Feline urinary tract infections are often treated effectively at home.
A feline urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria enter the cat's urethra and begin to reproduce. This condition is both painful and dangerous as the infection makes urination uncomfortable and may even cause life-threatening blockages in the cat's urethra. Symptoms of a feline UTI include straining to or inability to produce urine, hissing or growling in the litter box, foul-smelling urine and blood in the urine. Severe infections are best treated by a veterinarian, but minor ones can be effectively treated using home remedies.
Instructions
1. Administer catharsis pellets to your cat for pain relief. Catharsis is an herb that naturally relieves swelling and discomfort. Your veterinarian can best advise you on the proper dosage of catharsis for your cat.
2. Give your cat a teaspoon or two of cranberry juice each day until the infection has cleared up. Cranberry juice prevents the bacteria from clinging to the bladder, causing it to be flushed from your cat's body. If your cat refuses the cranberry juice, ask your veterinarian to recommend a dosage of cranberry extract tablets. The tablets work the same way as cranberry juice, without the bitter taste.
3. Provide your cat with vitamin C in tablet form. Ask your veterinarian to recommend a vitamin C supplement and dosage for your cat. Vitamin C aids your cat's immune system in fighting off infections such as a UTI.
4. Encourage your cat to drink. Drinking promotes frequent urination, which keeps your cat's bladder flushed and the bacteria moving out of your cat's body. Provide your cat with plenty of fresh, filtered drinking water (chemicals in tap water may aggravate the infection). Also, offer chicken broth as a tasty drink for your cat.
5. Clean your cat's litter box. Not only does this remove bacteria left by your cat's infected urine, but a clean litter box also encourages a cat to urinate more frequently. Empty and dispose of any soiled litter, and wash out the box with soap, water and a scrub brush. Refill the litter box with fresh, clean litter. Maintain the box by emptying any waste daily and washing it out completely at least weekly.
6. Keep your cat clean. Bacteria often lingers around the cat's urethra, especially on female cats. Wipe your cat's bottom with a baby wipe after it urinates to prevent bacteria from entering the urethra and prolonging the infection.
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