UTI and straining.

Dr. Marie replied:

Oh, I am sorry to hear that Mr. Piggy is having these problems. Urinary tract issues can be very difficult to deal with.

It is actually fairly uncommon for a cat to have a simple urinary tract infection. Usually there are some crystals or there may be a condition called interstitial cystitis which is causing inflammation in the bladder.

If you have not seen an improvement by now then unfortunately he needs to go back to the vet. If he is still trying to urinate frequently then this means there is something more serious going on. The vet will feel his abdomen and determine if he has a large bladder. (Sometimes you can feel this at home, but usually, if you are not used to feeling cat bladders it is difficult).

If he is blocked then he will need to stay in the hospital and have a catheter put in place. Unfortunately this can be quite expensive.

If he is not blocked your vet may prescribe an anti-inflammatory medication. I have had good success using a medication called prazosin which helps with spasms in the urethra.

If he is not improved it is very important to take him back right away. If a cat is blocked for more than 12 hours or so they are at risk for death. Also, it is extremely painful.

I really hope he is ok!

Dr. Marie.

---This question was asked in our Ask A Vet For Free section.---


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