A feline urinary tract infection can be one of the most painful, uncomfortable infections a cat can become afflicted with. 
These infections are most common in male cats, though many female cats over the age of eight can easily get an infection. The urinary tract, which includes the urethra and the bladder, becomes sore and inflamed. Possible causes for inflammation are bacterial infections, fungal infections, or viral infections. Feline urinary tract infections can also be caused by other problems such as urinary stones or even cancer.
Sometimes what is mistaken as an infection is really something else that cannot be diagnosed at the time. It is important to have your cat checked by a veterinarian as soon as symptoms occur. The vet can prescribe an anti-biotic and suggest ways to prevent an infection from happening again. Only a vet can diagnose an infection. They will carefully look at the infected area and determine if it is treatable with medication only.
Some signs of UTI in felines are frequent urination. The cat will try over and over again to urinate without much success. They will sit in the litter box and meow but nothing will happen. Sometimes they will urinate outside the litter box to tell their owners they are in pain. Distress signals like these should not be taken lightly as they are signs that something is seriously wrong. Sometimes a cat will leave little droplets of urine in the sink or bathtub. This can also signify a problem. In extreme cases, blood will be found in the urine which could signify a UTI. It is best to monitor the cats behavior and get them to a vet that can make a diagnosis. Other signs of feline urinary tract infection are sleeping too much, loss of appetite, unwillingness to be social with owners and other animals in the home, and not drinking water.
When most cats suffer from a urinary tract infection, they will need to be catheterized. This is when a small tube is placed into the urethra which will flush out the infection and supply anti-biotic to the painful areas. A cat could be in the vets care for a few days up to two weeks depending on the age of the cat and the amount of recovery time needed to heal. Once the cat is brought home, fresh water must always be available. Buying a recommended cat
food is also a good idea. Most nationally known brands have the essential ingredients necessary to help the feline from ever getting another tract infection.
Keeping litter boxes clean is another way to prevent a feline urinary tract infection. Having enough litter boxes for all cats in the house is one way to ensure a clean, sterile environment that will discourage future feline urinary tract infections.
