Hopeless urinary issues

Sigh. Some people have cats, never take them to the vets and hardly care for them and they go through life with no issues until its time to cross the bridge.
I rescued Parker from near death and have had nothing but problems with his health from day one. I think I've spent more on vet bills in the last 4 years than I have on food for myself...and that's with the cheapest vet around! Anywho, here is my dilemma.

He was to the vet in July for urinating in a closet. I knew something was wrong right away and took him to the vet. They said he had bacteria in his urine and was put on antibiotics. Things were ok for a bit. Fast forward to September, he started urinating in another closet. Took him back and they said he still had bacteria in his urine. Back on antibiotics. Things were ok again until I discovered urine beside the dresser in the bedroom. 
This time its on carpet that I can't just tear up and throw away. The bigger problem is that I have absolutely no money right now so I can't take him back to the vet and I can't even afford a bottle of enzyme cleaner, which means he's going to keep going back.

I am currently having some major life issues and am in therapy. My stress level skyrockets at the drop of a dime. This is not helping me at all. 
My last visit cost a lot more than usual and I pretty much had a mental breakdown. I can't keep taking him back there every other month for this and I can' keep smelling urine. 
I love Parker dearly. I really, really do. His company alone is like therapy but with absolutely no money to keep dealing with this issue, I am getting backed into a corner. I swore I'd NEVER be one of those people to give up a pet because of something like this. Yet, here I am, trying my hardest to deal with this and losing the battle very quickly. 

I don't even have space enough in my bathroom to keep him confined and well, with neighbors in earshot, his howling would cause more problems. With no money, my options are extremely limited but I guess I was hoping someone here would possibly have a suggestion that might save Parker...or my sanity. Sorry for the long ramble and I appreciate any and all suggestions.

http://www.pet-ut-health.com/ I have not used the recommended supplement(s), but thought I'd share as an FYI.

http://www.ehow.com/how_5198605_cat-dog-urinary-tract-infection.html

http://www.livestrong.com/article/279265-colloidal-silver-feline-urinary-tract-infection/

http://www.ehow.com/how_6189130_administer-colloidal-silver-cats.html

For prevention:

http://www.catinfo.org/?link=urinarytracthealth

What do you feed him? Part of the problem with repeating infections is an improper environment in his bladder. All wet food is best, but to be a preventative diet, it does also need to be high protein, grain-free, low-carb. Nature's Variety Instincts, By Nature 95% meat... you can look for more here: (Use the middle DMB (dry matter basis) column. What you want is a food that is less than 10% carbs on a DMB basis). Meat is naturally acidifying; carbs alkalinize the urine. What he needs is a urine pH of about 6.5. You can buy urine test strips if you think you'd be able to hold a strip in his urine stream.... (I'm able to with Spooky). If you MUST feed dry, your only option, pretty much, is EVO - though it has fish, and that could be a problem if he has issues with an inflamed bladder.

Urine Test strips:
For clean-up:

And a CHEAP but VERY EFFECTIVE urine cleanser - (Fizzion) Just read the reviews!

LuvMyParker said:

They said he had bacteria in his urine and was put on antibiotics. 

Click to expand...

Do you have any idea how old Parker might be? 

You wouldn't happen to have a copy of the urinalysis results from both vet visits, would you? Can you get them if you don't? Was the urine acquired via cystocentisis and sent out for culture/sensitivity testing? 

If Parker truly does have recurring urinary tract infections, you might want to start adding D-mannose to his meals. It's a type of sugar molecule that binds to a couple different types of bacteria (including the most common cause of UTIs, e.coli) and prevents them from colonizing in the bladder. http://healthypets.mercola.com/site.../prevent-urinary-tract-infection-in-cats.aspx

Sugarcatmom said:

Do you have any idea how old Parker might be? 

You wouldn't happen to have a copy of the urinalysis results from both vet visits, would you? Can you get them if you don't? Was the urine acquired via cystocentisis and sent out for culture/sensitivity testing? 

If Parker truly does have recurring urinary tract infections, you might want to start adding D-mannose to his meals. It's a type of sugar molecule that binds to a couple different types of bacteria (including the most common cause of UTIs, e.coli) and prevents them from colonizing in the bladder. http://healthypets.mercola.com/site.../prevent-urinary-tract-infection-in-cats.aspx

Click to expand...

Oh I didn't remember this - great suggestion!

