The Hidden Dangers of UTIs & Urinary Blockages in Cats
As pet parents, we don’t want our furry companions to suffer. When a cat has a urinary tract infection (UTI), they communicate their discomfort through a change in behavior.
We can prevent UTI’s by nurturing a lifestyle that supports a healthy terrain (the body being in balance). In this blog, we’ll explore the causes of UTIs in cats, how to spot the early signs, and the integrative approaches that can prevent (or treat) these infections.
Urinary tract issues in cats include:
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD): A group of conditions that affect the bladder and urethra in cats, leading to symptoms like difficulty urinating, frequent attempts to urinate, blood in the urine, and urinary blockages. It is often associated with stress, diet, and environmental factors, and can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly.
Bladder stones: Struvite Stones, Calcium Oxalate Stones, Urate Stones, Cystine Stones and Silica Stones. The most common are Struvite and Calcium Oxalate Stones.
Urethral Blockages: Urethral blockages in cats occur when the urethra is obstructed, preventing urine flow. Causes include urethral plugs (mucus, crystals, or debris), bladder stones, urethral spasms or strictures, infections, and rare tumors. Symptoms include straining to urinate, frequent litter box visits with little output, pain, lethargy, and vomiting. Blockages are life-threatening and require immediate veterinary care to prevent complications like toxin buildup, electrolyte imbalances, or bladder rupture.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Occurs when bacteria invade the urinary system, typically the bladder. Symptoms include frequent urination, straining, blood in the urine, or inappropriate urination. UTIs are more common in older cats or those with underlying conditions like diabetes or bladder stones and require veterinary diagnosis and treatment.
Cancer: Bladder cancer is primarily classified into: Urothelial Carcinoma (Transitional Cell Carcinoma) – The most common type, accounting for over 90% of cases.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma – Linked to chronic irritation, comprising 1-2% of cases.
Adenocarcinoma – Rare, also making up 1-2% of cases.
Small Cell Carcinoma – Extremely rare, under 1%, grows rapidly.
It’s important to note that while TCC is the most prevalent bladder cancer in cats, the overall incidence of bladder cancer in felines is low. Due to the similarity of symptoms between bladder cancer and other urinary tract issues, such as infections or stones, accurate diagnosis by a veterinarian is crucial.
Prevention, early detection and appropriate treatment can significantly impact the prognosis and quality of life for cats.
Prevalence and Risk Factors
Urinary tract issues are prevalent in cats, with FLUTD affecting approximately 1-3% of cats annually. Male cats are particularly vulnerable to urethral blockages due to their narrower urethras. Urethral obstructions can be life-threatening, with mortality rates reaching 10% in untreated cases (Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, 2022).
The risk of UTIs increases significantly in older cats, especially those over 10 years of age or with conditions like chronic kidney disease (CKD) or previous urinary tract problems. One study reported that UTIs occur in about 12-13% of cats with CKD, compared to only 1-2% in younger, healthy cats (Chew et al., 2011).
Additional Risk Factors
Diet: Low-moisture, high-carbohydrate diets (dry kibble) increase the risk of concentrated urine and crystal formation.
Dehydration: Insufficient water intake leads to concentrated urine, which predisposes cats to inflammation and stone formation.
Stress: A major trigger for FLUTD, particularly in indoor cats.
Symptoms in Cats
Frequent Urination: Cats may attempt to urinate more often than usual, but only pass small amounts of urine.
Straining to Urinate (Dysuria): Cats may exhibit signs of discomfort or pain while urinating.
Blood in Urine (Hematuria): Pink, red, or brownish discoloration in the urine may indicate the presence of blood.
Urinating Outside the Litter Box: Cats with urinary issues may associate the litter box with pain and choose other locations to urinate.
Crying or Vocalizing: Cats might meow, howl, or cry when urinating due to pain or discomfort.
Licking the Genital Area: Increased grooming or licking of the genital region may indicate irritation or infection.
Strong-Smelling Urine: Urine may have an unusually strong or foul odor.
Lethargy: Cats with UTIs may seem less active or playful.
Reduced Appetite: Pain and discomfort can lead to decreased food intake.
Fever: In some cases, a UTI may cause a fever.
Diagnosis in Cats
Accurate diagnosis is critical to addressing urinary tract issues:
Urinalysis: Tests for infection, pH imbalances, crystals, and signs of inflammation and infection.
Imaging (X-rays or Ultrasounds): Identifies stones, blockages, or tumors.
Urine Culture: Determines if bacteria are present and identifies the appropriate antibiotics.
Behavioral Assessment: Evaluates stress levels and environmental triggers.
Understanding FLUTD and Stone Formation
FLUTD encompasses a variety of conditions affecting the bladder and urethra. Stress, dehydration, and improper diets are common triggers.
