UTI in Silver Bengal Cats – Symptoms, Causes and Prevention

UTI in Silver Bengal Cats - Symptoms, Causes and Prevention

Cats frequently experience urinary tract infections (UTIs), and Silver Bengal cats are no exception. UTI in Silver Bengal cats can bring numerous unpleasant symptoms, such as frequent and painful urination, blood in the urine, and appetite loss.

UTIs are common in the majority of cat breeds and are treatable. But if left untreated, UTIs can progress to more severe health problems like bladder stones and kidney infections. This blog will discuss the causes, signs, and remedies of UTIs in Silver Bengal cats. We’ll also offer advice so you can treat cat UTI at home, keeping your Bengal healthy and happy while avoiding these diseases.

What is UTI?

Silver Bengal Cats’ urinary system can develop a UTI regardless of age or gender. UTIs can affect any or all of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms are only a few of the causes of UTIs. Additionally, obstructions to the urine flow, such as kidney stones or tumors, can also cause UTIs. Also Read, 10 Common Health Issues of Silver Bengal Cat.

Our team member, Dr. Clair Rotunda, recalls her friend Julie’s experience.

When Julie’s Bengal cat Luna developed a UTI, she chose not to treat her with antibiotics but with natural home remedies. She added cranberry juice and apple cider vinegar to Luna’s diet, ensured she drank plenty of water, and kept her litter box tidy. Luna’s symptoms subsided quickly, and her UTI disappeared without needing antibiotics

cat uti symptoms

Cat UTI Symptoms

Some Bengal cats may not show any symptoms of UTI until it escalates to a more severe issue. Because their owners may spend less time with the cat than owners of exclusively indoor cats, this is particularly prevalent among outdoor cats and cats that wander freely inside and outside. The following are some of the most apparent Cat UTI Symptoms:

how can i treat my cats uti at home?

1. Frequent Attempts For Urinating

Because there is little to no pee expelled at each urination, Bengals with UTIs frequently urinate excessively daily. This is both annoying and harmful to your Bengal cat’s health. Your cat cannot eliminate toxic waste materials through urination when they have a blockage or infection that makes it difficult to urinate.

2. Blood In Urine

Urine that is dark or stained with blood is typically present in Bengals with a urinary tract infection. Female cats are more prone to developing UTI compared to male cats.

3. Straining To Urinate

Your Bengal cat may have severe difficulty urinating due to bladder blockage brought on by inflammation and/or the development of stones.

4. Urinating Outside The Litter Box

Even though urinating outside the litter box doesn’t always mean that the Bengal cat has a urinary tract infection, it should raise some red flags, mainly if the cat exhibits any other UTI-related symptoms.

5. Painful Urination

When a Bengal cat has a urinary tract infection, the pain can sometimes be so bad that the cat repeatedly licks their penile or vaginal area to soothe the irritation.

However, this only leads to additional agony and an increased chance of infection. Your Bengal cat may howl in anguish, particularly when urinating, due to the pain brought on by the urinary tract infection and the rawness in the area from constant licking.

Causes of UTI In Silver Bengal Cats

Why do cats get UTI? The answer to this question can comprise various reasons. Bacteria that enter the urinary system through the urethra are the leading cause of UTIs in cats. Cats’ UTIs can also have other reasons, such as

  • Urinary tract trauma caused by an operation or an injury
  • Dehydration could facilitate the growth of bacteria in the urinary tract
  • Stress can impair the immune system and increase the risk of UTIs in cats
  • Urinary tract obstruction brought on by kidney stones or tumors, for example
  • Viruses, fungi, or bacteria-based infections
  • Urinary tract inflammation is brought on by, for example, allergic reactions or other underlying disorders
Did you know?

