I noticed one of my friends, Lizzie, is having a lot of trouble passing urine. I saw a spot of blood in her litter tray yesterday and I have seen her back and forth to the tray regularly today, straining to go with little or no success.
I have put plenty of water down and wet food and tried to encourage her to drink more. I have looked online for natural remedies that have suggested cranberry juice (as with humans), but she's not going to drink that in reality unless I syringe it into her mouth. I also found mention of cantharis homeopathic remedy too, but again it is getting them down her throat.
Has anyone had any experience with urinary tract infection in cats or could you suggest anything that might help?
Oh gosh Vegan Soul, I don't want to worry you as it may be something different but one of my cats had this problem a few years ago. You know what it's like when you're absolutely bursting to go but you're in the car or something and have to hang on. With my cat he was desperate but couldn't pass water. He became so bloated because his bladder was full. When I took him to the vet he said if I had left him to it, he would have died.
Keep an eye on her and feel around her middle to make sure she isn't bloated or 'solid' feeling.
I am keeping any eye on her tummy as you suggested. She seems to be comfortable enough at the moment, she has passed some urine a little earlier and has been laying in front of the fire. I am going to try and get some cantharis and cranberry juice tomorrow and have a go at 'adminstering' them to her... you may see me post a thread about lacerations on a separate section, haha. My vet is very good, so if she is still having problems Monday, I will take her in.
Please take her to the vet - it may serious. One of our cats had a bladder infection, and behaved similarly - he nearly died, and even during insertion of a catheter to relieve the pressure in the bladder, he kept purring!!
Hi Lisa,
As I'm writing this,I think it is probably about 10:00 PM in the UK....I hope you are still reading the forums...
You don't say how old your cat is...
I would like to ask you a question,and according to the answer you give yourself,you can judge if you can wait until monday...
Has she been spayed (fixed)??...
If she is young and hasn't been spayed,it could be she is going through her estrus cycle (her "monthly",or "period" as we call it here)...
Cats are extremely fusy about keeping themselves clean...so you will have to watch her close...
They are also very careful to hide an illness...sometimes until is too late...
If you can be sure that she is in estrus cycle,then you can wait until monday to have her checked by your vet...
If she was fixed,then she wouldn't be going through estrus...and the blood could indicate something is wrong.
I don't mean to worry you needlessly,but it is always better to be safe than sorry....
Passing blood in the urine could indicate there is a blockage in the urethra...if that is the case,her kidneys could be compromised...and it could be fatal for her...
The kidneys and the liver are the "filters"of the body.
They work together to get rid of impurities.
If there are crystals in the kidneys that are causing a blockage,she could have a renal failure...and that in turn would affect the liver... and then the heart...
It is a chain reaction that can take just a few hours,depending on the severity of the blockage and where it is...
Cranberry juice is not recommended to be administered to cats...and in fact,many herbal remedies can be poisonous for them.
Unless a homeopathic or herbal remedy is specifically made and approved for cats,I would caution you about using it...
Do you have access to an emergency clinic or hospital for animals,or a 24 hr veterinarian?...
I urge you to err on the side of caution,and have your cat examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible...
Delaying medical treatment by just a few hours could be the difference between enjoying her for many more years...or loosing her...
My thoughts will be with both of you and I will be sending lots of healing Reiki your way,with my intention for the best outcome for your kittie...
“Life can be found only in the present moment. The past is gone, the future is not yet here, and if we do not go back to ourselves in the present moment, we cannot be in touch with life.”Thich Nhat Hanh
my cat has had it a few times - apparently he's prone to it now. First time I didn't know what was wrong and didn't get him to the vet on time which led to him not being able to pass urine and was in pain and had to go to hospital and have operation which cost a lot of money! he got better very quickly after a dose of tablets and some special food.
He had it again just before xmas this year but I caught it in time, he was meowing and using his litter tray frequently then urinating in the bath (which is when i noticed blood in it - like he was trying to tell me!), so i got a urine sample to the vet and they prescribed tablets and his special food again for 30 days and it cleared up in a few days.
i know now not to let him dehydrate (keep him on wet food) and I give him a syrige of water daily (he's used to this now) as this is apparently what causes it, both times I had stupidly changed his diet to dry food only (coz i hate washing out his dish after the wet food as I'm a veggie - I now buy throw-away plastic dishes).
she is one of 3 rescued cats I live with. She's around 11 years old and has lived with me about 3 months. She is spayed so there is no chance of her being in season. Thanks for the advice about cranberry juice and other remedies.
She has been passing urine a little better this afternoon and evening, and I'll keep an eye on her tomorrow. There is an emergency vet I can contact if need be, but I will take her in to my regular vet on Monday if she has remained as she is now.
Jackiex_x... I have given her a syringe of water already today, funny you should mention that, as she is not a big water drinker. She is on wet food and I have taken away the dry. I'm vegan, so I know what you mean about cleaning dishes with dead animals in them, but I still do it anyway until I can afford to buy vegan cat food regularly.
Hi Lisa and Jackie,and everyone reading this thread...
Since I'm still at the computer I thought I would send a few lines to add something to the answer I gave to Vegan Soul (Lisa) earlier...
