Urinary Tract Infection in Cats: Signs, Diagnosis and Treatment
When a cat strains in the litter box or pees on the bed, many owners think of a urinary tract infection. It is a reasonable guess, but it is often wrong. Veterinarians use the term lower urinary tract disease for a group of problems that cause similar signs, and a bacterial infection is only one of them. Knowing the difference helps you act quickly and avoid unnecessary antibiotics.
What is a urinary tract infection?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) happens when bacteria travel up the urethra and multiply in the bladder or, less often, the kidneys. In healthy young cats, urine is concentrated and acidic, which makes it hard for bacteria to grow. That is why true UTIs are uncommon in cats under about ten years old.
UTIs are more likely in:
- Senior cats, whose urine is more dilute
- Cats with chronic kidney disease. See chronic kidney disease in cats.
- Cats with diabetes. See diabetes in cats.
- Cats with hyperthyroidism. See hyperthyroidism in cats.
- Cats that have had a urinary catheter
- Cats with bladder stones or other structural problems
Signs of urinary tract problems
Whatever the cause, cats with lower urinary tract disease may:
- Visit the litter box often but pass small amounts
- Strain or cry while peeing
- Have blood in the urine, which may look pink or red
- Lick the genital area excessively
- Pee outside the litter box. See why is my cat peeing outside the litter box.
- Have strong-smelling or cloudy urine
- Hide, seem restless or lose appetite
Emergency: a blocked cat
A male cat that strains but passes little or no urine may have a urethral blockage. This is a life-threatening emergency, and the cat can die within a day or two. Signs include repeated trips to the box, crying, vomiting, lethargy and a hard, painful belly. See signs of a urinary blockage in cats and go to an emergency vet at once. Females can also be affected, though less often.
Other causes that look like a UTI
- Feline idiopathic cystitis. Bladder inflammation with no clear cause, often linked to stress. This is the most common cause in young and middle-aged cats. See feline idiopathic cystitis.
- Crystals and stones. Mineral deposits irritate the bladder and can block the urethra. See bladder stones and crystals in cats.
- Urethral plugs. A mix of mucus, cells and crystals.
- Tumors, injuries or anatomical problems. Less common.
How vets diagnose a UTI
Your vet will usually:
- Ask about signs, diet, stress and litter box habits
- Examine the belly and bladder
- Collect a urine sample, often by inserting a needle through the belly wall into the bladder (cystocentesis), which gives the cleanest sample
- Run a urinalysis and, if bacteria are suspected, a urine culture
- Sometimes take X-rays or an ultrasound to look for stones
- Run blood tests, especially in older cats
A urine culture shows which bacteria are present and which antibiotics will work. Treating without one can mean the wrong drug or a short course that fails.
Treatment
If a bacterial infection is confirmed, treatment is usually a course of antibiotics chosen for your cat. It is vital to finish the course as directed. Your vet may also recommend:
- Pain relief
- Fluids, if the cat is dehydrated
- A urinary or wet diet
- Treatment for underlying disease, such as kidney disease or diabetes
If the cause is stress cystitis or crystals, antibiotics do not help, and treatment focuses on diet, water and environment.
How to help prevent urinary problems
- Encourage water. Feed wet food and offer fresh water in several places. See how to get a cat to drink more water and wet vs dry cat food.
- Keep litter boxes clean and plentiful. See how often to clean a litter box.
- Reduce stress. Provide hiding places, routines and play. See indoor cat enrichment ideas.
- Manage weight. See how to help an overweight cat lose weight.
- Schedule regular checkups, especially for seniors. See senior cat care guide.
When to see a vet
Take your cat to a vet within a day if you notice blood in the urine, frequent trips to the box or peeing in odd places. Go immediately if a male cat is straining with no urine. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic, and see cat vet visit costs to plan.
Recurrence
Some cats have repeated episodes. Work with your vet on a long-term plan, which may include a prescription diet, more water and stress control. Keep notes of when episodes happen, since patterns often point to triggers.
Frequently asked questions
Can I treat a cat UTI at home?
No. Urinary signs have several causes, and a blockage can be fatal. See a vet.
How do I know if my cat has a UTI?
You cannot tell from signs alone. A urine test is needed.
Are UTIs common in cats?
Bacterial infections are uncommon in young cats and more likely in seniors or cats with other disease.
How can I prevent urinary problems?
Encourage water intake, reduce stress, keep litter boxes clean and feed a vet-approved diet.
Sources and further reading
Health information changes as research does. These organizations publish guidance worth reading alongside our articles.
- American Animal Hospital AssociationAccreditation body and practice guidelines for companion-animal hospitals.
- WSAVA Global GuidelinesGlobal vaccination, nutrition and pain guidelines for small-animal vets.
- Cornell Feline Health CenterFeline health information from Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine.
Tailwisp is independent and written under our editorial policy. Learn who we are, or browse all cat guides.
This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every cat is different. If your cat is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.