My cat has a UTI. Can I give him antibiotics or does he need a vet?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

  Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

  Published on March 14th, 2017

  I'm sorry to hear that Sadie is having urinary problems! It would help to know what testing has been done by your vet to diagnose the problem, since there are several different things that can cause urinary symptoms like this in cats. Some common possibilities would include FIC (feline idiopathic cystitis), bladder stones, or a bacterial UTI. If she truly does have a UTI that responds to antibiotics each time, then it's likely that she has some underlying problem such as bladder stones or a systemic illness like diabetes or chronic kidney disease that is making her predisposed to infections.
  
  Testing that would help to sort out the problem would include a urinalysis, urine culture, x-rays/ultrasound of the bladder and kidneys, and general blood work. It's likely that unless the underlying problem is identified and treated, Sadie will continue to have recurring urinary issues - so I would recommend talking with your veterinarian about what they would suggest as the next step. If they don't have any suggestions, you can seek a second opinion from another local vet, or request referral to an internal medicine specialist for further work-up.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on November 2nd, 2018

  Hello, I am sorry to hear about Frito.
  
  The behaviors that you are describing could be consistent with a UTI, bladder stones, or a stress condition. Depending on what medications that Frito was placed on she may be experiencing mild sedating side effects and be isolating herself for that reason. However it is also possible that the increased lethargy and behavior could be a sign that she has continued to feel ill. It would be reasonable to have her rechecked by your veterinarian. UTIs can travel to the kidneys and cause a kidney infection if the antibiotic chosen doesn’t provide enough coverage. Alternatively she might being experiencing severe inflammation or having trouble passing a kidney or bladder stone. Your veterinarian may recommend bloodwork or poss of abdominal X-rays depending on exam findings.
  
  Hope this helps, good luck!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on December 21st, 2017

  This is definitely something that happens where the infection is refractory to various medications. This is likely due to a couple of different factors and could indicate that this kitten doesn't have a well-functioning immune system.
  
  Considering multiple medications have been used without success, it means that the medications were either not specific to the underlying infection, or were not given long enough. Sometimes it takes months of treatment until the infection is completely treated.
  
  In order to get the necessary information to treat this successfully, your vet would need to do some tests to identify the specific cause. They may also need to test for diseases like FIV/FeLV.
  
  I hope that helps and the kitten gets better sometime soon.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful