UTI Cat - Home Treatment
By Tess Thompson

Urinary tract infections respond very well to antibiotics. However, antibiotics tend to kill friendly bacteria along with the disease causing bacteria. Diminished friendly flora in the body can be a cause of other diseases that may be far more difficult to treat than urinary tract infection.  

If you see the following signs in your cat, you should suspect prevalence of feline urinary infection.

-         The urine has a bad smell.

-         The cat is straining to urinate or cries while urinating.

-         There is blood in urine.

-         If it is urinating at odd places, often in small amounts.

 
The common conventional treatment modality is to get urine and blood tests done to identify bacteria and give antibiotics to eliminate the infection. Alternative and holistic medicines, however, look beyond the immediate cause and look towards treatment along with boosting immunity. This spares the cat from the harmful side effects of antibiotics and also ensures that the probability of a recurrence is reduced.  

The most recommended treatment is a combination of herbal tinctures of pipsissewa, buchu, uva ursi and Echinacea in equal parts. This can be mixed in the cat’s food. While this is useful for urinary tract infection in dogs  to a large extent, alcohol tinctures are recommended for cats only for short term use. Herbal teas prepared from a combination of goldenrod, horsetail, parsley, marshmallow root and elderberry are a better alternative for extended treatment in cats. A tablespoon of cooled tea can be given thrice daily till the symptoms last.  

Cranberry juice does not allow bacteria to cling to the cells that line the walls of the urinary tract. It also acidifies the urine and since the bacteria cannot thrive in an acidic environment, it helps in keeping urinary infections at bay. Cranberry extract is a better choice as pets usually dislike the taste and therefore a concentrate can be forced in easily.  

Cantharis, a homeopathic remedy, is also an effective treatment of urinary tract infection. It is highly recommended if there is blood in the urine. It also eases the discomfort caused by straining while urinating. Cantharis provides quick relief if two to three pellets of 30C potency are given at hourly intervals. Simply put the pellets in the cat’s mouth and they will be absorbed by the mucous membrane automatically.  

If your cat happens to be on antibiotics for infection, you can counter the effect of the drug on friendly bacteria by giving supplements of lactobacillus. One eighth of a tablespoon for two times a day is enough for pets weighing less than 20 pounds. Wait for a couple of hours after the antibiotic has been administered. Fresh yoghurt works equally well to restore the balance of the flora in the body.
 

Coupled with a natural diet, alternative remedies go a long way in home treatment of urinary tract infection in cats. Give home cooked food to your cat and add Vitamin C supplements periodically to prevent future occurrences of infection.