Signs of Bladder Infections in Cats

Cat lovers know when their beloved felines start acting out of character, particularly by urinating in the wrong places along with obvious symptoms of discomfort. The signs of bladder infections in cats can vary and range from prolonged squatting in the litter box to increased consumption of water. The ASPCA points out that bladder infections are common in cats and are typically caused by bacteria, but rare cases occur because of a fungus.

Risk Factors

A cat of any age can develop a bladder infection, which is also known as a urinary tract infection, but female cats tend to be more prone to this problem. Cats that have diabetes are more likely to get these infections, although they also can be caused by tumors in the bladder, bladder stones or defects in the bladder's shape. If your kitty has recurrent bladder infections, you may need to have tests performed to find the cause.

Signs

Urinating outside of the litter box in new, inappropriate places is often the first sign of a bladder infection. Some nave pet owners may think the cat is simply misbehaving when in fact it's trying to tell you something is wrong. Other signs include:
A noticeable increase in the number of visits to the litter box
An inability to pass urine or the ability to pass only small amounts
Avoiding the litter box
Cloudy or bloody urine
Crying or straining when passing urine
Incontinence (loss of bladder control); dribbling urine
Increased consumption of water
Lethargy
Obsessive licking of the genital area
Sitting in the litter box or prolonged squatting
Swollen, hard abdomen
Urine that smells like strong ammonia
Vomiting

Test

Bladder infections do not simply go away. If your cat shows any of these signs, it's important to get a urine test. The presence of bacteria, red blood cells or white blood cells in the urine indicate an infection. Treatment typically includes antibiotics.

Other Causes

Symptoms of bladder infection often are similar to other urinary tract conditions, such as urinary crystals, stones or debris accumulation in its urethra or bladder. Stress, injury or a tumor also can produce signs similar to those of an infection. That's why it's important to get your cat tested for a proper diagnosis.