Bladder Infection In Cats - Causes, Symptoms, and Cures

Bladder infection in cats are not as common as they are in dogs but are not uncommon either. Most statistics have bladder infections in cats affecting one out of every five felines overall but if you were to factor in the reality that few animals under the age of 5 will have one of these types of infection and that the bulk of bladder infections in cats are concentrated in those felines over the age of 8 the picture starts to look a whole lot different. There are studies suggesting that 50 percent of all cats over the age of 8 will battle this type of infection and many of the infections will end up becoming chronic.



Female cats tend to have the highest incidence of infection with male cats tending to have the highest probability of developing a potentially fatal urinary blockage.



Bacteria which sets up shop in the urinary tract and is able to overwhelm you cats immune defenses is the cause. That said, there is a long list of possible contributing factors which can, and often do, play a role in the development of the condition. This list could include stones (uroliths), poor diet, other illness which have weakened the immune system (diabetes, cancer), regular exposure to bacteria laden litter boxes, failure to fully empty the bladder, not enough trips to the bathroom, inactivity, old age, and something called idiopathic bladder infection in cats where no cause can be found.



What are the signs and symptoms?
I believe most pet parents who have been through this type of infection with their cat will tell you that the very early signs were very subtle and included things like changes in behavior, loss of appetite, excessive urination, and above average water consumption. They will likely also tell you that while they suspected something might be wrong they simply didn't have enough evidence to justify a costly trip to the vet.



On the other hand as these types of infection increase in severity the signs often start to become quite obvious and include urinating in other places other than their litter box, blood in the urine (hematuria), unusually pungent urine smell, howling when trying to urinate, straining to urinate as if they are constipated, avoiding the litter box area because they associate it with pain, and licking the genital area for relief. Cats may also pace around the home for no apparent reason.



The most dangerous symptom of bladder infection in cats is not being able to urinate. In just a couple of days urine backup can cause the bladder to swell to the size of an orange. This in turn causes urine to flood the kidneys and uremic poisoning to occur.



What to do next?



Catching the infection early is important and if you start to notice the signs, or even suspect a cat bladder infection could be knocking on the door a trip to the vet is the best course of action. Your vet will likely feel to see whether the bladder is swollen or sensitive to the touch. He will likely then run a urine analysis, draw blood, and take a few X-rays.



If the cause is bacterial antibiotics such as Clavamox, Amoxicillin, or possibly Clindamycin Hydrochloride will be prescribed. If a urinary blockage is present more drastic measure will have to be taken possibly requiring hospitalization.



Prevention



Without a doubt the best way to treat bladder infection in cats is through prevention. Sound preventative steps include age appropriate food that balances pH level, feeding your pet primarily wet food instead of dry, keeping litter boxes bacteria free, adding a few drops of cranberry or raspberry juice to their water daily, reducing stress levels, and administering a urinary tract condition supplement (preferably homeopathic) two or more times a week.



Homeopathic urinary tract supplements are also a safe and affordable way to reduce the chances of recurring infection after treatment.

Natural Treatment For Cat Bladder Infection

Like people, cats can have urinary problems. The most common urinary problems that can beset them include bladder infection and urinary tract infections. Cat bladder infection can occur in cats at any age.



When cats are diagnosed to have bladder infections, the vet would usually prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics are effective in treating the disease but aside from killing the harmful bacteria, they can also eliminate the beneficial ones. Furthermore, antibiotics only treat the symptoms of feline bladder infection; they do not address the root causes of the problem. Consequently, the cat may experience a recurrence of the infection after treatment.



Another downside to the use of antibiotics is that these medications can predispose the cat to bladder infections. For this reason, many cat owners have resorted to using alternative treatment in treating urinary problems in their cats.



There are certain alternative treatments for feline urinary problems such as bladder infections. These alternative treatments use the holistic approach of treating the problems in pets. One natural treatment for cat bladder infection that is rapidly rising in popularity nowadays is the homeopathic remedies. Homeopathic remedies have shown great improvements in pets suffering from urinary tract problems. These natural treatments do not only treat the symptoms of the problem but eliminate the root causes as well. These natural remedies are also 100% safe and highly affordable. Moreover, these treatments do not contain properties that may bring about the occurrence of unpleasant and unwanted side effects and health complications as compared to medications.



