Urinary tract infections are fairly common in cats. They aren’t typically something to get too worried about. When treated properly, UTI’s will not cause any long term damage to your cat’s urinary tract. These home remedies for cat UTI issues may help clear up the problem. However, you’ll need to monitor your cat closely to make sure the symptoms aren’t getting any worse.
A UTI can effect any part of your cat’s urinary tract, including the kidneys, bladder or the urethra (where the urine comes out of the body). Bacterial UTIs are caused when bacteria enters the urinary tract. This usually happens when the bacteria enters through the urethra and travels up to the bladder.
The home remedies for cat UTI problems listed in this article should work well if your cat has a bacterial infection. The UTI may also be caused by inflammation in the bladder without the presence of an infection. This is also referred to as sterile urinary tract inflammation or cystitis in cats.
Without consulting your veterinarian, it is nearly impossible to tell which type of urinary tract infection your cat is suffering from.
If your cat has frequent UTI issues, there is most likely an underlying cause. If you don’t seek veterinary treatment for the root cause, the UTI problems will only get worse over time. More serious health problems that could cause urinary tract infections include:
- Bladder crystals/stones (crystalluria/uroliths)
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disorders
Your veterinarian may require additional testing, like blood work, to determine the exact cause of your cat’s urinary tract problems. If your cat has a mild infection, one of these home remedies for cat UTI may be able to treat the problem.
Home Remedies for Cat UTI
No matter what is causing your cat’s urinary tract infection, the symptoms are usually the same. Behaviors that may be a sign of a UTI are:
- frequent urination
- urinating in small amounts
- pain during urination
- straining to urinate
- urinating outside of the litter box
- strong smelling urine
- blood in the urine
- excessive licking of the genital area
If you’re seeing any of these symptoms, you can try a home remedy. If the symptoms are severe, it’s best not to take the chance. Seek veterinary care if your pet is in extreme pain or has serious symptoms like blood in the urine.
Cranberry
Cranberries are commonly recommended as a home remedy for human UTIs, and they can be effective for cats suffering with this condition as well. Cranberries contain a substance that prevents bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract. If the bacteria can’t stick, it will be flushed out naturally while urinating.
I wouldn’t recommend giving your cat cranberry juice, because it contains a lot of sugar. You can buy cranberry supplements that can be added to your cat’s diet. If you feed dry cat food, mixing the supplement with wet cat food will be more enticing for your pet.
Marshmallow Root
Similar to a cranberry supplement, marshmallow root is another supplement that could be given to your cat as a natural remedy for UTIs in cats. It offers natural anti-inflammatory properties that work especially well on mucus membranes like those in the urinary tract.
If your cat is on any other medications, make sure to check with your veterinarian because marshmallow root could inhibit the absorption of other medications.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar will naturally lower the pH of your cat’s urine. You can mix ½ teaspoon of ACV with your cat’s food each day. If the smell repels your pet, try mixing the vinegar with beef or chicken broth to cut the odor and make it more enticing. If you feed dry cat food, mixing the ACV with wet cat food will be more enticing for your pet.
Bone Broth
One of the best home remedies for cat UTI issues is good hydration. If your cat isn’t drinking enough water, you can provide bone broth to increase his water intake. I’ve made a video guide on making homemade bone broth for your pet, which you can see here.
Increasing your pet’s water intake will help to flush out the urinary tract and avoid the buildup of bacteria. Another benefit to bone broth is that offers natural anti-inflammatory properties.
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