Preventing UTI is simpler than you think – maintaining good hygiene, access to clean water, a balanced diet, and treating cat UTI at home

Diagnosis of UTI

Feline urinary tract infections in Bengal cats call for medical care. It’s time to get your Bengal to the vet if any of the above-mentioned symptoms are present. Contact your veterinarian or the closest emergency vet immediately if your cat is struggling to urinate or howling in agony; your cat may have a medical emergency.

Your veterinarian will conduct a urinalysis to learn more about your cat’s health. There may also be a need for radiographs and blood testing.

treat cat uti at home

Recovery of UTI

Urinary disorders in Bengal cats can be severe and complex. Therefore, the first step should be to make an appointment with your veterinarian for prompt care. The recommended course of treatment depends depend on the underlying reason for your cat’s urinary issues, but it may include the following:

  • Increasing the amount of water, you give your cat
  • Medicine or antibiotics to treat symptoms
  • Altered diet
  • Tiny stones being expelled through the urethra
  • Bladder acidifiers
  • Fluid treatment
  • A urinary catheter or surgery is required for male cats to nip urethral blockages from the bud
Did you know?

Blood tests, physical examinations, and urinalysis are used to diagnose UTI in Bengal cats.

Cat UTI Prevention – Practical Tips

New owners often wonder, how can I treat my cats UTI at home? Don’t worry, learn how to prevent UTI in cats with these practical recommendations.

  • Keep your Bengal cat’s litter fresh and clean, and think about switching to a low-dust formula to avoid irritating the urinary tract.
  • Feeding your Bengal a high-quality, balanced meal with the proper quantity of moisture will assist the animal’s urinary system stay in good shape.
  • Maintain a healthy weight for your cat because being overweight can raise the incidence of UTIs.
  • Ensure your cat has access to plenty of fresh water, and encourage them to drink by placing water dishes in several locations around your home.
  • Examine your Bengal cat’s urine every week to spot any potential concerns early on.
  • Encourage your cat to exercise frequently, as doing so can prevent bladder stones and preserve healthy urine function.
  • Your veterinarian could suggest a specific diet or medicine if your cat is prone to UTIs to help avoid subsequent infections.

Key Takeaways: UTI in Silver Bengals

UTI IN SILVER BENGAL CATS
  • A bacterial infection affecting the urinary tract
  • Frequent urination, blood in urine, and lethargy
  • Diagnosed through urinalysis, physical exam, and blood tests
  • Treatment typically involves antibiotics and medication for pain relief
PREVENTION
  • Maintain separate litter for cats with UTI
  • Provide fresh, clean water to encourage urination and flush the urinary tract
  • Offer a balanced diet to promote overall health and reduce the risk of underlying health issues
  • Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help identify and address health issues early on

Steve treats UTI in his Bengal Cat, Simba

Simba, a Bengal cat, had been acting strangely for a few days, and Steve, an experienced breeder from our team, suspected a UTI. He cared for Simba at home by giving him wet food, cranberry juice, and clean water. Simba’s symptoms improved, and his UTI went away without needing antibiotics. Steve was grateful for their relationship and relieved.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Silver Bengal cats frequently experience urinary tract infections, which can result in various unpleasant symptoms. You may contribute to the health and happiness of your feline buddy by being aware of the warning symptoms of a UTI and taking precautions to avoid them.

Ensure your cat has access to plenty of fresh water, maintains clean, new litter, is fed a balanced diet, and is encouraged to exercise frequently. If your cat is prone to UTIs, consider utilizing specific foods or treatments, and get your cat’s urine examined by a veterinarian regularly. These recommendations can help you avoid UTIs and guarantee your Silver Bengal cat’s continued health.

FAQs

UTIs are not typically spread from cat to cat or cat to human.

A UTI can result in kidney damage, bladder stones, or a kidney infection that is life-threatening if it is not treated.

With easy-to-follow tips mentioned in this blog, you can quickly treat UTI in your cat at home.

With the proper care, UTIs usually go away within a few days to a week. It is better to consult your vet before trying home remedies. 

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