Introduction

Symptoms of urinary tract infections in cats can vary, but in some cases cats will not show any specific symptoms at all. Urinary tract infections, and difficulties urinating, can lead to serious and life threatening conditions. Schedule an immediate appointment with your veterinarian if you notice any of the following symptoms in your cat.

Symptoms of UTIs in Cats

Common Symptoms

The most common symptoms of urinary tract infections in cats involve difficulties urinating and urinating outside of the litter box. Cats that have never gone to the bathroom outside of their litter box may begin urinating around the house, or steps away from the litter box.

Pet owners may also see their cat repeatedly straining to go to the bathroom. In many cases, this symptom is confused with constipation. Severe urinary tract infections can also cause incontinence, and cats may leak urine without realizing it.

Other Symptoms

Cats with a urinary tract infection may also experience urinary changes. Pet owners may see blood in the cat’s urine or drops of blood around the litter box, and the area around the urethra may be red as well. The urine may have a strong unusual odor, and pet owners may notice this odor on their cat’s fur too. Some cats, in an effort to clean themselves of the odor and urine, will constantly lick the fur around their urethra.

In some cases, cats do not always develop common symptoms when they suffer from a urinary tract infection. These cats may instead experience a lack of appetite, lethargy, suddenly start drinking more water, or they may seem depressed. A yearly urinary screening is always recommended for cats to catch possible silent urinary tract infections.