Reviewed by Dr. Melissa Witherell, DVM
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be painful for cats. They can progress quickly, so they should be treated promptly with an appropriate cat UTI medicine. The most common treatments for feline urinary tract infections are antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and pain medications. Veterinary diagnosis is required to identify the underlying cause of the infection and determine the best course of treatment. Cat UTI medicine comes in several forms, including the following:
Left untreated, urinary tract infections can lead to kidney issues or dangerous urinary blockages. In mild cases, cat UTIs clear up with a single round of medicine but more severe infections, or chronic kidney problems, may require ongoing treatment. If your cat requires long-term treatment, get their UTI medicine on schedule with Chewy’s Autoship.
A cat with a UTI or blockage may strain to urinate, urinate more frequently than usual, cry while urinating, urinate outside the litter box, or have blood in their urine. Consult your veterinarian if your cat displays any of these symptoms, especially if urine production stops, as this could be a sign of a dangerous urinary blockage.
Vets usually recommend antibiotics to treat cat UTIs. If the specific bacteria causing the infection is unknown, a broad-spectrum antibiotic may be effective. Some cats with UTIs may also benefit from anti-inflammatory medications for pain relief.
Cat UTI medicine may start to work within a day or two, but full recovery could take up to two weeks. If one round of antibiotics doesn’t completely resolve the infection, your vet may recommend a second course.
Cats should take UTI medicine for as long as their veterinarian recommends—usually 7 to 14 days. Even if your cat starts to feel better after a few days on antibiotics, finish the entire course of medication.
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