To date, there are a variety of homeopathic remedies available in the market. The most commonly used homeopathic remedies are those that contain ingredients such as cantharis, uva ursi, berberis vulgaris, and staphysagris. Cantharis has properties that can help soothe the bladder. It helps maintain the healthy flow of urine. Uva ursi helps maintain the cat's normal pH level. Berberis vulgaris, on the other hand, can have a restorative effect on the cat's urinary tract and bladder. Meanwhile, staphysagris can provide symptomatic relief for a variety of feline urinary problems. When combined together in one formula, these homeopathic ingredients can help keep the cat's overall health in top condition.



Another natural treatment that is effective in treating feline bladder infection is the use of herbal remedies. Like the homeopathic remedies, herbal remedies are safe and affordable. They can also eliminate the root cause of the urinary problems instead of just treating the symptoms.



Two of the most commonly used herbs in the treatment of urinary problems in cats are the barberry and the bearberry. These herbal remedies contain antiseptic and antibacterial properties that are very effective in treating feline urinary tract infections. They also have properties that can help reduce inflammation. Prolonged use of these herbal remedies can help strengthen the cat's immune system.



If you are wary of giving your pet medications because of their side effects, you can choose to administer herbal remedies or homeopathic remedies to your cat for treating cat bladder infection. However, you may also want to consult the vet first before you give your cat any treatment. The vet's advice is very important.

Cat Bladder Infection - Guide to Symptoms and Treatment Options

Cat bladder infection can form in any part of your cat's urinary tract (UTI). Infection can be caused by bacteria (28%, viruses (.4%) or fungus. Approximately 1% of cats that visit a veterinarian have a urinary tract infection with the most common type of bacteria being E. coli. Other names for the condition depend on the location of the disease including LUTD or lower Urinary Tract Disease or in the upper urinary tract. Once one part becomes infected, usually it spreads to another part. Because of this it is sometimes difficult to diagnose the exact location of the infection.



Cats tend to contract the infection through the urethra, which is the part of the cat that allows urine to leave the body. For example if this opening comes in contact with a dirty litter box, then bacteria can enter the body and spread up the tract, eventually leading to the bladder causing feline bladder infection. Normal urination can usually keep the urinary tract clean since it is an excellent antimicrobial (bacteria killer), however, if your cat is having bladder problems or is urinating less than usual, then the immune system becomes overwhelmed with the bacteria.



Feline cats that are older than 10 years are at a higher risk to get an infection. It is rare to see the problem in younger cats. Female cats that have been spayed have the highest incidence. Cats that have feline diabetes mellitus are also at risk.



Symptoms of Cat Bladder Infection and UTI



Symptoms of cat urinary infection include blood in the urine (haematuria), excessive frequent urination (pollakiuria), slow and painful urination (stranguria) and urination in inappropriate places such as outside of the litter box (periuria).



Diagnosis of Cat Bladder Infection



The urine will be tested for the presence of an unusual number of white blood cells, the cells which help the body fight infection.



Treatment of Cat Bladder Infection



Antibiotics are used to kill any bacteria associated with the feline bladder infection. The type of antibiotic selected will be based on the specific bacteria causing the infection. Treatment is of a short duration. Some cats may have bacteria which are resistant to antibiotics. In this case different antibiotics and longer term treatment may be required.



The body naturally kills bacteria as urine passes through the urinary tract. Some owners like to supplement the prescription medications with natural remedies which are associated with restoring balance to the entire urinary system and possible a change in diet. Ingredients such as Arctostaphylos uva ursi help maintain the proper PH in the urinary tract so your cat's body can naturally fight infection. Check with your veterinarian on how to combine prescription and natural choices. If your cat eat dry cat food, consider a switch to canned which will provide your cat with more moisture and in turn cleanse the urinary tract due to more frequent urination.



