Urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most common diseases in cats. A urinary tract infection is an infection of the bladder, kidneys, or urethra. It can cause many symptoms including a fever, pain in the abdomen, and blood in the urine. Ragdoll cats have a higher incidence of this type of bacterial disease compared with other breeds. The good news is that there are treatment options for this type of condition that can help your cat manage the illness. Here are some tips for keeping your ragdoll cat healthy and happy.
What causes Urinary Tract Infections in Ragdoll Cats?
Ragdoll cats are prone to urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to their anatomy and physiology. In females, the urethra is close to the bladder, which makes it more likely for bacteria to enter the bladder and cause an infection. In males, the urethra is close to the prostate, which makes it more likely for bacteria to enter the prostate and cause an infection. Additionally, ragdoll cats are often obese or have a high body fat percentage, which increases their risk of developing UTIs.
What are the Symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in a Ragdoll Cat?
If your Ragdoll Cat has a urinary tract infection then you should know right away just by watching how they act. If you don’t know or are not good at knowing the signs then look for these things:
- Is your cat trying to make attempts to go to the bathroom and is making or producing very little urine?
- Is your cat trying to go to the bathroom way too much during the day (and night).
- If your cat is not peeing in the litter box, it may be because they find it more comfortable to urinate on smooth surfaces. If this is the case, you should check to see how much urine is present and look for other signs that your cat may be ill or in pain.
- Watch and see if when your cat pees there are any traces of blood in the urine. That should be a big hint that you want to go get your cat checked out at the vet ASAP.
How is a Urinary Tract Infection Treated in a Ragdoll Cat?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) in a Ragdoll Cat can be treated with antibiotics. If the UTI is severe, the cat may need to be hospitalized. If you think your Ragdoll Cat may have a urinary tract infection, be sure to bring them in for a checkup as soon as possible.
How Can I Prevent My Ragdoll Cat from Getting a Urinary Tract Infection?
As a cat owner, you’ve probably noticed that your kitty usually does not spend a lot of time at the water bowl. This infrequent consumption of water is natural behavior for cats. They originated in arid, desert areas, and over time and through evolutionary changes learned to derive the necessary liquids to sustain life from their food. The animals they preyed upon provided most of the fluids cats needed to maintain good health. There was little need to drink water from a separate source, and that instinct is still in operation today. Unfortunately, this reluctance to take in water is a major factor in the increased prevalence of cat urinary infections.
You can help keep your Ragdoll cat’s urinary tract in tip-top health by putting into practice some proven methods of prevention:
- A good intake of water is the most important thing in preventing urinary tracts infections.
- Wash water bowls daily with clean, hot water. If you are using soap to clean them, make sure to rinse the bowl thoroughly as the chemicals in detergent can be harmful.
- Place several water bowls around your home. Make sure the bowl is large enough that your cat can drink out of it without their whiskers brushing the sides.
- If you can afford it, invest in a free-flowing water drinking fountain. Cats love moving water and their curiosity may encourage them to drink more.
- Avoid feeding your cat foods with a high magnesium content, like beef, pork, heart and oily fish. These foods can be harmful to your cat’s health.
- Choose natural foods over prescription diets, buying organic whenever you can. Check with your vet to be sure that the food you provide will produce urine with the correct pH level.
- Adding a tablespoon of vinegar to your cat’s water once per day will slightly acidify the urine and help prevent bladder stones.
In conclusion, prevent your ragdoll cat from getting a UTI: keep them healthy by feeding them a balanced diet and exercising them regularly; make sure they have clean water and fresh air; keep their litter box clean.
If you own a Ragdoll cat, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of urinary tract infection. If you think you may have an infection in your cat’s urinary tract, it is important to take them to the veterinarian immediately. There are many treatments available for urinary tract infections. Ignoring the signs and infection carry on could cause serious health problems and pain for your cat.
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