What Are The Most Common Signs That
My Cat Is Suffering From A Urinary Tract Infection?

     Cats are often perceived as aloof, independent, and even downright snooty. While this is not always true (especially to the lucky human who is the cat’s personal slave), it’s very true that a cat will isolate itself when it’s feeling sick. In the wild, predators will attack a wounded or sick animal. So animals instinctively understand that they can protect their "pack" by hiding somewhere else until they’re feeling better. If your cat is suddenly lethargic, withdrawn, or hiding, this may be a sign that it’s not feeling well.

          Is it urinating more or less frequently? A change in either direction can indicate a serious problem.

          One of the symptoms of a UTI is an inability to urinate properly. Is it "dribbling" urine when it stands, walks, or sits? If your cat leaves little puddles everywhere, don’t scold it...get it to a vet immediately!

          Is it choosing odd places to urinate? Urgent urination is another symptom of a UTI. Despite its best efforts, your cat simply may not be able to make it back to its litter box, and may be forced to urinate wherever the need strikes.

          Look for signs of pain. Cats won’t whine the way a feverish child would, but if you know what to look for, their body language is quite expressive. Is your cat hobbling or hunching over? Is it licking its genitals more frequently, trying to relieve the pain of an infection? Is it straining to urinate, and maybe only expelling a few drops of urine? Is its tummy sensitive and swollen?

          If you’re concerned about whether your cat is suffering from a urinary tract infection, a quick and easy way to tell is to use Scientific Professional’s cat litter. Its specialized crystals will remain gray if your cat is healthy...but they will turn pink if an infection is present. The darker the pink, the more serious the infection. If any pink color is present, you should take it to your vet immediately.

          If caught quickly, a urinary tract infection is easy to cure. These simple clues can help you keep your cat healthy.