Infections. The mere mention of the word makes feline guardians cringe, more so if their cats are the ones suffering from this oftentimes excruciating situation. The common belief is that all cat bladder infections and diseases stem from bacteria, but studies reveal that 90 percent of cases which present symptoms akin to UTIs do not involve bacteria the urine.
The difference lies in the "I" of the term. Infections involve bacteria, but inflammation can result from a wide range of environmental and physiological causes, and it is usually the symptoms this contributors bring that are mistaken as signs of feline bladder infection. The signs are typical of many feline urinary diseases, including UTIs, cystitis and urethral obstruction such as straining and obvious pain upon urination, little to no urine, malodorous urine, lethargy, increased water intake and persistent licking of the genitalia.
Cats can also manifest with an aversion for the litter box, which they associate with painful urination. Ergo, the drive to pee elsewhere.
Presented with these symptoms, many veterinarians would automatically prescribe antibiotics,- which is good, if they do have severe infection. Otherwise, your cat runs the risk of recurrence serious kidney problems in the long run.
In order to provide appropriate treatment, two key points should be established before diagnosing cat bladder infection. One is a urinalysis (an addition of urine culture is also desirable) to ensure bacteria is indeed present, and two, any contributing factor that may have triggered signs and symptoms.
For one, UTIs are not usually seen in healthy cats without predisposing factors like diabetes, chronic renal disease and immune-suppressing illnesses like Cushing's or hyperthyroidism. And even in such case, research reveals that less than 30 percent present with actual bacterial infection in the urine. The reason: cat urine is by nature, highly concentrated, which makes it inhospitable to bacteria.
What concentrated urine often result to is not feline bladder infection, but bladder stones. Concentrated urine is irritating to the bladder wall and makes it easier for crystals to form, and in itself may cause bladder wall inflammation.
What You Can Do
One overlooked factor in bladder diseases is stress. A recent household move, excessive noise, even other household pets can trigger the release of stress-inducing neurotransmitters that cause bladder inflammation.
Another is diet. Dry food contains only 5 to 10 percent water. Cats need at least 70 percent, and they can get 75 from canned food - making it preferable. Less moisture means greater urine concentration.
The nutritional content must also be checked. Diets that are high in phosphorus, magnesium and calcium - all abundant in dry food - are deleterious to your cat's health as they can contribute to stones. One that contains 250-300 mg/100 kcal of phosphorus should be safe. Often, diets that are low phosphorus are also low in magnesium and calcium.
Fresh water sources should be made readily available, especially that cats are innately not big on fluids. As carnivores, they are engineered to get moisture from food, something that's also characteristic of their counterparts in the wild. Water plays a vital role in preventing both feline bladder infection and inflammation.
In at least 98 percent of cases where cystitis or bladder inflammation is involved, the irritation is not caused by bacteria. Jumping the gun and giving antibiotics right away when cat bladder infection is suspected is therefore not only unnecessary, but is also detrimental to your pet's kidney and immune system. Opt for holistic remedies like belladonna, staphysagria, and cantharis instead. These are not only effective against bladder diseases, but are also safe and all-natural.
Most importantly, ask for urine tests to determine the underlying cause of a disease. A thorough analysis of all factors is the easiest way to identify real infection from not.
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