Guess who has a UTI again, questions

As most of you probably guessed the answer is Samba. I have a few questions. First let me tell you that Samba has had 3 UTI's before this. So here are my questions:

1Have any of you heard of the places to order pet medication for free? Are they any good? I have heard of a few and was wondering if they are any good.

2Our vet hasn't suggested a wet food diet yet, Is there a reason? And do you think a wet food diet would work?

3 If we put him on a wet food diet is it ok to just put him on it and not the other two?

The vet told us we might have to give him special food. She said it would be either c/d or x/d , but that is really expensive so if something else would work it would be great.

Thanks!

Manda

Originally Posted by proudmomof3cats

As most of you probably guessed the answer is Samba. I have a few questions. First let me tell you that Samba has had 3 UTI's before this. So here are my questions:

1Have any of you heard of the places to order pet medication for free? Are they any good? I have heard of a few and was wondering if they are any good.

2Our vet hasn't suggested a wet food diet yet, Is there a reason? And do you think a wet food diet would work?

3 If we put him on a wet food diet is it ok to just put him on it and not the other two?

The vet told us we might have to give him special food. She said it would be either c/d or x/d , but that is really expensive so if something else would work it would be great.

Thanks!

Manda

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Since Leo has also had multiple uti's, I'll toss in my two cents (although I'm sure there are others with more experience/info than I am).


1. I don't know. I'd be wary of any "free" meds, though.

2. Yes, there's a reason. One of the biggest causes of uti issues is not getting enough water. Wet food greatly increases a cat's water intake. I now mix Leo's wet food with warm water and turn it into thick "soup" to make sure he gets enough water.

3. Yes. You'll just have to work out the logistics of who feeds where.

My vet also recommended the Hill's c/d food. Leo won't touch the wet food, and I'm not crazy about the ingredients. He eats the grain-free varieties of Wellness, but I'm not sure if that's in your price range or not. An important caveat is that some grain can be helpful for uti's; therefore, Leo's wet food is supplemented with Nutro Max Roasted Chicken, which is certified for uti health.

Hope this helps; I'm sure others will be along, as well. Good luck; uti problems are such a pain. If you can't get things under control and opt for pu surgery, feel free to pm me; Leo had the surgery in August.

What surgery? Our vet didn't tell us about a surgery.

Also another question, I heard that I shouldn't use a fish flavored wet food, is that true? And if so why? Samba likes fish flavored anything so it would be nice if we could use it.

Thanks for the advice.

Manda

Originally Posted by proudmomof3cats

What surgery? Our vet didn't tell us about a surgery.

Also another question, I heard that I shouldn't use a fish flavored wet food, is that true? And if so why? Samba likes fish flavored anything so it would be nice if we could use it.

Thanks for the advice.

Manda

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I hope it's ok if I address this. The surgery CurlyQ629 referred to is
perineal urethrostomy http://www.vetcision.com/images/oct2006pupostcard.pdf It should be done as a last resort.

Fish flavored catfood usually has a higher magnesium content which some attribute to a higher incidence of UTI. I don't usually like to link to sites that are selling a product but this site has some good information that might be helpful. http://www.felinefuture.com/nutrition/magnesium.php

I believe stress also plays a major part in UTIs. One of my cats developed a UTI while I was on vacation and was in terrible pain by the time I came home - sitter didn't realize. I put him on a high protein wet food diet and he cleared up very quickly. He is currently on no special diet. This is my experience; I am not a Vet and YMMV.

As was already mentioned, wet food increases the intake of water which dilutes the urine.

Originally Posted by proudmomof3cats

What surgery? Our vet didn't tell us about a surgery.

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Originally Posted by catcaregiver

hope it's ok if I address this. The surgery CurlyQ629 referred to is
perineal urethrostomy http://www.vetcision.com/images/oct2006pupostcard.pdf It should be done as a last resort.

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Catcaregiver is correct; sorry for not being clear. PU is perineal urethrostomy, and is a "last resort" measure. Leo's situation was extremely bad, and it became a necessary step for him.

Originally Posted by proudmomof3cats

Also another question, I heard that I shouldn't use a fish flavored wet food, is that true? And if so why? Samba likes fish flavored anything so it would be nice if we could use it.

Thanks for the advice.

