Herbal Medicine

• Herbs helpful for urinary tract infections, or UTI, in cats can be shelved under common name or scientific name. Common herbs used in healing UTI for cats are Kinnikinnick or uva ursi (Arctostaphylos uva ursi) and European barberry (Berberis vulgaris). Oregon grape (Berberis nervosa) and goldenseal root (Hydrastis canadensis) also contain the compound berberine found in Berberis vulgaris, and these three herbs can all benefit the cat with berberine's disinfectant and immune-boosting properties. Uva ursi is used as an antiseptic, to destroy bacteria in the urinary tract and reduce inflammation.
  
  

Homeopathic Medicine

• Cantharis (Spanish fly) and staphysagria (stavesacre or palmated larkspur) are two homeopathic remedies used to fight UTI in cats and in humans. Pain and difficulty in passing urine, often shown as straining at the litter box, calls for use of cantharis for the treatment of cystitis (bladder infection). Urine retention issues, passing urine issues from prostatitis and cystitis prompt use of staphysagria instead to relieve symptoms.
  
  

Home Care

• Cats have a low thirst drive, so being sure your cat gets enough fluids is the difficult part of treating UTI. You can use a syringe to give the cat water orally --- be sure the cat is swallowing and not aspirating (breathing) the water. If your cat will drink cranberry juice or eat frozen cranberry juice or even whole cranberries, the antioxidants and hippuric acid in the cranberry prevent bacteria from clinging to the walls of the urinary tract. Unsweetened, 100 percent cranberry juice is best. Cranberry capsules are available at health food stores as an alternative. Blueberry juice, pink grapefruit juice and orange juice have some of these properties as well. Vitamin C can acidify the urine, creating a pH damaging for bacteria.
  
  A stressed cat will often hide, refusing to drink water or use the litter box as often as she should. This can lead to urinary tract infections in cats. Holistic veterinary practice emphasizes reducing stress in the cat's home environment, which will allow the cat to relax, promoting regular use of litter boxes and regular eating and drinking.