Your cat will be retested several weeks after treatment to ensure that the feline bladder infection is gone.



Prognosis of Cats with Feline Bladder Infection



Treatment in effective in 85% of cats with no additional recurrence. If it is a continuing problem for your cat consider options such as diet and using natural supplements to ensure that your cat's body has the nutrients needed for long term urinary health and the proper PH balance.

The Key to Treating an Old Cat With a Bladder Infection the Natural Way

If you have an old cat with bladder infection or other urinary tract problems, you have no doubt wondered about the best way to treat them without shocking their system. Fortunately, the healing power of all-natural treatments is so gentle that they can work safely and effectively for cats of any age.



All pets age differently, usually depending on their size. Cats tend to live longer than dogs, with some lasting as many as 16 years. As they age, cats become more prone to a host of ailments including arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, obesity and eye problems. When it comes to bladder infection elderly cat owners need to be especially careful since urinary tract issues can often lead to other serous complications.



Just as in younger cats, an old cat with bladder infection will exhibit a range of symptoms including straining to urinate (even crying when doing so), blood in the urine, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite and a tender lower abdomen. If your older cat is suffering from any of these symptoms, you should get it to the vet immediately to get a proper diagnosis and decide on a course of treatment.



Most feline bladder infections are the result of a build up of bacteria in the urinary tract. If allowed to go unchecked, this bacteria can cause the formation of crystals in the urethra or the bladder which can eventually develop into painful stones. In the case of bladder infection elderly cat owners need to avoid using commercial pet foods and take special care when it comes to storing food. Poorly stored food and dirty bowls are often the main source of bacterial infection.



Older cats should receive regular veterinary care to help maintain their quality of life. An old cat with a bladder infection should be watched even more carefully and treated quickly to prevent complications. In most cases, a course of antibiotics or anti-inflammatories will be enough to treat the infection, however standard antibiotics can have a weakening effect on the immune system which can be quite serious for older cats.



When it comes to bladder infection elderly cat owners need to carefully consider all the options so that they can find a method which will be easier on fragile older systems. This is where all-natural products can be a real asset. Unlike more harsh standard treatments, natural products rely on safe, gentle herbs and plants to ease the painful symptoms of bladder infection and help promote good overall health.



A specially formulated blend of berberis vulgaris, cantharis, staphysagris and other 100% natural ingredients can not only help to ease the discomfort of your old cat with bladder infection, they can also boost the immune system to help your pet fend off other ailments which come with aging. By encouraging your cat's body to heal itself from within, natural products can provide thorough results, enabling your cat to live a longer and healthier life.



We all love our pets and want them to be happy no matter what their age. Natural products can help to maintain your cat's health throughout its life and lessen the painful side effects of aging. Don't let your pet down when it needs you most, make the natural choice and let its later years be happy ones too!

Feline UTI - Bladder Infections in Elderly Cats Can Be Treated Without Harsh Antibiotics

An old cat with a bladder infection or urinary tract blockage can suffer miserably, but you can take action to stop her misery. A set of all-natural products is now available which can help you to treat your cat's urinary tract problems safely and gently without stressing the rest of her body.



Bladder infections in your elderly cat is similar to what humans experience and the symptoms can be very much the same. Tenderness and swelling in the abdomen, pain while urinating, the urge to urinate while producing little or no urine, lethargy, loss of appetite and fever are all signs of a bladder infection in your elderly cat. Since aging cats have more fragile systems, a bladder infection can cause more damage to your older cat and the faster you recognize and treat it the better your cat's chances.



In most cases, bladder infections are caused by a bacterial infection, bladder stones or a change in pH which may cause inflammation of the bladder. The use of commercial pet foods, poor storage methods and unclean feeding areas are the most common causes of a bacterial infection. An old cat with a bladder infection should always be provided with a natural (not commercial) raw meat diet and a clean eating area as well as clean litter boxes to prevent further spreading of bacteria.