Manda

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Originally Posted by catcaregiver

Fish flavored catfood usually has a higher magnesium content which some attribute to a higher incidence of UTI. I don't usually like to link to sites that are selling a product but this site has some good information that might be helpful. http://www.felinefuture.com/nutrition/magnesium.php

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The magnesium in fish flavored foods can be too high. You want wet food that has a magnesium level of .025% or less; .022% is even better.

I was also going to mention stress as a trigger. Have things in your house changed recently...a move, new family member, new schedule, new cat or dog?? You might want to try a Comfort Zone w/ Feliway diffuser in your home (or 2 or 3).

Once you get the hang of feeding cats separately and on a schedule, it's really not all that difficult. I have an older kitty who has kidney problems and weight problems and has to be on a special diet. My younger kitty is a vacuum and will eat ANYTHING on the floor, so I have scheduled eating times in separate locations. All food gets put out of reach so the Hannah-vacuum cat won't eat whatever my other cat leaves for later.

Stephanie

1) Haven't heard of places to get free meds and unless these places are reputable, I wouldn't trust them.

2) Aside from c/d and x/d, that I know of, another prescription diet is Royal Canin Veterinary Diet feline Urinary SO. There are some non-vet/non-prescription, over the counter diets that may help with UTI. Purina Pro Plan has a UTI formula and may be a bit cheaper than vet diets. Also, Iams and Science Diet has some wet and dry food that helps with the unrinary tract health. Some non-mainstream brands may also be helpful like Natural Balance, Merricks, Wellness. You may have to visit a few pet stores before you find these brands as not all stores will carry them. As mentioned in other responses, you should look at the magnesium levels of the various foods. However, until the UTI is cleared up, you may want to stick with the vet/prescription diets and then switch over to a non-vet urinary tract-friendly cat food.

3) As others have already said, you can put different cats on different diets. It's just a but tough, at least at first, to work things out; like feeding each cat at different times or putting them in different rooms, etc.

Since your cat has had recurring UTI troubles, you may want to see how much surgery would be as it may cost less in the long-run with respect to vet and medicine costs, special diets, etc.

Originally Posted by stephanietx

I was also going to mention stress as a trigger. Have things in your house changed recently...a move, new family member, new schedule, new cat or dog?? You might want to try a Comfort Zone w/ Feliway diffuser in your home (or 2 or 3).

Stephanie

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Nothing has changed, and he had a three UTI's now. The vet said he is probably just prone to them, and might have to put him on special food. We are probably going to try a wet food diet and see if that works. Thanks everyone. If there is anyone else with an input or opinion feel free to tell me. Thanks!

Manda

Originally Posted by proudmomof3cats

Nothing has changed, and he had a three UTI's now. The vet said he is probably just prone to them, and might have to put him on special food. We are probably going to try a wet food diet and see if that works. Thanks everyone. If there is anyone else with an input or opinion feel free to tell me. Thanks!

Manda

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Have they found bacteria or crystals each time? My cat Raven has a history of UTIs with no cause. He was eventually diagnosed with the cat form of Interstitial Cystitis. And is mostly triggered by stress. He was on Amitriptylene for a few months, and stabilized. Has been good for 3 years since (knock on wood). He eats mostly canned food, some dry.

PU surgery is a very serious surgery and definitely should be last resort. It can have a lot of complications in recovery.

I'm going to suggest giving your kitty Cosequin. Raven was on that for a while, the glucosamine is supposed to help the bladder lining. We also have a Feliway diffuser going at all times.

We are going to try some different things, see what works. Thanks everyone.

Manda

I don't understand why the vet has not prescribed canned food for your cat.  Dry is the worst for a UTI cat.    My Kleo  has had recurring UTi's since I rescued her as a kitten.  Most vets will prescribe the expensive prescription diet but the ingredients are no better than any other cat food.  I started giving her Friskies Special Diet Turkey and Giblets as the ingredients were no worse than canned prescription.  She still was getting sick.  The last time I decided to give her 1/4 tsp of apple cider vinegar mixed in her food.   She also takes 1 Dasequin every day mixed in her food.  Its been at least 6 months and she is o.k. so far.  Am keeping my fingers crossed.

The problem now is Friskies has stopped making the Special Diet food due to low demand. I have two cases left but don't know what I'm going to do when it runs out.  I am considering the Great Value Poultry Platter and continuing with the vinegar and Dasuquin which she gets every day.  What is everyone else doing?  Thanks