Features

• UTIs are an infection occurring in the urinary tract of felines. Infections are typically related to diet but also might be attributed to stress or allergies. The infection causes crystals to form in the urine, making it difficult and painful for cats to urinate.
  
  

Risk Factors

• Urinary tract infections can occur in cats at any time at any life stage.
  
  

Symptoms

• Cats with urinary tract infections often show the signs of passing small amounts of urine or urinating excessively, cleaning or licking themselves more than usual, refusing to use the litter box, and passing blood in the urine.
  
  

Diagnosis

• Urine samples will be collected by a veterinarian to look for crystals, a sign of infection.
  
  

Treatment

• Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Many veterinarians will suggest smaller, more frequent feedings; dietary changes; providing an abundant water supply; and adding more litter boxes. A serious infection can be treated with antibiotics. Surgery might be required if the UTI causes a cat's urethra to become plugged.