If you suspect a bladder infection in your elderly cat take her to the vet immediately for a proper diagnosis. Often, a bladder infection is the result of a more serious underlying condition such as bladder cancer, diabetes or inflammation of the testicles. Once your vet has diagnosed the cause of the infection, he can recommend a proper course of treatment.



Generally, antibiotics or anti-inflammatories will be prescribed, but these medications can actually cause further harm by weakening your pet's immune system. For your older cat with a bladder infection or other urinary tract problems, weakening her immune system is not the smart path to take. The weaker the immune system, the less able your pet will be to fight off more serious illnesses. In order to maintain your pet's overall health, you'll want to give serious consideration to using natural products.



Unlike standard medication, herbal and homeopathic products use all-natural ingredients to not only fight the symptoms of urinary tract problems but strengthen the immune system to improve overall health. In terms of a bladder infection your elderly cat you can not be too careful choosing the proper ingredients in your treatment. The most effective products contain a combination of berberis vulgaris, cantharis, staphysagris and other plant based ingredients. These make all the difference when it comes to eliminating or preventing a feline urinary tract infection in your older cat.



What To Do for Your Older Cat...



Along with a natural treatment, providing your cat with a balanced diet, plenty of water and access to a clean litter box at all times is vital to combating bladder infections. For your older cat with a bladder infection, the more clean and comforting the environment, the better and quicker she'll be able to recover.



Bladder infections are never pleasant but they can be serious and even deadly in older cats, so it is essential that you consider all the options when it comes to preserving your pet's health. Natural products can provide a safe, gentle alternative which will make both you and your cat feel better. So don't hesitate to treat your older cat with nature's soothing touch!

Canine Bladder Infection Treatment

Bladder infection is one of the most common problems in pets such as dogs and cats. This kind of infection may bring along with it a number of symptoms which may or may not be readily visible to the attention of the pet owner. As a result, most pets suffer from the infection long enough before they are given proper treatment.



Infections in the dog's bladder may show symptoms such as painful urination, bloody urine, foul-smelling urine, straining to urinate, producing or not producing any amount of urine. A dog with bladder infections may also tend to lick its genitals frequently to ease the pain that it is feeling on that area. Unless the owner is observant of the changes in the dog's urinating habits, he may not be able to tell the problem immediately. Thus, when he notices any of the signs, the infection has usually spread to the other parts of the dog's urinary system and has caused more complications.



Canine bladder infection, though, may not be life-threatening to the dog unless the infection has already caused other health complications. Therefore, the owner does not have to worry much about it. Typically, vets would prescribe antibiotics for treatment of the infection in dogs. Apart from this medication, the condition can be treated in a number of ways. It can even be treated at home provided that you are certain that the dog's urinary problem is really caused by bladder infection.



If you are sure that the problem with your dog is indeed bladder infection, you may administer treatment to your dog yourself. However, if you are not certain of what has caused the problem in the dog, do not give it any form of treatment without first consulting the veterinarian. Wrong treatment may only aggravate the problem in the dog.



How can you know if the problem with your dog is indeed bladder infection? This is quite simple. You may simply look for signs and symptoms that are associated with bladder infection. These symptoms have been mentioned on the second paragraph of this article. 



Some of the home treatments that you can try giving your dog are cranberry juice, lime juice and other citrus juices. You can also put a little amount of apple cider vinegar in your dog's diet. These natural treatments have properties that can help promote the right level of acidity in the dog's urine. Dog urine with just the right level of acidity can help prevent and eliminate the formation of bacterial infections in the dog's urinary tract.



Another treatment which you can use to treat canine bladder infection is the homeopathic remedies. Homeopathic remedies are effective in treating and preventing bladder infections in your dog. The ingredients of homeopathic remedies can help the dog maintain a healthy flow of urine, healthy urinary tract and bladder, and can strengthen the dog's immune system. 



Canine bladder infection is treatable and can be prevented. If you want your dog to be free from infections, take the necessary steps to prevent bacteria from accumulating in the dog's urinary system. A happy dog equals a happy owner.

