A urinary tract infection (UTI) in cats happens when bacteria enter the bladder or urethra and cause discomfort and frequent trips to the litter box.1 While it’s not always easy to tell if your cat has a UTI, changes in their bathroom habits can be a sign of a UTI that needs veterinary care.
Below, we’ll cover the common signs of a UTI in cats, treatment options, and costs associated with cat UTIs to help you keep your feline friend healthy.
What Is a Cat Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?
A cat UTI is a bacterial infection that occurs when bacteria travel into the urethra and enter the bladder, where they grow and multiply. While UTIs aren’t very common in cats, they can be very uncomfortable.1
If your cat has a UTI, you might notice them going to the litter box more often but only peeing a little bit, or they could strain and cry while trying to go. Sometimes, you might see blood in their urine, or they might start peeing outside of the litter box.1
If your cat is licking their back end a lot, this could also be a sign of a UTI. In some cases, bladder stones can form with or without a UTI, which can lead to additional health issues.1
What is feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD)?
Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is an umbrella term used to describe various conditions that can affect your cat’s bladder and urethra, including UTIs, uroliths (urinary stones), and inflammation. FLUTD is often confused with a UTI, but not all cases of FLUTD involve an infection.2
Common symptoms of FLUTD, often called lower urinary tract signs or LUTS, include difficulty peeing, excessive licking of their back area, and urinating outside the litter box. FLUTD can be brought on by stress, dehydration, or poor diet. In some cases, it can be more serious if left untreated.2
What Causes a UTI in Cats?
UTIs in cats are caused by bacteria entering the urinary system, usually from the gastrointestinal or reproductive tracts. But urinary tract infections aren’t the only reason your cat might have urinary problems. Other issues that can lead to UTIs or similar symptoms include:3
- Bladder stones or crystals: Tiny particles, like crystals or stones, can build up in the bladder or urethra and cause irritation or infection.
- Bladder inflammation: Sometimes, the bladder gets inflamed (this is called cystitis), which can lead to a cat bladder infection or UTI if bacteria are present.
- Congenital issues: Some cats are born with urinary tract problems that make them more likely to get infections.
- Spinal cord problems: Injuries or problems with the spinal cord can affect your cat’s ability to control their bladder, which can increase the chance of infections.
- Urethral blockages: Debris from urine can build up and block the urethra. This can lead to infections or other serious issues.
- Incontinence: If a cat has weak bladder muscles or drinks too much water, they might have trouble controlling their bladder. This can lead to a UTI.
- Tumors or injuries: Growths or injuries in the urinary tract can cause infections or other urinary problems.
Other factors, like being overweight, living indoors, or eating mainly dry food, can make some cats more likely to have urinary issues. Stress — like changes in routine or living in a busy household — can also play a role in making your cat more vulnerable to urinary problems.3
Since cat UTIs can be signs of other health problems, like diabetes or kidney disease, it’s important to treat both the UTI and any underlying causes to help keep your cat healthy.3
Cat UTI Symptoms
While UTIs are less common in cats, urinary issues in general are pretty common and often have similar symptoms.1 Your vet can help confirm whether your cat is experiencing a true UTI or a urinary tract disorder, like FLUTD. In the meantime, here are some feline UTI symptoms you can look out for:1,3
- Frequent trips to the litter box
- Urinating outside the litter box
- Straining to urinate
- Painful urination
- Bloody or cloudy urine
- Avoiding the litter box
- Drinking more water than they normally do
- Vomiting
- Tiredness or lack of energy
UTIs in male versus female cats
UTI symptoms look different depending on your cat’s age, behavior, and sex. While both female and male cat UTI symptoms look similar, female cats are more prone to UTIs because they have shorter, wider urethras than males. Older cats are especially likely to develop UTIs.1
For both male and female cats, UTIs can quickly become serious and even life-threatening within just a few hours. If you notice any of the symptoms of a UTI, it’s important to seek emergency veterinary care right away.3
Diagnosing a Cat UTI
Since cat UTIs and FLUTDs often have similar symptoms, it's important to bring your cat to the vet for an accurate diagnosis. The sooner the issue is identified, the better it can be treated before it worsens. Here’s what the process of diagnosing a cat UTI can look like.
Urine sample collection
To diagnose a UTI, your vet will often start by collecting a urine sample through a procedure called cystocentesis. This method involves drawing urine directly from your cat’s bladder using a needle, which helps avoid contamination and ensures a clean sample for testing.4
Urinalysis
With the sample, your vet will perform a urinalysis. This test checks your cat’s urine concentration, detects blood or waste in the urine, and looks for other factors that point to a UTI.4
After the urinalysis, the sample is spun in a machine to separate out any debris. This allows the vet to see if bacteria or urine crystals are present, which can indicate an infection.4
Additional testing
In some cases, your vet might also recommend other diagnostic tests, like blood work. This can help rule out any underlying health conditions your cat may have, like kidney failure or diabetes. If necessary, imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasounds might be used to check for bladder stones, tumors, or other urinary tract issues.1,4
Once your vet identifies the specific cause of your cat’s symptoms, they can recommend the right treatment for your cat so they can start recovering.
How To Treat UTIs in Cats
If your cat is diagnosed with a UTI, your vet will likely prescribe medications and recommend other treatments to help them recover. Most cats start to feel better within a week, but some may experience recurring UTIs that require ongoing care. Here are common cat UTI treatment options your vet may suggest:3
- Antibiotics: These can help eliminate the bacteria causing the urinary tract infection.
- Pain relief medication: These medications can help your cat feel more comfortable while recovering from the UTI.
- Diet changes: Your vet might recommend switching to canned food or a bland diet to reduce stress on the urinary tract.
- Increased water intake: Encouraging your cat to drink more water can help flush out their system.
- Surgery: In more severe cases, like when bladder stones or blockages are involved, surgery may be necessary to resolve the issue.
- Preventative care: If your cat has recurring UTIs, your vet may suggest long-term dietary changes, medication, or increased hydration to prevent future urinary health issues.1
How to prevent future cat UTIs
There are no home remedies that are a cure-all for cat UTIs, but your vet may have recommendations to help lower your cat’s chances of getting a UTI in the future. Depending on your cat’s age, diet, and overall health, your vet may recommend dietary changes or increased exercise.1
Cat UTI Costs and How Pet Insurance Can Help
Cat UTI costs can range from $150 for a more straightforward diagnosis and treatment, to potentially thousands of dollars — especially if your cat has more severe issues, like blockages or underlying health conditions.5
If your cat develops bladder stones or other complications, they may need more costly treatments, like surgery. This can increase the overall cost of your cat’s UTI treatments.
Cat insurance can help cover the costs associated with the UTI diagnosis, treatment, and any additional care your cat may need.
How Pet Insurance Can Help You Afford Cat UTI Treatment
Addressing your cat’s UTI symptoms early is crucial for getting them the treatment they need and preventing further complications. While unexpected veterinary expenses can add up quickly, the right pet insurance can help ease this financial burden, so you and your vet can help treat your cat’s UTI.
Explore how MetLife Pet Insurance can help you cover these costs and make sure your feline friend receives the care they need. Get your free quote today to learn more.