First,I would like to give you a little bit of information about myself...forgive if I'm going a little
Even though I'm not a veterinarian,I worked for four years with one...and I volunteer fairly regularly with the vet that is presently taking care of all my animals.
I had taken a course as a vet tech,before that.
Although I had to stop my training before receiving my certificate due to health and financial difficulties,I was blessed to be able to work with a wonderful veterinarian.
She had an integrated practice of conventional veterinary medicine,homeopathy and herbal and chinese medicine for small animals...
She taught me so much,I will be forever grateful to her for giving me the opportunity to learn with her while examining and treating patients,and in the operating room,as her assistant...
I also have an innate knowledge of many different things...especially those related to human and animal medicine.
I share that knowledge freely and with love with anyone...it comes straight from my heart ...with no strings attached...if something I know can help someone,it is lovingly shared...
I have many years of experience living with and taking care of animals...after my family,they are my life...
I have eight elderly rescued cats at this time...some of them with disabilities...the youngest is four years old...the oldest is probably close to twenty...she has been with me since she was hit by a truck more than fifteen years ago...and they share my heart and my house with a number of unwanted and/or abused and neglected parrots and assorted other birds,fish,reptiles and a dog ...
....I forgot to mention my husband there,too !!....
I'm telling you all of this,with the hope I can give you a very small piece of advice related to cats diet...
Please know that I'm not trying to impose my views on you or anyone reading this...I would never do that...I respect everyone and their ideas and beliefs...and I woud never consider myself above anyone.
This is just my view and what I know...
Cats and dogs have been domesticated for many years,and we have enjoyed their love and companionship for all that time...
We have also changed many things in their genetics and diets through the years...
Through that evolution cats have remained carnivores ~meat eaters~ ....and dogs are omnivores ~like humans,they can process and digest meat and vegetables~...
I am not a vegan or a strict vegetarian,but I try to consume as little meat as possible... without detriment to my health...
I feed my dog a good balanced diet based on plant and animal content...
My birds eat a balanced diet based on grains, vegetables,fruit,cereal and anything else they need for their best nutrition...
My lizzards have different diet requirements...some are strict vegetarians while others are strict carnivores...
All of my cats eat a balanced diet based on meat...
When some of my cats came to me,they had numerous illnesses and two of them were close to death...
By working closely with my veterinarian,spaying or neutering them,keeping them strictly indoors and feeding a good balanced carnivore diet,I have strong healthy, very old cats...and the males haven't suffered another urinary tract infection since being in my care...
My advice is to please reconsider your plans to change their diet to vegan.
Their digestive system will not be able to assimilate the vegetable content...it will create imbalances between the absorption of calcium,other minerals,vitamins and aminoacids,as well as lower their immune system...
In the long run,they will have more health problems and a shorther life...
We can always benefit from a diet lower in proteins,especially animal meat,fat and sugar...
Cats have an essential need for animal protein and animal fat...they count on that to survive...
I am sorry for the very long post,but I felt compelled to offer some of my knowledge...and maybe help make life healthier and longer for cats... and avoid heartache for some cat lovers...
“Life can be found only in the present moment. The past is gone, the future is not yet here, and if we do not go back to ourselves in the present moment, we cannot be in touch with life.”Thich Nhat Hanh
...who is a vet, a vegan and animal rights advocate who gave advice on 'veganising' cats and dogs (dogs far simpler than cats). A cat's diet is changed very slowly and, during that period and afterwards, cats urine needs to be checked for pH balance to ensure they are not having any problems. Alas, I have not veganised the cats I live with at all, so they are still ingesting carcinogenic chemicals, hormones, dead flesh, etc. from the supermarket cat 'food' I have to buy them until I clear my debts. I know that this is not good for them and it breaks my heart.
Lizzie had passed some urine overnight and seemed ok this morning, until she wobbled and fell over. I have had her into the emergency vets and she's had jabs, got some tablets and doesn't seem dehydrated. Vet seems to think it is more likley stress than crystals/stones, etc. but gave jabs anyway as a matter of course. I have taken day off work tomorrow to keep my eye on her, but she should be ok now. I have closed a door that splits my flat in two so that she can have some peace and quiet from the other two cats I live with.
Stress is a leading cause of dis-ease in animals. Has anything recently changed in your life and environment?
Also feeding dry biscuits another cause of cystitis.
Animals have very well developed emotional bodies and can diffuse a lot of energy, but sometimes the energy is too overwhelming and they can't shift it, which can then lead onto other illnesses.
Lizzie only started living with me about 3 months ago, so she is still adapting to a new environment with 2 other cats that already live here. Previously she was in a rescue centre for 4-5 years after her previous guardian passed on. She has been finding it difficult to adjust to the other cats. She seems okay with her new home itself. I am able to close a door that effectively splits the flat in two so she can be in one half whilst the others have the other. I open the door when I am at home (they all sleep in the bedroom with me at night and there doesn't seem to be a problem then), but have closed it today for a few days until she gets back on her feet properly. It would be great if she could get along with the other cats, but it may not be possible and I certainly won't force her and may need to keep the flat split in two.
