Urinary Tract Infections in Cats 2025: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention 🐱✨

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Is your cat peeing outside the litter box, straining, or suddenly vocalizing when they urinate? It could be a urinary tract infection—or something even more serious.

I’m Dr. Duncan Houston, veterinarian and founder of Ask A Vet. UTIs are less common in cats than dogs, but when they happen, they need prompt treatment—especially in male cats. Here’s what to know.

🔍 UTI vs FLUTD – What’s the Difference? 

• UTI (Urinary Tract Infection): Caused by bacteria in the bladder or urethra 
• FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease): A group of urinary issues, including UTI, crystals, inflammation, and blockages

🚩 Common Signs of a UTI in Cats 

• Straining to urinate
  
• Frequent small urinations 
• Blood in urine 
• Peeing outside the litter box 
• Vocalizing or hiding more than usual

⚠️ Emergency Signs – Act Fast 

• Male cat who can’t urinate at all (true emergency) 
• Crying in the litter box with no pee produced 
• Vomiting, collapse, or hard, painful abdomen

🧪 Diagnosing a Cat UTI 

• Urinalysis to check pH, blood, crystals, and bacteria
  
• Urine culture to confirm infection
  
• Bloodwork and X-rays if crystals, stones, or other disease is suspected

💊 How Vets Treat UTIs in Cats 

• Antibiotics (based on culture results when possible)
  
• Pain relief medications (like buprenorphine or NSAIDs) 
• Increased water intake (wet food, fountains, broths)
  
• Prescription urinary diets (like Royal Canin Urinary SO or Hill’s c/d)

🏠 At-Home Support Tips

• Switch to wet food or add extra water to meals 
• Offer clean, multiple litter boxes in quiet areas 
• Reduce stress with routine, pheromone diffusers, and vertical space

🧼 Preventing Future UTIs or FLUTD 

• Feed high-moisture diets 
• Keep litter boxes clean and easily accessible 
• Minimize stress (cats are sensitive!)
  
• Encourage daily play and hydration

🔗 Tools from Ask A Vet 

• Felt Cat Caves – Reduce stress with safe, quiet hideaways 
• Water fountains – Encourage hydration to support urinary health 
• Ask A Vet – Log symptoms, upload videos, and speak to a vet if your cat is straining or peeing inappropriately

📋 Summary Excerpt

UTIs in cats can be subtle—or a sign of something more serious. A vet explains the symptoms, treatments, and ways to prevent urinary issues in both male and female cats.

❓ FAQs

•  
• Q: Are UTIs common in cats?
  A: Less common than in dogs. Most urinary issues in cats are due to inflammation, crystals, or stress—not true infection.
•  
• Q: How do I know if my cat’s UTI is an emergency?
  A: If your cat can’t urinate, it’s a life-threatening emergency. Get to a vet immediately—especially for male cats.
•  
• Q: Can I treat a cat UTI at home?
  A: No. Antibiotics and pain meds are needed. Home remedies delay care and increase suffering or complications.