, their company will make your life better.
At the same time, having a cat comes with responsibilities, and keeping your kitty’s health in check is your first and foremost duty. While health risks can vary depending on the cat breed, urinary issues are one of the most widespread ones you need to keep an eye on. Let’s take a closer look at common urinary problems in cats, their symptoms, how to spot them, and effective strategies to keep your cat comfortable and healthy.
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Common Urinary Issues in Cats
There could be many different reasons that affect your cat’s chances of having urinary issues. Some can be hereditary, while others depend on your kitty’s overall health and diet. Additionally, cats aren’t good at keeping themselves hydrated, which can also work against them.
That’s why it’s super important that you provide your four-legged best friend with a strong routine that will help avoid any urinary tract problems. Here’s a quick overview of the most common issues and how to spot them.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
UTIs need no introduction, as they’re a common nuisance among humans and animals. These infections are more common in older cats, and they can happen due to bacteria in the urinary tract, poor hygiene, a weakened immune system, or as a symptom of another health condition. If you notice that your furry friend is straining to urinate and does it frequently in and outside of the litter box, they could be struggling with a UTI.
Other symptoms include blood in urine, strong odor, and excessive meowing when trying to urinate. Understanding UTI in cats is important because some felines are more prone to urinary infections than others. If you notice any of the mentioned symptoms, contact your vet immediately, and they’ll prescribe antibiotics to make it go away.
Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC)
FIC is another common urinary problem in cats and it’s not quite clear why it happens, though stress, obesity, age, and not drinking enough water are considered important factors. In layman’s terms, FIC is the inflammation of the bladder, and it can have symptoms similar to a UTI, including painful and frequent urination, blood in the urine, and excessive licking of the genital area.
Depending on your cat’s temperament, other symptoms like hiding from view or being openly aggressive could indicate they’re extremely uncomfortable or in pain.
Urinary Stones (Urolithiasis)
Another condition that can wreak havoc on your cat’s urinary tract is pesky urinary stones, which are basically excessive mineral deposits turned solid, aka stones. They can create extreme discomfort for your kitty because they make urination painful and even create blockages making it difficult for cats to alleviate themselves.
Just like with other urinary conditions, it can be tricky to understand exactly what’s troubling your cat, because bladder stones have the symptoms of UTIs and FIC. The safest way to figure it out is to go to the vet and get the appropriate treatment.
Causes and Prevention of Urinary Issues in Cats
Even though it may not always look like it, cats are highly sensitive, and they observe and respond to any and all changes in their environment, which can directly affect their urinary health. Here’s an overview of the biggest factors and simple preventative measures you can take.
The Importance of Diet
Your cat needs a protein-rich diet to thrive, and while there are some general nutrition guidelines to follow, every cat is different. One thing they all have in common is that they’re carnivores, so they need animal-based protein to live their best life. Their food should be rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals, with very few carbs. It’s also a good idea to give them wet food so they stay hydrated even if they don’t drink a lot of water.
Environmental Stress
Cats are sensitive to environmental changes, as they affect the way cats see their territory and how they behave within it. If you go away for longer periods or need to move to a new home or introduce a new pet, there’s a good chance that your cat will become a bit more stressed for a while. The result could be stress-related urinary conditions, so be mindful of the symptoms when you decide to change something in your cat’s environment.
Obesity and Dehydration
Overweight cats struggle with urinary tract problems more frequently, so it’s vital to help your cat maintain their healthy weight. Not drinking enough water is another stumbling block because cats naturally have a low thirst drive, leading to concentrated urine in the bladder, which over time, can lead to the formation of urinary stones. Feeding them wet food could counter this issue and allow your cat to stay nourished and hydrated.
Schedule Regular Vet Check-Up
The best advice to keep your kitty happy, healthy, and comfortable is to go to the vet for regular check-ups (every 6 months or so) and to learn to recognize early symptoms of a urinary problem your cat exhibits. The latter may take some time, but once you get to know your furry friend, it will get easier to spot the signs and take action. When caught early, urinary tract problems are easily handled with antibiotics, so it’s all about your timely reaction.
Conclusion
Cats are a joy to be around and share life with, and it’s important that we know and understand them so that we can mitigate any issues before they come up. That’s also the case with urinary tract problems – as long as you pay attention to any strange behavior your kitty may be exhibiting and react promptly, you’re doing your best to ensure their health and happiness.
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