Bladder stones form similarly to rock candy. A “nidus,” often bacteria or other particles, acts as a starting point. In concentrated urine, minerals like calcium oxalate or struvite crystallize around the nidus, forming stones. Factors like urine pH, mineral content, and hydration levels play a significant role in dis-ease progression.
Key Statistics on Stone Formation in Cats:
Struvite and calcium oxalate stones are the most common types, accounting for 50-70% of feline bladder stones.
Cats consuming dry diets are more likely to develop struvite stones compared to those on wet diets.
Allopathic Vs Integrative Approaches
The traditional approach to urinary tract issues in cats often involves treating symptoms rather than addressing underlying causes.
Common interventions include:
Antibiotics: Used to treat bacterial UTIs, though many urinary issues in cats are non-bacterial in nature.
Prescription Diets: Cats, as obligate carnivores, thrive on moisture-rich, high-quality-protein and NO-carbohydrates. Feeding dry food even if it is a recommended specialized diet, lacks adequate moisture, is high in carbs and loaded with chemicals and pesticides that can contribute to dehydration and exacerbate urinary tract issues.
Surgical Interventions: Urethral obstructions or bladder stones may require surgery, such as urinary catheterization, perineal urethrostomy (PU) or stone removal (cystotomy).
While these methods may provide short-term relief, they often fail to resolve the root cause, leading to recurrence or progression of dis-ease.
The bioregulatory approach focuses on addressing the root causes of urinary tract issues to prevent recurrence and ensure that any dis-ease is resolved.
Nutrition:
Cats, as obligate carnivores, require moisture-rich, high quality organic protein diets. A raw diet mimicking natural prey is ideal. Adding bone broth or structured water can further support hydration. Click Here for EvoLove Raw Food.Hydration: Offering highly filtered structured water is important. Click Here for recommendations!
Detoxification:
Toxins from food, the environment, or medications can accumulate and contribute to inflammation. Gentle detox methods include Assisted Lymphatic Therapy, Fascia Decompression, hyperbaric oxygen, ozone therapy, herbal remedies or IonCleanse detox therapy can improve urinary health. Click Here for recommendations!Stress Management:
Stress is a leading cause of FLUTD. Environmental enrichment, calming supplements (e.g. pumpkin seed oil), and quiet spaces can significantly reduce stress-induced urinary issues. Click Here for recommendations!
There is a simple, effective strategy to ensure your cat thrives, and it’s been laid out step-by-step in The Empowered Pet Parent Course
Prevention Is The Best Cure!
This course is a comprehensive, easy-to-follow guide I created for cat moms and dads. It is designed to help you understand your cat’s unique needs and implement transformational changes that promote their health and longevity.
By focusing on prevention and addressing root causes, you can significantly reduce the risk of urinary tract issues and help your cat live a healthier, happier life. Enroll in The Empowered Pet Parent Course today and start implementing these life-changing strategies to give your cat the vibrant, thriving life they deserve.
Think of the course as your consultation to prevent dis-ease! Don’t wait!
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Read MoreReferences
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Chew, D. J., DiBartola, S. P., & Schenck, P. A. (2011). Feline Chronic Kidney Disease and Secondary Urinary Tract Infections. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery.
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Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. (2022). Urinary Tract Obstructions in Cats.
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Lulich, J. P., Osborne, C. A., Albasan, H., Koehler, L. A., & Ulrich, L. K. (2013). “Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disorders.” Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 43(2), 241–253.
(Note: This reference supports the prevalence of struvite and calcium oxalate stones but should be verified for specific percentages.) -
Buffington, C. A., Chew, D. J., & Kendall, M. S. (2004). “Feline Idiopathic Cystitis: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Management.” Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 34(2), 425–445.
(Note: This reference discusses the connection between diet and urinary health but should be verified for the specific statistic on dry diets.) -
Today’s Veterinary Practice. (n.d.). “Feline Struvite and Calcium Oxalate Urolithiasis.” Retrieved from https://todaysveterinarypractice.com.
(General support for the prevalence of struvite and calcium oxalate stones.) -
Veterinary Partner. (n.d.). “Bladder Stones (Uroliths) in Cats.” Retrieved from https://veterinarypartner.vin.com.
(Support for struvite and calcium oxalate stones as the most common types.) -
Royal Canin Vet Academy. (2020). “Manejo Nutricional das FLUTD.” Retrieved from https://vetacademy.royalcanin.es.
(Discusses the correlation between dry diets and urinary tract issues in cats.) -
Grauer, G. F. (2015). “Canine and Feline Urolithiasis: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management.” Today’s Veterinary Practice, 5(4), 33–39.
(Additional information on the formation and management of bladder stones.) -
PetMD. (n.d.). Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD).
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Bladder cancer incidence in cats (0.07% to 0.18%)
Source: Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine -
Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC) as the most common type, accounting for 50-70% of cases
Source: Veterinary Partner -
Metastasis rate of 12.7% at diagnosis
Source: EveryCat Health Foundation