The term UTI stands for urinary tract infection. This term in felines is actually incorrect because more often than not our furry friend does not have an infection; he/she actually has urinary tract inflammation. Therefore the correct terminology for this condition is lower urinary tract disease or LUTD. The etiology of this disease is not known, but prevention and treatment of this chronic menacing condition can be managed.
It is believed that some cats have a defect in their metabolism that causes them to form microscopic crystals in their bladder that are painful and lead to chronic inflammation in the urinary tract. As a result of this inflammation mucous plugs can form as well. Over time this can lead to blockage of the urinary tract in male cats and if gone unnoticed can lead to death within 24 hours.
The best way to avoid this costly and devastating disease is fairly simple.
1) Cats are poor water drinkers. You can encourage water intake by changing water once or twice a day, keeping the water bowl clean and using glass bowls (Lalique crystal is best, lol). If you have well water it's best to use bottled water (preferablly distilled). Also, there is nothing wrong with feeding canned cat food. They will love you for it.
2) Like us, cats like their toilets clean. Change their box every other day completely and scoop once or twice daily between complete changes. You should have one more box than the number of cats. For example, if you have 2 cats, you should have 3 litter boxes. Never cover your box and avoid dusty and scented litters. Using a plastic liner makes it easier to change and saves time. Keep the box in a nice quiet place that the cats like.
3) Avoid cat treats. They are loaded with ash. Ash is composed of calcium, magnesium and phosphorous which is what the crystals are made of.
4) Avoid feeding kitten food and vitamin supplements to healthy cats over 6 months of age, especially if they are spayed/neutered.
5) Feed a high quality cat food. You get what you pay for in pet food. If your cat already has LUTD then your veterinarian will prescribe a prescription diet to avoid reoccurence. Avoid cat food with a high salt content. This can lead to chronic kidney disease.
6) Do not feed your cat any dog food. Dog food has a higher ash content than cat food because the mineral requirement in dogs is higher.
7) Do not let your cat become overweight. There is a higher incidence of LUTD in overweight cats.
8) Take your cat to your veterinarian for regular checkups. This will allow the doctor to ask you questions that may give hints that your feline may have early signs of LUTD.
Don't hesitate to tell him anything out of the ordinary that your pet my be doing.
