Managing Lower Urinary Tract Diseases in Cats
As all cat owners know, our feline friends have very particular habits. One of those habits is using the litter box, as cats are fastidious about this and often use it for voiding and urination.
But when a cat has lower urinary tract disease (LUTD), these behaviors can change, putting them at risk for urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other health issues.
If you suspect your cat may be suffering from LUTD or another feline lower urinary tract disease (LUTD), take steps to identify the problem before things get worse.
Feed Nutritious Diet
One of the most important things you can do to prevent feline lower urinary tract disease is to feed your cat a nutritious diet. According to the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), your cat’s optimal protein intake should be approximately 25 to 30% of its diet.
A high-quality food will contain real meat and fish, not fillers like corn or soy. Ensure that any treats you give your cat have only human-grade ingredients and avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Protein is an essential nutrient for cats, but it’s not the only one. Your cat also needs fiber, vitamins, and minerals to maintain a healthy digestive system and prevent constipation.
A high-quality diet will contain all of these nutrients. You may want to talk to your veterinarian about whether you should supplement your cat’s diet with vitamins or minerals if it is eating a food that is not considered complete and balanced by AAFCO standards.
Reevaluate Feeding Schedules
You may not be aware of this, but how you feed your cat can significantly impact its health. Providing large meal portions to cats is a big no. According to Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine experts, you must feed cats twice daily and ensure they eat simultaneously every day so their digestive system doesn’t get thrown off course by irregular feeding schedules.
Also, try to feed the same amount of food each time, even if it means going out and getting more when necessary, and stick with one brand instead of switching it up now and then.
The goal here is consistency in all things, consistency with how much food you give them and what kind, the latter being especially important because some types are more manageable for cats’ systems to digest than others.
Provide Clean, Fresh Water
A cat should drink 60mls/kg of weight per day. This is equivalent to about 1 ounce per pound of body weight. The amount of water you give to your cats should not be more or less. Excessive water intake can lead to health problems like feline hyperthyroidism or feline diabetes. Similarly, lack of water consumption can lead to dehydration, further causing different health problems.
The amount of water intake should also depend on the type of food you feed your feline friend. According to the Feline Health Center, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, dry cat food has only 6 to 10% moisture content, while wet, canned food has 75% moisture content. Hence, you need to adjust the water intake accordingly.
If your cat is facing kidney problems, he or she will need extra water. Kidneys with problems or infections require more clean-up. You can give the additional water through an intravenous (IV) system. Water should be changed daily, regardless of whether or not your cat uses it.
The water should also be kept fresh so that the taste does not become stale for the cat, and he stops drinking it. Finally, you don’t want your cat’s water bowl in direct sunlight because this could cause bacteria growth in the water itself.
Feed Over-the-Counter Medicines like Amoxicillin capsules
Amoxicillin capsules contain an antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections. The cat may be given Amoxicillin 500mg capsules if it has a urinary tract infection. The medicie is also effective in other conditions caused by bacteria such as abscesses, skin infections, furunculosis, and polyarthritis. You can easily find Amoxicillin capsules online from a verified seller.
Amoxicillin is a prescription medication and should only be used to treat bacterial infections. It should not be given if your cat has a viral illness like flu or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).
Reduce Stress
In a study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, researchers determined that reducing stress is essential in managing feline lower urinary tract disease. Sadly, according to research done among cat owners, 56.7% are ignorant of their cats’ total stress levels.
It’s time you start paying attention to your cat’s stress levels and take measures to reduce stress by providing a safe place to hide, multiple litter boxes, and keeping them in easy-to-reach locations. Your cat will also be more likely to use his or her litter box if it’s clean and quiet, so make sure you clean it daily.
If you notice your cat is straining to urinate or having trouble urinating, it’s essential that you get him or her to a veterinarian as soon as possible. The sooner you can identify the cause of the issue, the better your cat’s chance of recovering and living a healthy life.
Minimize Major Changes
You should minimize changes to your cat’s environment. Cats are sensitive creatures, and changing their routine can cause stress. For example, try not to move the litter box or food bowls. Also, avoid changing the type of litter you use (clumping or non-clumping) and its location. Similarly, don’t change the feeding schedule or routine too often. Doing so will confuse your cat and make them more stressed overall.
You should also get more litter boxes for your cat. You can opt for Dr. Elsey’s, Scoop Away, Tidy, or any other litter box that your cat prefers. The more the number of litter boxes, the more time you get to clean them.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, managing feline lower urinary tract disease can be complex. Understanding the disease process and how it affects your cat is essential to make informed decisions about treatment options.
The goal of this article has been to provide you with information on the most common causes of feline lower urinary tract disease and some strategies for managing it at home. Hopefully, that goal has been fulfilled.