“Emily’s Vet Visit: Urinary Infection in our Older Cat and How We Managed It”
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| Emily doing her Audrey Hepburn pose! |
Emily's Vet Visit: Urinary Infection in Our Older Cat and How We Managed It
While taking Daisy to her vet visit, I noticed a poster in the clinic's exam room recommending
routine blood and urine tests for older cats. Since Emily is our oldest cat, I decided it would be a
good idea to have her checked as well.
One of my main concerns was thyroid problems, as these are quite common in older cats.
Fortunately, Emily’s blood test came back perfectly fine! However, her urine test revealed a
urinary infection. The vet prescribed an antibacterial medication for her. Since Emily is very
small, the vet cut the pills into quarters and also provided a large syringe for giving liquid or
creamy medications.
Here’s what worked for us when giving her the medication:
We crushed a quarter of a pill into powder.
We put some of Emily's favorite creamy treat in the syringe, then the powdered medication,
and finally more treat on top.
We gave it to her gently in her mouth. Emily happily ate it all!
What Causes Urinary Infections in Cats
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) happen when bacteria enter the urinary system. We learned that
common causes can include bacterial infections, crystals or bladder stones, and underlying
medical conditions like diabetes. Stress can also weaken the immune system, making cats more
vulnerable.
Why Older Cats Get UTIs More Often
Older cats are more susceptible due to several factors. Their immune systems can be weaker
with age, making it harder to fight off infections. They may also not fully empty their bladders,
and chronic conditions can increase the risk of infection.
How to Help Prevent Urinary Infections
While infections can't always be prevented, you can reduce the risk. Our vet gave us a few tips:
Ensure your cat always has access to fresh water; a cat fountain can encourage drinking.
Feed them a wet food diet, which increases their water intake.
Keep their litter box clean, especially if you have multiple cats.
Get regular vet check-ups to catch any problems early.
Manage their weight and reduce stress to support their immune system.
A note about urine collection: our vet explained that they use an ultrasound and a needle to get
a clean, non-contaminated sample. Some cats may have mild discomfort afterward. Emily did
have some discomfort the day after her visit, but after covering her with a blanket and sitting
with her for a while, she finally relaxed and went to sleep.
We are not vets, so this is just our experience and research to help other cat owners. If your cat
shows any unusual symptoms, always consult your veterinarian.
We were able to find the creamy treats and the syringe tools we used for Emily on Amazon. We
are not Amazon affiliates, just sharing where we found the items that worked for us.
References
PetMD. "Urinary Tract Infection in Cats."
WebMD. "Cat Hyperthyroidism."
ASPCA. "Urinary Health in Cats."
VCA Animal Hospitals. "Cystocentesis (Bladder Tap) in Cats."
