Urinary tract disease (UTD) is a serious, but very common condition in cats. Some cats will have persistent problems that come and go throughout their lives, and others will have them only temporarily. Unfortunately, there is no way to predict which cats will have recurring problems or why. Through mindful management and preventative care, you can help lessen the chance of recurring problems. The initial diagnosis of UTD can be overwhelming, and we are here to help you navigate your cat’s health needs to get them feeling better!
What you can do for your cat:
- Keep up with recheck appointments! This is extremely important as we manage your cats’ symptoms and medications, especially in severe cases which may require more time to treat an infection. Not keeping up with their care can lead to further health complications such as kidney damage or in a worst-case scenario, death.
- Oftentimes in the treatment of UTD, a change in your cat’s diet is necessary. Prescription diets are made with medications intended to help treat a condition. If a specific food is prescribed, it is crucial for your cat to stay on that diet during the remainder of treatment and even long term. Optimal nutrition is a strong component in reducing the chance of recurring issues! We recommend that you DO NOT give your cat any treats or human food. “Extras” can change the pH of your cat’s urine, furthering problems that are being treated.
- In order to keep control of your cat’s mineral intake, switching to distilled water will help prevent and reduce the incidence of crystals/stone formation. Distilled water is free of salts and minerals; other water (tap, filtered, purified, softened or bottled) is not. As cats age, their urinary tract changes. Young cats are more prone to struvite crystals/stones whereas older cats tend to develop calcium oxalate crystals.
- Be aware of the symptoms of UTD, as they can vary and be subtle:
- Improper litter box use (Urinating or defecating outside of box)
- Frequent trips to the litter box
- Weight loss or muscle wasting (the backbone is easily felt)
- Lack of appetite and increased thirst
- Vomiting and lethargy
- Excessive grooming, especially on the lower belly.
- Overall change in behavior (hiding, sudden aggression)
- Remember we are here to help you! We want your cat to feel better, but if we don’t know what is going on at home, we can’t properly help. Please contact us if your cat is having any of the symptoms above, and for any questions or concerns you may have. Together, we can help your cat feel it’s best!
