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Ask Dr. Audrey: My Cat Has Continuing Urinary Problems!

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My cat Oscar has had a UTI and/or crystals on and off for over a year! He’s on the prescription diets, and I keep having to try different antibiotics. He still strains in the litter box and he’s at the end of yet another course of antibiotics. I can’t stand him continuously suffering like this but I don’t know what else can be done. Any suggestions? Thanks.

This is by far one of the most frustrating cat diseases that veterinarians have to treat, and there is no easy fix. There are a number of contributing factors to lower urinary tract disease in cats, so they need to be addressed. I’m assuming Oscar has had a bladder ultrasound to rule out bladder stones or any other physical abnormalities, so let’s look at some other things you can do to help.

Stress is known to contribute to recurring bladder problems, so see if there is anything in his environment that may be upsetting him. It could be something as unobtrusive as a new cat moving into the neighborhood. Feliway pheromone diffusers can help to ease stress in cats. If he is mostly an indoor cat, then sometimes behavior enrichment toys including a scratching post will make a difference.

It’s also important to keep his urine very dilute, to reduce the risk of plugs forming. To do this, change to a canned form of prescription food, and add water to it.

Some people believe cranberry extract can help prevent urinary tract infections, it’s very safe and may be worth a try.

Unfortunately, sometimes all of your efforts don’t make much of a difference, and you just have to deal with the symptoms as they arise.

The purpose of this column is to educate. CatTipper shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by this site. This column does not replace the importance of specific advice from your own veterinarian. If you have any concerns at all about your cat’s health, please make an appointment with your vet. .

Paris Permenter
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