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Pets, too, get urinary tract infections. The common symptoms include frequent urinating, signs of struggle or pain while urinating, strong-smelling urine, blood in urine, and even fever. Cats with diabetes or obesity are more likely to get urinary tract infections. If the symptoms manifest, there is an effective UTI in cats home remedy you can leverage.
Worth noting is the prevalence of urinary tract infections among cats is high, and you need to take measures to protect your cat from UTI. Here are some tips for maintaining the urinary health of your cat.
1. Ensure your cat maintains a healthy weight
As aforementioned obese cats have a higher risk of developing UTI. Start by establishing if your cat has a healthy weight by running a few tests. For instance, check how easy it is to feel the ribs, excess fat available, and the muscle mass present.
How do you prevent your cat from getting obese? Portion control is vital in ensuring your cat takes only what they need. You can also talk to a veterinarian for recommendations on the best kind of food and diet for your cat. Maintaining healthy and consistent feeding schedules and increasing your cat’s exercise will help.
2. Increase your cat’s water intake
Water is a vital tool in maintaining the urinary health of pets. Increased water intake increases the urine water content of your cat. This is a good thing as toxins and bacteria are diluted. Note that high urine concentration could result in stones, which can lead to the inflammation of the bladder.
Also, the more water your cat takes, the more frequently they will urinate, flushing out lingering bacteria. There are several ways you can increase your cat’s water intake. You can give your cat fresh water directly. The good news is that cats love freshwater, and she will be glad to take it.
Chicken broth is also an excellent way to get your cat to consume more fluids. Canned foods tend to take to have more water content compared to other dry varieties. Increased water consumption will ward off bacteria that cause UTI in cats and also maintain their kidney function.
3. Maintain your cat’s litter boxes
Taking care of your feline friend’s environment will help protect her from urinary infections. Note that dirty litter boxes can cause health problems like urinary tract infections. Regularly clearing, cleaning, and changing the litter boxes will help.
Another good practice of litter box management is availing several litter boxes in the house. This will ensure your cat has a clean litter box at all times and she is comfortable. Avoid using harsh chemicals when cleaning the boxes as it can cause more problems.
Home Remedies for UTI In Cats
Suppose your cat exhibits the symptoms of UTI, like urine with a strong odor, discomfort, and blood in the urine. Here are some home remedies to relieve the symptoms.
1. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is effective in lowering the PH of urine, hence preventing harmful bacteria. Adding a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to your cat’s food every day can help. Also, you can mix it with soup or broth to minimize the bitter taste to encourage your cat to consume it.
Note that this remedy is effective if you have established that the UTI in your cat has been a result of too alkaline urine. You can conduct a PH test using a home kit to determine this. If the PH is too high, then you can try this remedy.
2. Bone broth
You will not have a hard time making your cat take bone broth. Cats love it, and it has excellent benefits as a remedy for UTI. Not only does it help lower the PH level of the urine, but it also works to strengthen the bladder.
Bone broth is also a tasty way to ensure your cat consumes a lot of fluid. This remedy will keep harmful bacteria at bay and also flush out the bladder, keeping your cat clear of UTI.
3. Cranberries
Cranberries are used to treat UTI in a person and pets too. Cranberries are effective in preventing bacteria from clinging to the urinary tract, hence preventing infection. You also have the alternative of giving your cat cranberry supplements if you are looking to reduce your pet’s amount of sugar intake.
This remedy will not only help clear existing UTI but will also prevent recurrent infections.
4. Parsley
If taken in moderation, parsley serves as an effective remedy for UTI in cats. Adding parsley when preparing meals for your cat will not only heal UTI but also prevent it. Unfortunately, the beauty of taking parsley is that it also triggers thirst.
Ensure your cat gets a lot of water in the process. While the herb is a natural diuretic and antibacterial, the water will flush out bacteria in the urinary tract. Parsley kills bacteria in the urinary tract, treating the infection.
5. Cornsilk
Corn silk is a very accessible remedy for UTI in cats. Corn silk is considered a natural diuretic that increases water elimination from the body. So how does this remedy work? Since cornsilk increases water elimination, it also increases water intake.
Hydration also increases water elimination in the system, which helps flush out bacteria in the urinary tract. Harmful bacteria, crystals, and stones will also be eliminated, leaving a healthy urinary tract.
Take away
Did you know that stress causes a myriad of health issues to cats? Minimize stress to prevent urinary problems. Also, do not take too long before you visit a vet. A veterinary will identify urinary health issues before they become severe and advise on lifestyle changes that will prevent the development of the problems.
Ensure your cat drinks adequate water, she maintains a healthy weight, and her environment is clean and stress-free. Prana pets has a unique line of herbal supplements that could help you maintain your cat’s urinal health. Click here to learn more about Prana Pets UTI support and products.
