Cats are prone to developing urinary problems, just like humans. It is therefore important to monitor their behavior to watch for any suggestive signs. These are commonly referred to as urinary tract infections, and they can occur in cats. However, in neutered male cats in particular, cystitis is usually not related to infection with bacteria but simple inflammation of the bladder. In all cases, the symptoms are the same.

A urinary tract infection is an infection, by bacteria, of the lower urinary tract, that is, of the bladder or urethra. Bacteria can proliferate in the urine or colonize cells on the surface of the urinary tract. This leads to inflammation which is the cause of the signs observed. In some cases, inflammation occurs in the absence of bacteria. This is particularly the case in castrated male cats. These frequently present with purely inflammatory cystitis, without bacteria in the bladder. Symptoms are the same for infection or simple inflammation.

UTIs are most often caused by bacteria in the digestive tract. The bacteria present in the stool and therefore in the genital area come up the urethra and infect the urinary tract. In a healthy animal with a competent immune system, these bacteria should not be able to colonize the urine. A urinary tract infection can therefore indicate immunosuppression and therefore another underlying disease. It can also be secondary to inflammation of the bladder (calculus, urinary catheterization, etc.). Finally, for inflammatory cystitis, the cause is still unknown but they seem to be linked to an anxious state and probable bladder or urethral spasms.

In order to ensure the good health of your cat, it is essential to monitor his behavior. Thus, without quantifying everything exactly, it is necessary to have an idea of ​​the quantity and appearance of stool and urine emitted each day as well as the quantity of food and water consumed. This is certainly more complicated for cats with access to the outside. However, this is the only way to detect illnesses in your cat early.

If you pay attention, one of the first signs you may notice is an increase in litter use. This may be due to an increase in urine production often associated with increased drinking (polyuropolydipsia) or very frequent urine output in small amounts.

If you observe your cat making round trips to the litter box, you must examine the box to identify the presence of large puddles rather indicative of polyuropolydipsia or, on the contrary, the absence of puddles with the presence only of a few drops. If the litter is colorless, you can also assess the color of the urine and check for the presence of blood, either by a pink color or by the presence of blood clots.

In the event of involvement of the lower urinary tract, the cat may also present pain during the emission of urine, identifiable mainly by vocalizations, or urinary tenesmus, that is to say a positioning without production of urine. Finally, urinary discomfort is sometimes manifested by uncleanliness with a cat urinating in unusual places, out of its litter box.

If the signs go unnoticed for a few days, the cat’s general condition may deteriorate. In this case, we can note:

• loss of appetite;
• depression or prostration with the cat lying in a secluded corner;
• digestive disorders (vomiting, diarrhea).

The deterioration of the general condition is faster in the event of urethral obstruction (by a calculus, a spasm, a clot, etc.). The cat can then no longer empty his bladder, which can have serious consequences and endanger his life in the short term.

Urinary disorders are not specific to a particular condition. We therefore speak of affection of the lower urinary tract in the broad sense, including urinary tract infections, cystitis, urinary stones (in the bladder or urethra) or urethral obstructions.

First of all, if you observe some of the urinary disorders described, it is advisable to contact your veterinarian to make an appointment, evaluating with him the urgency of the situation. The most important risk is urethral obstruction which requires immediate consultation. To explore the origin of urinary disorders, various additional examinations will probably have to be carried out.

The first is a urine test to assess different parameters and look for signs of inflammation or bacterial infection. Medical imaging examinations will also be necessary in case of suspicion of stones (abdominal x-rays, ultrasound). Finally, in case of deterioration of the general condition, a blood test may be indicated to assess renal function, in particular.

Certain measures make it possible to limit the risk of recurrence of urinary disorders. For bacterial infections, as in humans, it is recommended to reduce urinary retention as much as possible. Thus, increasing the number of litter boxes available to the cat and ensuring that they are clean at all times avoids avoidance reactions which can delay the emission of urine.

Regarding urinary stones, the objective is the same, coupled with a dilution of urine. This involves an adapted diet with specific veterinary dietetic foods and by stimulating drinking (offering several bowls of water in different places, renewing the water in the bowls at least once a day, offering fountains. water for cats who like to drink running water, etc.).

Finally, in castrated male cats with cystitis, a behavioral component (stress, anxiety) is suspected. Adjuvant therapies can therefore be beneficial: behavioral therapy, pheromone diffusers, food supplements aimed at reducing stress, etc.

In conclusion, it is important to check the urine output of cats to ensure the absence of urinary disorders. If you observe compatible signs, contact a veterinarian, especially if your cat is also showing signs of damage to general condition. Finally, if your cat has already had urinary tract ailments, it is advisable to remain vigilant because recurrences are not rare.