Is My Dog Showing Signs Of Dog Bladder Infection Symptoms?

Recognizing dog bladder infection symptoms early could not only save you a boat load of money by avoiding seemingly endless veterinary visits, tests and more tests, and medications but could also save your dog's life. It is also important to point out that while dog bladder infection symptoms are generally predictable there is a certain degree of unpredictability involved as well.



What are the most common dog bladder infection symptoms?



A dog bladder infection is also known as cystitis and if you were to do hours of tireless research on dog bladder infection symptoms there would a number of symptoms which are routinely listed. These would include blood in the urine, a low grade fever, relieving themselves in unexpected and inappropriate places, sensitivity to touch in the back hind quarter, straining to urinate, and foul smelling cloudy urine due to the bacteria and blood cells included.



These are pretty standard dog bladder infection symptoms but there may be others. I only say this because my dogs, after becoming infected, showed a couple of others somewhat subtle symptoms just before the major symptoms made it obvious that something was terribly wrong.



These were excessive water consumption and antisocial depressive behavior. Antisocial depressive behavior with my dogs was all about them not wanting to play, go outside, and not showing up at the door when I arrived home for work. Additionally, one of my dogs loves to watch television and he was missing in action when he normally would be front and center.



The excessive water consumption part of the equation was a little bit harder to pin point with much of the water consumption occurring during the night. What I have learned since then is that drinking excessive quantities of water is an animal's natural defense against bacterial bladder infections.



While a topic for another day, you should know that an outbreak of cystitis can be triggered by a number of conditions including urethral infections, diabetes, or increasing age which may be the cause of poor bladder function and/or immune system weakness.



If I notice dog bladder infection symptoms what should I do?



Procrastinating is really not a very good idea due to the possibility that the bacteria engulfing the urinary system will spread upwards to the kidneys.



If diagnosed and treated early generally a full dose of oral antibiotics will wipe it out in a few weeks. Nevertheless, your veterinarian will probably suggest a follow-up urinalysis to insure that the infection has been completely eradicated.



Once cured don't let your guard down



These types of infections recur an astounding 50 percent of the time. For this reason it is especially important to take some preventative steps to minimize the chances of recurrence. These would include regular bathing especially around the backside, daily exercise, regular bathroom breaks, plenty of clean filtered water containing a few drops of cranberry juice, and one of the many widely available herbal or homeopathic urinary tract conditioning supplements.



In conclusion, there is a one in five chance that your pet will exhibit dog bladder infection symptoms at some point in their lives, regardless of what you do. But by knowing what to look for, and how to best minimize the risk of reoccurrence, you will doing your part to keep an unwelcome cystitis surprise from occurring.

Canine Bladder Infection Treatment - A Non-Prescription Treatment That is 100% Safe and Effective

Are you plain fed up with taking your dog to the vet for canine bladder infection treatment? You might be pleasantly surprised to learn that bladder infections in your dog can be effectively and safely treated right in the comfort of your own home.



Canine bladder infection is usually caused by E. Coli bacteria and it can become fatal if it is not treated in time. When left untreated, bladder infections can travel up to your dog's kidneys and put his life at risk. For that reason it's important to keep a close eye on your dog's potty habits.



If you notice your dog urinating more or less than normal or he looks like he is straining to urinate, you can be almost sure that a bladder infection is the cause. If you take your dog to the vet, the vet is certainly going to want to prescribe antibiotics.



The problem with antibiotics for treating a canine bladder infection is that they cause many negative side effects. When antibiotics are used too often, they lead to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains.



Antibiotics can actually aggravate canine bladder infection because they have to be taken in such high concentrations for long periods in order to be effective. They may be helpful in treating the symptoms of the problem but if you want to actually get to the root of the underlying cause, you need to try to treat the problem with homeopathy.



Homeopathic remedies can get rid of your dog's infection gently yet effectively. A basic rule of homeopathy is the elimination of unnatural side effects that often come with synthetic medications. They are proven to be a completely safe canine bladder infection treatment. When combined with a healthy diet, lifestyle, and sufficient intake of clean water, homeopathy is extremely effective.



