Cystitis in Cats Treatment: The Best Methods and Preventatives for Keeping Everything Flowing Smoothly for Your Cat
Cats are sometimes susceptible to urinary tract issues and cystitis. These painful infections are no fun for your cat, and could even require emergency veterinary care if not treated properly. Here are 6 great medications and a couple preventatives to keep your cat healthy.
Cystitis in cats is a painful inflammation of the bladder. The cause of that inflammation can vary, but causes include bacterial infection such as a UTI, bladder stones, tumors in the bladder, or even feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC). Urinary obstruction is a potential complication of cystitis that requires immediate attention. How you treat your cat’s cystitis depends on the cause.
Most likely, though, treatment will include an antibiotic to fight off a bacterial infection, and pain killers or anti-inflammatories to relieve your pet’s pain. Veterinary medicine plays a crucial role in diagnosing and treating cystitis in cats.
6 Medications to Treat Feline Idiopathic Cystitis and Bladder Stones in Cats

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Zeniquin
- An antibiotic that targets the bacteria causing urinary tract infections and cystitis in the urinary bladder of affected cats
- Trusted for lasting longer than any other antibiotic of its class
- The easy-to-swallow tablets make giving them to your cat simple

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Amoxi Drops (Amoxicillin)
- These drops treat a variety of bacterial infections, including UTIs that cause cystitis in the lower urinary tract of affected cats
- Amoxi Drops are a semi-synthetic penicillin that can be given with or without food
- Rarely has side effects

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Baytril Taste Tabs
- These chewable, flavored tabs that are easy to give to your cat
- Targets bacterial infections in the urinary tract of affected cats

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Orbax
- Absorbs quickly into your cat’s body for fast-acting relief
- Orbax is proven effective in treating urinary tract infections in affected cats
- Requires a lower dose than some other medications

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Clavamox
- Treats urinary tract infections in cats, including those caused by E.coli
- Clavamox is specially designed so that bacteria cannot build resistance to it, making it extra-powerful
- Comes in a tablet to give to your pet

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Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim
- The two ingredients in these tablets work together to stop infections: Sulfamethoxazole limits bacterial growth and Trimethoprim inhibits bacterial replication in affected cats
Food and Supplements for Urinary Tract Infection
When your cat has recovered from acute cystitis, you may be looking for prevention options to keep your cat’s bladder and urinary tract in good health. Ensuring these preventatives are safe and effective for healthy cats is crucial. Maintaining proper litter box hygiene is essential in preventing cystitis. Additionally, providing multiple litter boxes in different locations can encourage frequent urination.
Vets Best Urinary Tract Support Tabs
- A soothing mix of cranberry and parsley
- Works for adult cats of all sizes
- Helps to maintain normal acidity in urine and to keep your cat’s urinary tract healthy
Pro Plan Extra Care Urinary Tract Health Cat Food
- Reduces urinary pH and provides low dietary magnesium to promote urinary tract health
- Omega fatty acids and high-quality protein also help your cat keep healthy skin and coat
- Calcium, phosphorous, and other nutrients help support strong bone
- Made with real chicken
The presence of other cats in the household can also contribute to stress and cystitis, so consider the dynamics of your multi-cat home.
How can I tell if my cat has a UTI?
Since a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) has to do with your cat’s urine and urinary system, you have to tell whether or not your cat has a UTI by observing your cat’s behavior around the time it is urinating. Straining to urinate is one of the most common symptoms of UTIs in cats, affecting the lower urinary tract. Along with that, a cat with a UTI will also produce reduced amounts of urine. Cats might even stop urinating completely. Even when they do, they will feel pain or discomfort. Sometimes, cats with a UTI will pass blood along with their urine and tend to pee all around the house. These are extreme circumstances that require immediate veterinary attention.
How do I treat my male cat's urinary tract infection?
There are many ways to treat your cat’s urinary tract infection. For starters, you should increase your cat’s daily water intake. That can help your cat with its urinating problems. Then, you can move on to medication. Your vet might prescribe antibiotics as well, depending on the situation. At the same time, the vet is likely going to ask you to make changes to your cat’s diet. The dietary changes will help your cat urinate properly. Other than these, fluid therapy and urinary acidifiers are also well-known treatments for cat UTIs. There is also the option to opt for surgery to remove urethral blocks or use a urinary catheter. In severe cases, complications such as urinary obstruction may occur, requiring emergency treatment.
How long do cat UTIs last?
Cat UTIs can last for seven to ten days. Cats with severe cases of UTI might need longer to recover. You should carry on with the necessary treatments as suggested by your vet. Do not wait for the UTI to go away on its own. Talk to your vet and seek treatment as necessary. Seeking professional care in veterinary medicine is crucial for managing and treating UTIs effectively.
Will cat UTI go away by itself?
Yes, some cat UTIs go away by themselves. However, it is best that you do not wait for that to happen. Conditions like feline interstitial cystitis can cause severe inflammation of the bladder, leading to a thickening of the bladder wall and potentially mimicking symptoms of a urinary tract infection. This condition is sterile, with no bacteria present, but it can cause an obstruction of the urinary tract and become a medical emergency if the cat is unable to urinate. You will not know how severe the case is, which is why it is always best to consult a vet and ask for their advice.
How painful is a UTI for a cat?
UTIs are very painful for cats due to the inflammation of the bladder wall. Cats have trouble urinating, and it can cause them a lot of pain. Therefore, you should seek immediate medical attention for your cat if you see that it has developed a UTI.
How does a cat act with a UTI?
Male cats with UTI show reduced urine output or tend to stop urinating completely. They might even pass blood alongside their urine. You will also notice them peeing outside the litter box often.
More on Pet Urinary Health
Food to Treat Cat and Dog Urinary Tract Infections
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections