If your cat suffers from problems with the urinary tract, you know how uncomfortable and inconvenient it can be for both you and your feline. Fortunately, research has brought to light plenty of information on cat urinary problems.
It is important to get all the information that you can about urinary problems to ensure the good health of your cat. When you learn all you need to know, you can work with your veterinarian to come up with a plan that is specifically tailored for your cat.
Identifying common urinary problems
There are some urinary tract problems that are more common than others. Idiopathic Feline Urinary Tract Disease or iFLUTD accounts for between 50 and 70 percent of all cases. The disease is also called Feline Urologic Syndrome (FUS) or Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC). Bladder stones and urinary mucus are responsible for 40% of feline urinary issues, while bladder infection or UTI accounts for about 2 to 3% of issues. Your vet can help to identify the problem that your cat is suffering from.
Common signs of urinary issues
The most common signs of urinary conditions that most cats’ exhibit include blood in urine and straining during urination. If your cat shows these urinary signs it is important to ensure that she undergoes a thorough vet examination. The tests include urinalysis, x-rays and urine culture and they can help to eliminate issues like bladder infection (UTI) or bladder stones. If the vet determines that your cat has one of these conditions, specific therapy that may include surgery or antibiotics is required.
Increasing daily water intake
Recent studies on urinary problems like iFLUTD and urinary crystals have shown that increasing water intake can significantly improve urinary signs. The symptoms are less severe and they occur less often in cats that are on an exclusive diet of canned food. Many experts agree that the food’s magnesium or “ash” content does not prevent crystal development.
What do you feed your cat?
There are ways to increase your cat’s daily water intake as a way to treat urinary crystals and iFLUTD. Feeding your cat canned food exclusively has been proven to be very effective as a way to increase the water intake. Look for canned cat foods that have a high moisture content so that your feline can get the most benefit. Increasing the feeding frequency can also help to ensure that your cat gets the required water intake. If your cat refuses to eat canned food, try to add more broth or water to her dry food. You can also use ice chips or ice cubes as “treats” for your cat.
An important factor that helps to control feline urinary problems is a good environment. Stress affects a cat’s urinary signs as can a home environment that is not sufficiently stimulating. Creating a stimulating and unique environment for your cat can prove to be very helpful. Severe urinary conditions can be painful and debilitating and they are a common cause of euthanasia in cats. Other treatments are available to treat the conditions and they include pain medications and anti-inflammatory medicine. Talk to a veterinarian in Courtland Manor, NY to find out the best treatments to manage this condition.