Parker has been on an all wet diet since he had crystals when I first got him. This recent series of events all started when I introduced a different brand of food to him (although I can't be certain if that's what caused it). I've had him on Wellness grain free since his last vet visit but that isn't doing the trick either.

@Surgarcatmom: Parker is almost 9. I do not have a copy of the test but I can see if I can somehow get my hands on it...as for the testing, I guess it was just a urinalysis they do there in the office.

Now I will check out all the links. Thanks you guys.

Oh, question though. Is blood always present with UTIs? They said both times there was no blood in his urine.

No, there's not always blood present, though it's common with an actual infection.

But actual infections, especially in male cats, is rare - on the order of 1-2% of bladder/urinary problems. That's why Sugarcatmom asked how the urine was obtained, and if it was sent out for a culture. A urine analysis would not indicate presence of an infection. It could see protein levels (blood), or white cell count (indication of infection - but also of inflammation). But the only way to know if there was an actual infection is via urine culture.

If the problem is infection, the D-Mannose is the way to go. If it's inflammation... that's more complicated.

Either way, the urine pH strips would help you figure out if his urine pH is part of the problem.

LDG said:

 A urine analysis would not indicate presence of an infection. It could see protein levels (blood), or white cell count (indication of infection - but also of inflammation). But the only way to know if there was an actual infection is via urine culture.

Click to expand...

Oooh, you just refreshed my memory. Ok yeah, they said his WBC count was up. So then his bladder could just be inflamed? Could that be why the antibiotics haven't worked both times? Sorry for all the questions. These urinary problems in cats are so complicated sometimes. I can ask my vet to put my payment on hold for another week if I really NEED to get him down there but my roommates car is just about toast and the only other person I could has for a ride is not speaking to me. (Its a 35 minute drive). But in case I can't get him down there for a little longer, is there anything I can do in the short term to make sure he's comfortable? 
I will look for the strips.

Seems like the bladder may be inflamed to me! (But I'm no expert...Laurie is! :lol3.

Stress can actually play quite a significant role in feline urinary tract issues. Perhaps Parker is picking up on your emotions? Or maybe there was a stressful event that was a precursor to these episodes? A Feliway diffuser or 2 (if you haven't tried them already) might be useful if that's the case. Flower essences can also help some cats: http://www.spiritessences.com/product-p/ur-fine.htm

There are some supplements that you could look into that help sooth and strengthen the mucus lining of the bladder. Marshmallow or slippery elm root powder, cornsilk, couch grass, and maybe something like glucosamine/chondroitin or Adequan injections (would need to go to the vet to start on that though). Lots of info at this link: http://holisticat.com/flutd.html

I've been giving my outdoor feral kitty, who's had a couple of blocked urinary tract incidents, MSM in his wet food. It has natural anti-inflammatory properties and is sometimes used on humans with interstitial cystitis. 

My opinion: if Parker is still urinating, it isn't necessarily urgent that you get him to a vet. I would be keeping a VERY close eye on him (without "hovering" and stressing him out though  ). Try really flushing out his bladder by adding as much water as you can to his wet food (but ONLY if he really is still peeing! If there is any sign of straining or hint of a blockage, off to the vet with him!). I think pain meds (not Metacam, but something like Buprenex) are helpful to have on hand in these situations but again, that's something to discuss with the vet. Also try adding some more litter boxes around the house (even if you already have more than one). If he associates one of them with pain, then maybe he'd be more inclined to use one of the other ones. 

All the best! I so know how frustrating it is to deal with FLUTD.

i may be able to help here is some questions i want to ask

1 what type of food is he eating

2 have you tryied putting a little apple cider vinager in his drinking water?

3 does he have any health issues like diebeties?

oh and 1/4 teasppon turmeric helps with inflomation in humans and cats i use it and its eems to be working

and try washing all the pee piles with pure vinager it should help it works in my house

and sometimes if i have no vinager this may sound crazy i washed the parts were my cat went with and sanitizer i find it to work

I'll like a replie back from my questions so i can go from there

Sugarcatmom said:

Stress can actually play quite a significant role in feline urinary tract issues. Perhaps Parker is picking up on your emotions? Or maybe there was a stressful event that was a precursor to these episodes? A Feliway diffuser or 2 (if you haven't tried them already) might be useful if that's the case. Flower essences can also help some cats: http://www.spiritessences.com/product-p/ur-fine.htm

My opinion: if Parker is still urinating, it isn't necessarily urgent that you get him to a vet. I would be keeping a VERY close eye on him (without "hovering" and stressing him out though 

). Try really flushing out his bladder by adding as much water as you can to his wet food (but ONLY if he really is still peeing! If there is any sign of straining or hint of a blockage, off to the vet with him!). I think pain meds (not Metacam, but something like Buprenex) are helpful to have on hand in these situations but again, that's something to discuss with the vet. Also try adding some more litter boxes around the house (even if you already have more than one). If he associates one of them with pain, then maybe he'd be more inclined to use one of the other ones. 

