Diagnostic Procedures
Veterinarians use urinalysis as the first step to diagnose a feline UTI. This test checks for the presence of blood, proteins, and crystals in urine.
If a UTI is suspected, your vet may perform x-rays or an ultrasound to look for bladder stones or other abnormalities. These images help identify underlying causes that contribute to urinary infections.
| Diagnostic Tool | Purpose |
| Urinalysis | Detect blood, proteins, crystals in urine |
| X-rays | Reveal bladder stones, structural issues |
| Ultrasound | Examine bladder and kidneys for abnormal signs |
What Treatment Options Are Available?
Video: Click this link to see ‘How To Finally STOP Reoccurring Cat UTIs‘.
Nowadays, there are a lot of safe and effective treatment options that you can use if your cat has a urinary tract infection.
Antibiotics
Cats diagnosed with a urinary tract infection generally will need at least one round of antibiotics. The kind of antibiotic and the duration of treatment depend on culture and sensitivity tests. Acute cases might resolve with a short-term treatment, while chronic infections will need longer.
Not all antibiotics can be used in the same way. Especially, it is important to avoid antibiotic resistance, caused by bacteria growing independently of treatment. Below, you can find an example of a few antibiotics that are used for UTIs in cats.
| Antibiotic | Reason for Use | Target Bacteria |
| Amoxicillin | Broad-spectrum; effective against a range of bacteria. Usually first-line due to low resistance and good tolerance. | E. coli, Proteus spp., Streptococcus spp. |
| Cephalexin | Broad-spectrum; chosen for efficacy against gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria. | E. coli, Staphylococcus spp. |
| Clavulanate | Combined with amoxicillin to enhance efficacy against beta-lactamase-producing bacteria. | E. coli, beta-lactamase-producing bacteria. |
| Enrofloxacin | Fluoroquinolone antibiotic; effective against gram-negative bacteria and some gram-positive bacteria. | E. coli, Klebsiella spp., Pseudomonas spp. |
| Marbofloxacin | Similar to enrofloxacin; used for its broad-spectrum activity and penetration into the urinary tract. | E. coli, Klebsiella spp., Staphylococcus spp. |
| Doxycycline | Tetracycline antibiotic; used for its effectiveness against a broad range of bacteria, including atypical organisms. | Chlamydophila spp., Mycoplasma spp. |
| Nitrofurantoin | Specifically concentrates in the urine; used for uncomplicated UTIs. Not suitable for systemic infections. | E. coli, Staphylococcus spp., Enterococcus spp. |
Non-Antibiotic Medications
There are several non-antibiotic options available to treat feline UTIs, particularly if the UTI is a part of feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD). Needless to say, they must always be used under the supervision of your veterinarian.
- Anti-Inflammatories: Drugs like meloxicam can be used to manage pain and inflammation associated with UTIs in cats.
- Antispasmodics: Medications like prazosin and phenoxybenzamine can help relax the urinary tract muscles, helping in case of painful urination.
Surgical Interventions
For severe cases, especially those involving blockages or stones, surgery might be necessary. Treatment varies from minimally invasive procedures to remove stones to more complex surgeries addressing structural abnormalities.
Some of the most common surgical procedures for cats with UTIs are:
- Laser Lithotripsy: This minimally invasive procedure employs laser energy to fragment urinary stones, which can then be naturally flushed from the urinary system. Used primarily for cats with stones that are too large to pass on their own.
- Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): For large kidney stones, doctors may elect to use PCNL. This minimally invasive procedure involves a tiny incision in the skin to allow for a nephrostomy tube to reach the kidney stone, facilitating its removal.
- Cystotomy: This more invasive surgery involves an incision in the bladder to remove bladder stones. It’s typically employed for large stones or those that cannot be removed by other methods.
- Urethrotomy: In cases where a urinary blockage occurs due to a stone lodged in the urethra, this surgical procedure incises the urethra to remove the obstruction.
Pros:
- Can provide a permanent solution to certain conditions
- Often immediately resolves life-threatening blockages
Cons:
- There are typical surgical risks, especially for older cats (anesthesia, infection)
- Longer recovery times and higher costs
