Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be a common problem for cats, particularly for those that are elderly or have other underlying health conditions. If you suspect that your cat has a UTI, it’s important to seek veterinary care right away. However, there are some things that you can do at home to help treat your cat’s UTI and make them more comfortable.
Recognizing the Signs of a UTI in Cats
The first step in treating your cat’s UTI is recognizing the signs. Some of the most common symptoms of a UTI in cats include:
- Frequent urination
- Painful urination
- Blood in the urine
- Straining to urinate
- Excessive licking of the genitals
If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will be able to diagnose your cat’s UTI and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
Home Remedies for Treating Your Cat’s UTI
While it’s important to seek veterinary care for your cat’s UTI, there are some things that you can do at home to help treat the infection and make your cat more comfortable. Here are some home remedies for treating your cat’s UTI:
Increase Water Intake
Encouraging your cat to drink more water is one of the most important things that you can do to help treat their UTI. Water helps to flush bacteria out of your cat’s urinary tract, which can help to alleviate their symptoms.
One way to encourage your cat to drink more water is by providing them with a water fountain. Cats are often more attracted to running water than still water, and a water fountain can help to entice them to drink more. You can also try offering your cat wet food instead of dry food, as wet food contains more moisture.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a natural remedy that can help to create a more alkaline environment in your cat’s urinary tract, which can make it more difficult for bacteria to thrive.
To use apple cider vinegar to treat your cat’s UTI, simply add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon to your cat’s food each day. You can also mix the apple cider vinegar with water and give it to your cat as a drink.
Cranberry
Cranberry is a well-known remedy for UTIs in humans, and it can also be effective for cats. Cranberry contains compounds that help to prevent bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract, which can help to prevent UTIs from developing.
To use cranberry to treat your cat’s UTI, you can give them cranberry supplements or add cranberry juice to their food. Be sure to choose a cranberry supplement that is specifically formulated for cats, as some supplements that are safe for humans can be toxic to cats.
Increase Vitamin C Intake
Vitamin C is another natural remedy that can help to treat your cat’s UTI. Vitamin C helps to make your cat’s urine more acidic, which can make it more difficult for bacteria to thrive.
To increase your cat’s vitamin C intake, you can give them a vitamin C supplement or add foods that are high in vitamin C to their diet. Foods that are high in vitamin C include oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers.
When to Seek Veterinary Care
While home remedies can be effective for treating mild UTIs in cats, it’s important to seek veterinary care if your cat’s symptoms persist or worsen. Your veterinarian may recommend antibiotics or other medications to help treat your cat’s UTI.
In some cases, UTIs can be a symptom of a