Conventional treatment with antibiotics may be necessary if your dog's bladder infection is in its late stages but you should look to it as a last resort because it can have harsh side effects. Homeopathy can be helpful in treating many cases of canine bladder infection and it is completely safe.



If you want to help your dog maintain a healthy urine flow, healthy bladder, healthy urinary tract, and strong immune system, give your dog a homeopathic remedy. Homeopathic remedies actually help to both treat and prevent bladder problems in dogs and can be safely administered every day.



Believe me. You can save yourself and your dog a lot of trouble by trying a natural remedy for a canine bladder infection treatment. You can avoid paying for expensive medications and visits to the vet while helping your dog achieve permanent recovery.

Canine Chronic Bladder Infections - Help Your Dog Now to Prevent Problems Later

Canine chronic bladder infections refer to those ailments that keep coming back time after time. This is not the same as those classified as acute. An acute infection comes and then goes away after proper treatment has been given. When the problem returns, even after treatment has been given, the ailment becomes known as a chronic bladder infection. These chronic bladder infection in canines can run from simply annoying to the serious.



In many cases the reasons for the return of the problem is due to the urinary tract not being able to fight off harmful bacteria. Once the bacteria sets-up in the tract, and this means anywhere along the entire urinary system, it can produce irritation which leads to inflammation, and this inflammation is one of the main symptoms in chronic bladder infection in canines.



There can be other causes as well for the canine chronic bladder infections. Some of the more common causes include bladder stones, diabetes, physical defects in the urinary tract that allow urine to pool, kidney infection, cancer, and tumors. All of these, as you might imagine, require a diagnosis from your vet.



Another cause of canine chronic bladder infections is when pets are prescribed antibiotics and the owner does not continue with the medications until the prescribed end of treatment. This often happens when an ill dog begins to look and act better and the owner assumes the problem is resolved. It is important to always continue the antibiotics until the full course has been reached, regardless of how well your dog begins to look.



Canine chronic bladder infections can also be a result of the dog being overweight. Excessive weight can also be linked to diabetes and joint pain or arthritis. As you can see,chronic bladder infection in canines requires a visit to your vet to determine the underlying cause.



While all of this may sound disheartening, the good news is most causes of canine chronic bladder infections can be diagnosed with some simple lab tests. A complete urine test will identify what types of bacteria are present, if any. Blood tests may also be called for, and in some cases, X-rays may be needed. X-rays can be especially useful if the problem is associated with stones. In some cases, stones may be too large to pass naturally, and the vet may need to schedule surgery in order to get them out. Stone large enough to block the urinary passage can be very dangerous, even life-threatening.



If your dog has a past history of urinary tract problems that never seem to go away, you should consider the possibility that he or she has canine chronic bladder infection issues. Assuming your veterinarian doesn't find any structural issues such as a blockage or narrowing of any of the tubes that carry urine, you might want to consider changes in diet and supplementation with natural remedies. Special urinary diets such as Hill's Prescription Diet u/d are formulated to help the body generate urine with the PH balance needed to naturally fight bacteria. You might also might consider a switch to a canned dog food. These foods have 80% more moisture than dry and should cause an increase in urination. A dog's stomach is sensitive, and your dog may not like dietary change, so gradually introduce any new food by mixing new and old together until the transition is complete. This should take approximately 7 days.



Natural remedies are also something that can't hurt and possibly worth a try. Chronic bladder infection in canines can be prevented if the bacteria never gets to take hold in the first place. Like dietary approaches, several herbs are known to support the urinary system. Several products on the market combine many of these ingredients such as Arctostaphylos uva urs. Discuss natural remedies for canine chronic bladder infections with your veterinarian who can help you track progress and let you know if other patients have had success with this approach.



Beyond all else, make sure your dog that is suffering from canine chronic bladder infections is getting enough fresh water. By drinking more often, your dog will urinate more, which will help to keep the urinary tract free of canine bladder stone causing crystals, bacteria and fungus.