urinary tract infections

how do cats get them? how can they be prevented? I am asking these questions because I have no idea:confused: :confused: Thank You.

I was told by MY vet that they are caused by crystals in the urine, usually caused by food with a high ash content. He also told me that some cats are more susceptible to UTI's than others.

I feed Chicken soup for the cat lovers soul-adult light formula....is this brand ok in ash content? :confused:

UTI's can be caused because your cat isn't drinking enough water and eats only dry food that is high in magnesium and possibly phosphorus. Some cats are more prone to UTI's than other cats.

FUS (feline urological syndrome) can be caused because a male cat is neutered, has a diet high in dried foods (probably those with a high magnesium content), low fluid intake, obesity, and inactivity.

If your cat is prone to getting a lot of UTI's, I would start by mixing some wet food with his/her dry food and making sure that he/she is drinking enough water. You may also want to talk to your vet about putting your cat on a special prescription diet for this. There are also a few pet store brands that are supposed to help cats that are prone to UTI's. My cats are all on the prescription food called Royal Canin S/O. They eat wet food mixed with dry food. This food makes them drink more water and also urinate more often. Good luck.:)

The reasons are
Primary bacterial infections: ca. 3%
crystals (either struvite or oxalate) ca. 20%
Urethral plugs consisting of tissue and struvite and oxalate sands: ca. 20%
So called idiopathic- which means no known reason ca. 55%- the reasons here might be found among unknown viruses, autoimmune problems etc.

All of the latter three reasons can come with a secondary bacterial infection (which leads to pus and blood in urine).

For all these problems, drinking a lot is important. The crystals and urethral plugs may be prevented by the right diet.

If they have an UTD (like Urinary Tract Disease, because it is not always an Infection) there is no absolute way to prevent it although drinking makes sure the bladder is flushed regularly which is very good for all of the causes. They usually get antibiotics against the primary or secondary infections. In the case of Idiopathic, it can go away once the secondary bacteria infection is under control. Sometimes prednisone helps to keep the primary inflammation down (although it does not remove the causes).

thanks for the information. Neither of my cats have a UTI , but I keep seeing the subject being brought up here and I was curious on how they get it. Both my kitties seem to drink enough water, and they get 1 can of wet food daily,which they share. They also both eat CS food..adult light formula, and love it. They are fine, but it is always good to know such things,,,thank you:)