bladder infection?

Question
my parents and i have a cat who usually is very well tempered.  Last night he brought a bat up to my father, who let the bat free outside.
this afternoon we were upstairs and the cat was growling and upset.  he would not jump up to get his food on the shelf either.  he went into the cat pan, hunched down - but didn't do anything... jumped down and continued to growl and show that we was uncomfortable.  
my dad suggested he possibly had a bladder infection...but i am not sure. if so- how do you treat one in cats.  i'm sure if that bat bit him it would not be effecting him this soon (less than 12 hrs)... but thought it may be relevant? thank you for your time. this site is my new favorite!

Answer
Kristin,

Yes, it sounds as if your male has a urinary tract problem.  These are very, very serious and can be life threatening in a male cat, so you MUST get him to the vet.  Treatment is usually with very strong antibiotics and anti-spasmodics all of which require a prescription and should have veterinary supervision.

I am assuming he has had a rabies vaccination.  If not, you need to inform your vet about the bat incident.  Bats are often rabies carriers and it is possible, if your cat has not been inoculated against rabies, there is a serious problem looming therein.

In any case, you need to get your boy to the vet immediately.

Best regards... Norm.