How can I prevent my cat from getting urinary tract infections?

Hi Sarah,

Thanks for sending in your question. I am immediately concerned about what you’re asking.

Although cats can get bladder infections, it is much more common for them to have a condition known as FLUTD, or feline lower urinary tract disease. It is vital that you perform a test called a urinary culture and sensitivity test the next time you see symptoms of a urinary tract infection. This test will tell you whether bacteria are causing these symptoms or not. As it turns out, most cats have this condition called FLUTD where symptoms of urinary tract infection are present, but there is no bacterial infection causing it. They can actually have inflammation of the bladder due to stress, diet, crystals, stones, or even just a genetic predisposition.

The treatment for FLUTD is varied. It is focussed on reducing stress, increasing water intake, addressing any crystals, using medications that reduce inflammation in the bladder and reduce stress in your car amongst many other strategies. I have seen many cats put on antibiotics over and over again when there actually isn’t even a bacteria causing the problem.

My recommendation is that you perform a culture and sensitivity test as the next step and confirm whether bacteria are present or not. If there actually is one present, the test will tell you what particular antibiotic will treat it. Then you can start using this treatment and it would likely resolve the condition.

I hope this helps. Good luck.

Dr. Clayton Greenway