Cats with a urinary tract infection (UTI) usually show some pretty obvious signs.
You might notice them peeing more often, straining, or even spotting a bit of blood in their urine.
Sometimes they go outside the litter box or cry out while trying to pee. If you spot these symptoms early, you can get your cat the help they need before things get worse.
Some cats get restless or start licking their genital area more than they normally would when they have a UTI.
Their urine can smell strong or look cloudy.
Paying attention to these details makes it easier to catch the problem and help your cat feel better.
This article breaks down the usual cat UTI symptoms and what you should keep an eye on to keep your cat healthy.
Recognizing Cat UTI Symptoms
Cats with urinary tract infections usually show certain signs that make it easier to spot the problem.
You’ll often see changes in how they pee, act, and just how comfortable they seem.
If you pay attention to these changes, you can often catch a bladder infection before it gets out of hand.
Common Signs of Urinary Tract Infection
Probably the most obvious symptom of a cat UTI is frequent urination with just a little bit of urine each time.
Cats might strain or look like they’re in pain when they go.
Sometimes, you’ll spot blood in the urine—it could look pink or red.
Other signs? Peeing outside the litter box or making noises when trying to urinate.
All that discomfort can make cats avoid their usual bathroom spots.
Behavioral Changes and Litter Box Habits
UTIs can really mess with a cat’s litter box habits.
They might avoid the box or even stop using it altogether.
That pain or burning feeling makes them scared to try.
Some cats start to over-groom their genital area because it’s irritated.
You might notice them acting restless, cranky, or hiding away.
That’s usually a sign they’re just not feeling good.
Physical Symptoms and Discomfort
A cat with a urinary tract infection can act like they’re hurting.
You may see them licking their private parts a lot.
If you touch their lower belly, it might feel sore.
Straining to pee can make the muscles around their bladder tense up.
That tension can be uncomfortable, so you might see your cat acting quieter or less playful than usual.
When to Contact Your Vet
If you spot any cat UTI symptoms, call your vet as soon as you can.
Things like straining with no urine coming out, lots of blood in the urine, or a cat that’s just lying around and not moving much need quick attention.
Bladder infections can get serious fast in cats.
A vet checks things out with urine tests and finds the right medicine.
You can read more about diagnosis at this clinical guide on cat UTIs.
Diagnosis and Treatment for Cat UTI
When your cat has a urinary tract infection, your vet will want to figure out what’s going on and how to fix it.
They’ll usually test urine and sometimes blood to see if there’s an infection, bladder stones, or kidney disease.
Treatment usually involves medication, and sometimes they check for things that cause repeat infections.
Veterinary Care and Urinalysis
If your cat shows signs of a UTI, the vet starts with a physical exam.
They’ll do a urinalysis to look for bacteria, blood, or crystals in the urine.
This test helps the vet figure out if it’s a bacterial infection or something else, like feline idiopathic cystitis or bladder stones.
If they need more info, the vet might run blood tests to check the cat’s overall health, including the kidneys and thyroid.
X-rays or ultrasound can spot bladder stones or other problems.
Getting the diagnosis right helps the vet pick the best treatment and rule out things like diabetes, obesity, or hyperthyroidism.
Treatment for UTIs in Cats
Most of the time, vets treat cat UTIs with antibiotics for 7 to 14 days.
Make sure your cat finishes the whole treatment, even if they seem better early on.
Sometimes, the vet will add pain medication to help if there’s bladder inflammation.
If your cat has bladder stones or a blockage, surgery might be needed.
Keeping your cat hydrated and less stressed also helps, especially for cats with FLUTD (feline lower urinary tract disease).
Follow-up urine tests let you know if the infection is gone.
Potential Underlying Causes
If your cat keeps getting UTIs or has ongoing bladder problems, there’s usually something else going on.
Bladder stones, kidney disease, and diabetes can make infections more likely.
Hormone issues like hyperthyroidism can also play a part.
Feline idiopathic cystitis, a common FLUTD, looks a lot like a UTI but usually doesn’t involve bacteria.
Overweight or stressed cats tend to have more bladder issues.
Taking care of these health problems helps stop UTIs from coming back.
Preventing Future UTIs
If you want to help your cat avoid future UTIs, focus on their bladder health every day.
Keeping your cat at a healthy weight can lower the risk of problems.
Feeding water-rich foods like wet food helps flush their bladder and cut down on bacteria.
Regular vet check-ups, urine tests, and managing any underlying health issues all help prevent infections.
Try to keep stress low and always provide a clean litter box.
If your cat keeps having UTIs, your vet might suggest special diets or supplements for urinary health.
You can find more info on diagnosis at urinary tract infection in cats and treatment options at feline bacterial urinary tract infections.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your cat has a urinary tract infection, you’ll usually see changes in how they pee—like straining or trying to go a lot.
Male and female cats can show different symptoms, and treatment is usually antibiotics.
Figuring out the cause helps your vet decide what to do.
How can I tell if my cat has a urinary tract infection?
You might notice your cat straining to pee, going outside the litter box, or only making a little urine at a time.
They often lick their genital area more than usual or seem uncomfortable.
Are UTI symptoms different in male and female cats?
Both male and female cats can have frequent or painful urination.
Male cats are more likely to get blockages, and that’s a real emergency.
What are the common treatments for a cat’s urinary tract infection?
Most of the time, the vet gives antibiotics to clear things up.
Pain relief is sometimes added if your cat seems uncomfortable.
Changing what your cat eats or how much water they get can help stop future problems.
Which antibiotics are typically prescribed for treating a cat’s UTI?
Vets often use antibiotics like amoxicillin or cephalexin.
They usually wait for lab results to pick the right one based on the bacteria found.
What might be causing my cat’s urinary tract infection?
Most cat UTIs come from bacteria like E. coli.
Other causes could be blockages, stones, or health issues that mess with the bladder.
Can I treat my cat’s urinary tract infection at home, and if so, how?
It’s really not a good idea to treat your cat’s urinary tract infection at home without talking to a vet first.
A veterinarian can figure out what’s wrong and prescribe the right antibiotics.
You can help your cat recover by making sure they drink plenty of water.
Try to keep the litter box as clean as possible, too.
For more details, check out the latest updates on urinary tract infections in cats.