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, or even tumors in the bladder. 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.
6 Medications to Treat Cystitis in Cats
1. Zeniquin
- An antibiotic that targets the bacteria causing urinary tract infections and cystitis
- Trusted for lasting longer than any other antibiotic of its class
- The easy-to-swallow tablets make giving them to your cat simple
2. Amoxi Drops (Amoxicillin)
- These drops treat a variety of bacterial infections, including UTIs that cause cystitis
- Amoxi Drops are a semi-synthetic penicillin that can be given with or without food
- Rarely has side effects
3. Baytril Taste Tabs
- These chewable, flavored tabs that are easy to give to your cat
- Targets bacterial infections in the urinary tract
4. Orbax
- Absorbs quickly into your cat's body for fast-acting relief
- Orbax is proven effective in treating urinary tract infections
- Requires a lower dose than some other medications
5. Clavamox
- Treats urinary tract infections in cats, including those caused by E.coli
- Clavamox is specially designed so that bacteria cannot build a resistance to it, making it extra powerful
- Comes in a tablet to give to your pet
6. Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim
- The two ingredients in these tablets work together to stop infections: Sulfamethoxazole limits bacterial growth and Trimethorpim inhibits bacterial replication
Food and Supplements
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.
Vets Best Urinary Tract Support Tabs
- Soothing mix of cranberry and parsley ingredients
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions
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. 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 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 bring 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.
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.
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. 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. 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?
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