I was putting out dry food as well as wet food, but have taken it away. She never really ate it anyway. She doesn't drink a great deal so I am trying to accustom her to a syringe of water in the mouth.
She was suffering stress when she first came here (intestinal related symptoms), but that seemed to go. I'm doing everything I can to keep the place calm and peaceful (I don't make a great deal of noise anyway and prefer quiet solitude whilst reading, painting and meditating). She seems better this evening and is getting plenty of rest.
I noticed one of my friends, Lizzie, is having a lot of trouble passing urine. I saw a spot of blood in her litter tray yesterday and I have seen her back and forth to the tray regularly today, straining to go with little or no success.
I have put plenty of water down and wet food and tried to encourage her to drink more. I have looked online for natural remedies that have suggested cranberry juice (as with humans), but she's not going to drink that in reality unless I syringe it into her mouth. I also found mention of cantharis homeopathic remedy too, but again it is getting them down her throat.
Has anyone had any experience with urinary tract infection in cats or could you suggest anything that might help?
thanks,
Lisa x
Hey i have been reading these posts, my kittens/cats have had this issue before as they were always stressed moving from cold to warm weather. I notice alot of the same symptoms everyone else is mentioning. The mother is 6 years old now and still gets the infections once a year maybe. We use a product called uti-free for bladder and urinary tract infections, it works really well, cats couldn't be happier.
My male cat suffered twice last year - apparently once they have had it they may be prone to future attacks. My vet told me it is VITAL to get them to a vet, it can be life threatening if they get a crystal blocking their tubes, and that I was to call night or day of he looked unwell during an episode.
On this note it was quite funny as he had to have antibiotics, which are penicillin, and I am allergic to penicillin. PLEASE remember to tell your vet if this is the case!! It is written in red on the front of my pets files now! He had to have an injection to start with as my husband was away so couldn't give the tablets, then we both had to wear plastic gloves to give him the tablet (Which let's face it is an event in itself!!)
I was advised not to give dry food, but my cat won't eat the wet stuff, not even the vet stuff (Science Plan designed for UTI's) so I had to make sure he had water and "wet" bits of tuna or chicken for a while.
He had to have an injection to start with as my husband was away so couldn't give the tablets, then we both had to wear plastic gloves to give him the tablet (Which let's face it is an event in itself!!)
Easiest way i've found to give my cat tablets is to kneel on the floor with him between your legs so that he can't back away - put your whole hand over the top of his head then reach down with thumb and first finger and stick them into each side of his mouth to open it - then put the tablet right at the back of his tongue followed but a small amount of water from a syringe (the vet will provide these) and the feel of the water forces him to swallow - works every time!
Quote:
Originally Posted by kpuk
I was advised not to give dry food, but my cat won't eat the wet stuff, not even the vet stuff (Science Plan designed for UTI's) so I had to make sure he had water and "wet" bits of tuna or chicken for a while.
my cat can be the same sometimes with dry food so try making it up as we have our breakfast cereal - bit of dry food in a bowl and pour a bit of water over it - the food flavours the water and my cat laps it up not realising he's having a nice big drink same time :-)
Hello everyone!
My cat has had cystitis quite a few times, usually the cause is stress (caused by other cats, and moving house). They need taking to the vets for medication ASAP as it is very painful and causes even more stress. I once had cystitis which I tried to treat myself with over-the-counter medication, it didn't work and the infection spread to my kidneys and I was very very ill, I didn't have the energy to even lift a limb!
My vet gave her antibiotics told me to stop the dry food, and give her tuna with a sprinkling of water over the top to get more moisture into her. Now we have lived in this house for a year, and she has gotten used to living with her other feline friend, she is much better (tho still loopy). She also used to be an indoor cat but since having a big garden she is much happier and chilled out! :O)
Last time I spoke with the people who supply me my waterfall D-Mannose that I use to stay UTI free (just yesterday as I placed my usual order), I asked them if it worked for cats too after having read this a few days ago. They tell me that it does indeed work, and that they have had a few other cases in the past where they've been able to help to make cats healthy once more. They then proceesed to inform me that their very own cat ('Pusscas' if I heared it correctly) is a regular user too :P
Apparently they just mix in the powdered version of the tablets that they supply in with their cats milk and it doesn't even know that it's there, thus drinks it up as usual. I'm told that cat's have no taste buds for sweet things, so when they said that it's not noticable by the cat, they mean it in the ost litteral sense.
I really hope that this work for you. If you decide to try it and does indeed work, please PM me to let me know. I'd love to hear that you cat got well based on something that I'd mentioned
I think the advice given here is pretty much correct re UTI or FLUTD (feline urinary tract disease)....but with respect please note
if a cat is spotting blood it is always an indication of something wrong..
A female cat does NOT spot blood in oestrus like dogs etc..
in entire (non-"fixed" )females blood spotting could be a sign of miscarriage or womb infection such as pyometra which would need to be seen by your veterinarian urgently.
Cat Urinary Tract Infection
...with no strings attached...if something I know can help someone,it is lovingly shared...
...
I forgot to mention my husband there,too 
!!....
Linear Mode
Learn about therapies
and find a therapist