Urinary infections in cats are a common problem and one that can easily lead to more serious conditions if not treated properly.
Though most vets will lean toward the tried and true method of antibiotics, if you want to ease your pet's symptoms without potentially harmful side effects, you should consider using natural products to help prevent future infections.
The urinary system in cats is actually quite delicate and problems can creep up very easily.
Scavenging cats who come in contact with dirty surfaces or bacteria ridden spoiled food can be particularly susceptible to bacterial infection, which in turn leads to urinary tract problems.
The infection enters the body through the urethra, the same tube that carries urine to the outside of the body.
When it comes to cats and urinary tract infections, the symptoms can include fever, loss of appetite, needing to urinate frequently and experiencing pain and inability to produce any urine.
If these symptoms are present, you should take your cat to the vet immediately for a thorough exam and diagnosis.
Because urinary infections in cats can sometimes be a sign of a more serious condition like cancer, pancreatitis or bladder stones, it is critical to get a proper diagnosis from your vet.
Once you are sure that you are dealing with a standard UTI, you can then decide which course of treatment to take.
Most vets will prescribe a course of antibiotics for up to 14 days.
Your cat will be retested for infection 7 days after treatment ends to make sure that it is gone.
The world of homeopathic treatment has grown tremendously in recent years and there are now more options than ever open to concerned pet owners.
Treating cats and urinary tract infections can now be supplemented with safe, gentle, products which draw their healing power directly from nature.
Herbs such as arctostaphylos uva ursi and berberis vulgaris, containing antiseptic and antibacterial properties, and cantharis and staphysagris which treat the symptoms of infection have been combined in specially blended homeopathic treatments to offer a natural alternative.
These products can help to reduce inflammation and other symptoms of UTI, they are thought to promote good overall health by strengthening the immune system.
In terms of treating urinary infections in cats, nothing has proven to be safer or more effective.
It is vital that you also maintain a regular health regimen for your pet.
In terms of cats and urinary infections, a good balanced diet, free of preservatives or additives and continual access to a clean water supply can go a long way toward keeping your pet healthy and strong.
Consider placing water in more than one location in the home to encourage increased drinking.
Another important part of your cat's daily habits should be continued access to a clean litter box.
One of the biggest problems with urinary infections in cats is the tendency of a sick cat to avoid urinating.
It is vital that you encourage regular urination by always having a clean place for your cat to go.
A dirty litter box is a place that bacteria can congregate.
Urinary tract infections can be an unpleasant fact of life for cat owners, but you and your cat do not have to suffer.
Consider all your options and find a combination of conventional treatments and natural products which can alleviate symptoms while improving your cat's overall health.