Cat urine infection

Question
Hola Jessica,

I recently adopted a cat from the outdoors. He has been neutered (About two weeks ago) but this couple of days he goes to the litter box and doesnt do nothing. Does he has a urine infection??  

Answer
Hi Francheska,

Yes, it sounds likely that he has something wrong with his urinary tract.  Infection will cause a cat to return to the box frequently but only urinate in smaller amounts.  While this condition is serious and must be treated with antibiotics to prevent it from spreading to the kidneys, a much more urgent condition could also be to blame.  

Cats can develop crystals in their urine.  Diet is generally the largest contributing factor to the formation of urinary crystals.  The jagged crystals irritate the lining of the bladder, causing the cat to visit the litter box frequently due to pain.  However, the situation is very dangerous in male cats.  Because of their anatomy, the crystals can block their urethra, making it impossible for the cat to urinate.  When this happens, toxins begin to build in the blood, and the cat can die in less than 48 hours.  Cats who have urinary tract blockages must usually undergo surgery to have the blockage removed.

You should get your cat to the vet right away.  The vet will feel his bladder to detect if it's full or empty.  If it's very full and the vet can squeeze no urine from it, a blockage will be suspected, and the cat will need to have the urine drained immediately with a urinary catheter.  However, if the bladder is empty, this indicates irritation associated with either an infection or crystals that have not yet caused a blockage.  Your vet will probably recommend antibiotics and a special diet to help correct these things.  If the bladder has any urine in it, the vet might draw some urine out by inserting a needle through his belly into the bladder.  The urine can be analyzed to determine whether an infection was causing his symptoms, or if it is crystals.  If it is crystals, a special diet will be recommended permanently.

Some cats experience bladder inflammation without infection or crystals, and the term for this condition is interstitial cystitis.  A urinalysis will show blood, but no bacteria or crystals.  Many vets will treat this condition with antibiotics, since cats will be prone to bladder infections when there is blood present in the urine.  Also, a pain reliever will be necessary to make him feel better, and many vets are using a medication called amitriptyline to control the condition.  This is an antidepressant that helps relax cats and take the edge off the pain.  And since the condition is thought to be mostly stress-related, this medication is also effective because it helps to correct any anxiety the cat may be feeling.  Some supplements, such as chondroitin (found in Cosequin for cats and Zuke's Hip Action cat treats), can also strengthen the bladder lining in cats with this condition.

I hope all goes well!

Jessica