Any pet can develop a urinary tract infection, UTI, however, some cats are more susceptible to the infection than others, male cats, cats with diabetes, and overweight cats are in this category.
As the name suggests, a UTI affects the cat’s urinary system that is, the bladder and the urethra. There are signs and symptoms you can look out for to tell if your cat has a UTI.
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Symptoms for a UTI in a cat
It is vital that you correctly diagnose the infection your cat could be suffering from before you begin the treatment. Here are some of the symptoms your cat will exhibit when it is suffering from a UTI.
- Blood in the urine
- Straining when urinating
- Peeing too frequently
- Signs of pain when peeing
- Too much grooming of the genitals
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Fever.
Home remedies for a cat UTI
Once you have diagnosed your cat to have a UTI, the next course of action is to find a remedy. UTI in cats are pretty common and can cause a lot of discomfort and distress to your furry friend. If left untreated, the UTI can lead to blockage of the urethra which can be fatal. Luckily there are home remedies to help in the treatment of a UTI in cats.
1) Drinking more water
When your cat does not drink enough water, the bacteria in the urinary tract get an opportunity to multiply, which could cause the UTI to worsen. Drinking more water may not be enough to get rid of the UTI; however, it will help reduce the severity of the symptoms. Always ensure that your cat has plenty of water to drink in an easily accessible place.
2) Cranberries
Cranberries are known for their use to treat human UTI; they can also be used to treat your cat. Cranberries have high acidity which will help reduce the urine’s PH, thus effectively treating your cat’s UTI. You need not worry about the sugar in most cranberry juices; you can always go for cranberry pills or supplements to add to your cat’s diet.
3) Echinacea
Echinacea is commonly used to treat various infections in humans such as yeast infection and UTIs. It can also be used to treat your cat’s infections such as respiratory infections; a small dose will help alleviate the UTI symptoms as well as clear the infection.
4) Juniper berry
The juniper berries have antibacterial and antifungal properties which make them effective at fighting infections. The berries also have a diuretic effect which helps wash out the infection by increasing the urine flow. The berries’ anti-inflammatory properties also help alleviate pain caused by the UTI.
5) Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a natural remedy for various diseases for humans and as wells humans. It’s Best for weight reduction and treating UTI in cats too. It is important to keep the dosage at a minimum as it can be harmful in heavy doses. It is important to dilute the apple cider vinegar with water before giving it to the cat. The acidity of the apple cider vinegar eliminates the bacteria growing in the cat’s urinary tract thus eliminating the UTI
6) Uva ursi
Studies conducted using the Uva Ursi herb show that the herb demonstrated microbial activity against UTI-causing bacteria. The herb has also been thought to be a diuretic, antiseptic, and antibacterial for the urinary tract. The herb can be used by both humans and cats.
7) Nettle
Throughout time nettle has been used for UTI treatment for humans. It is naturally a diuretic as well as an anti-inflammatory. This herb however isn’t just for humans; it can also be used on your cat when it has a UTI.
The diuretic property allows it to flush the bacteria from the system at the same time alleviate the inflammation and discomfort in the system.
8) Marshmallow root
Marshmallow root contains a kind of mucus that coats the membranes, soothing the irritation as well as reducing the inflammation and killing the bacteria. Administering the marshmallow root to your cat with a UTI will help reduce the discomfort and pain as well as kill the bacteria causing the infection.
Conclusion
Seeing your furry friend in pain is not fun, it is thus important that you understand how to keep the UTI at bay. Ensuring that your cat is properly hydrated is one of the ways of fighting the infection. Keep in mind that your pet may need to see the vet if the infection is serious, such as peeing blood.