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How do I know if my cat has a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | 25 lbs

How to tell if cat has a urinary tract infection

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 23rd, 2017

Typically a cat with a UTI will pee frequently in small amounts, may stop using the litter box and pee in the house, and may drink an excessive amount of water. The only way to know for sure if Ashton has a UTI is to take him into the vet for a physical exam, blood tests, and a urinalysis. This is confirm the presence of a UTI, and the vet can prescribe antibiotics to treat it. If you think Ashton has a UTI, I would take him into the vet first thing in the morning.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 20th, 2017
Hello, sorry to hear about Independence. It sounds like these signs would be more consistent with a UTI. Our biggest concern is that he is unable to urinate by becoming obstructed. Therefore you should monitor that he is able to urinate when he does go to the bathroom. If you notice any signs of straining, such as frequenting the toilet often but being unable to produce any urine or only producing a few drops then you should have him evaluated by a veterinarian today. Other signs include painful urinations which may show through loud vocalizations while urinating, blood or dark colored urine, and lethargy.

Again, if you do note any of those, do not hesitate to bring Independence in to your veterinarian. Best of luck and hope this helps.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 20th, 2020
Hello, sorry to hear about Dusk. If he is not having abnormal urinations (peeing outside the litter box, having bloody urinations, frequently visiting the litter box, or straining to urinate) then he may not have a UTI. However, if you strongly suspect that he may have a UTI, then it would be best if he is indeed evaluated by his veterinarian. Hope this helps and best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Shaneez Wallani, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 29th, 2018
Urinating outside the litterbox, bloody or dark coloured urine, foul odour to urine, straining to urinate/inability to produce urine, and decreased appetite are all signs of possible bladder infections. Similar signs can be noted due to crystals in the urine, stones in the urinary tract, or trauma. If you notice these signs, Billy Bob Brosius should be seen by a vet, and if you notice him straining to urinate/unable to produce urine, this is a potentially deadly medical emergency and he should be seen by a vet immediately.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My cat has UTI symptoms. How do vets diagnose and treat it?

A UTI typically requires antibiotics for resolution. Pantaleona will need to be physically examined by your veterinarian. A sterile urine sample can be collected and submitted for urinalysis and a culture/sensitivity panel. This will confirm infection, identify the organism responsible and determine the best antibiotic to use in treatment. Your vet may recommend blood work to assess kidney function and abdominal xrays or ultrasound to assess the kidneys and bladder.

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Why is my cat going to the litter box every 15 minutes? Is it a UTI?

Unfortunately, it is illegal for the experts at Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to prescribe any medication without seeing the animal in person first. That's because we don't know if the medication is safe for your cat's current medical status, or if it's the correct medication for their symptoms. If he is urinating frequently, I would suspect he has a UTI. I would take him into the vet to confirm he has a UTI, and the vet can prescribe antibiotics to treat it.

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My male cat pees frequently and cleans his genitals. Is it a UTI?

It's not likely a UTI, cats tend to suffer from a condition called FLUTD that mimics a UTI but it's actually related to stress and doesn't involve a bacterial infection. in most cases it advances to a urinary blockage and the c at can die within several hours of that happening. you must take him to the vet urgently for treatment.

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My 11-week kitten pees outside litter box. UTI? Should I call vet?

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My cat isn't peeing much. Is it a UTI or a blockage? What should I do?

Hello! I would recommend keeping his litter completely clean so you can monitor his urine output. A blocked cat will continue to return to the litter box, strain unproductively or only pass small amounts of urine that may be bloody, and often be vocalizing. If you notice any of these signs, he needs to be taken to a vet immediately to be assessed for possible blockage. Feeding wet food, fountains, and dripping sinks and good ways to encourage cats to drink more water. Urinary tract infections in cats are fairly uncommon. Usually the urinary disease is a result of a production of crystals or stones or a sterile inflammatory bladder disease. Keeping Jack on a urinary diet forever may be necessary for him to maintain good urinary health. I hope this is helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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Why is my male cat peeing blood and going to the litter box often?

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