All the best! I so know how frustrating it is to deal with FLUTD.

Click to expand...

I can't think of anything stressful that may have happened in July. Nothing new around the house, no one came or left. I guess this time he could be picking up on them, since I've been having a really hard time and not spending as much time with him as I should.

He is definitely still urinating because he only pees elsewhere when no one is around. I keep a litter box in the room here with me and I see him use it at least once a day. He uses the other one too. I really, really appreciate all the help and suggestions being offered. I was ready to just break down and lose my mind.

Mewlittle,

He eats Wellness grain free. I don't add put anything in his water because he really never drinks. I put enough in his food that I guess he doesn't feel the need to drink from the bowl. As far as I know, he has no other underlying issues. He had everything tested this summer and it all came back perfect.

okay since he dont drink much try adding 1/4 teaspoon of apple cider in his wet each feeding and see if that works and do 1/4 teaspoon tumeric also for the inflomation the vinegar and the tumeric is working on my 8 yr old cat he has had no uti problems since i started him on it

Sorry you're having such a problem

Cats can pick up on emotions; if you're stressed, he can feel it too.  Yeah, easier said than done to relax...

If your vet does decide to prescribe drugs, ask him (1) if it is also used for humans, (2) is it available in a generic version and (3) to write you a prescription.  Then you can take it to a pharmacist or on-line vet and get it filled perhaps cheaply. 

Amazon sells Feliway and Rescue Remedy much cheaper than big or small-box stores.  Ritz is prone to stress-induced UTIs.  I feed her raw, which is something else you might consider.  Though GOOD FOR YOU for feeding wet.  (Raw might be cheaper than canned.)

Good luck.

Something else to consider is a calming collar.

Well, he went to the litter box this morning...and nothing. I'm not 100% sure if he was trying to pee or poop though as I was half asleep. He's no stranger to constipation, so that wouldn't concern me. If he was trying to pee though, there's trouble. If that's the case, there is nothing I can do today. I am running on like 3 hours sleep because I am so stressed and freaking out. I simply do not have the $120 for the e-vet, plus whatever they need to do. Of course, my vet isn't open today. I am totally helpless until tomorrow, at least. 
If he's blocked would he be lethargic or his appetite MIA? He ate all his breakfast and is stretched out on the floor beside me, so I just don't know. All I can do is watch him for the rest of the day. 
I have to admit, its running through my mind to give him up if we get past this hurdle. The vet bills are just endless with him and I don't know what to do anymore. There is just constantly something wrong with him. My niece and nephews birthdays are coming up...and I probably won't be able to get them anything after this vet bill. 
Giving him up would probably just crush any last bit of hope in my life right now...but the frequent vet visits and bills are just stretching out my stress. He is my baby, I love him so, so much...

Sorry for the double post but he FINALLY went to pee. I am guessing it was painful as he kept randomly meowing and chirping just before. I brought a second litter box in here and put a plastic bag by it (he LOVES to drag things into the box) and he did pee. Wasn't a huge pee but wasn't a few drops either. So he's not blocked. I will keep up with water intake. I will hopefully get him to the vet tomorrow. He must be feeding off of my anxiety. 

I had an elderly cat that kept peeing in a corner of the dining room on the carpet. Repeatedly. So I cleaned it as well as I could, put down a large piece of heavy duty plastic - and then put a litter pan with litter on top of the plastic. She was content using the pan in that area and if she dribbled over the edge, well, the plastic kept it off the carpet.

These old ladies get strange as the age

Mewlittle said:

okay since he dont drink much try adding 1/4 teaspoon of apple cider in his wet each feeding and see if that works and do 1/4 teaspoon tumeric also for the inflomation the vinegar and the tumeric is working on my 8 yr old cat he has had no uti problems since i started him on it

Click to expand...

I would not give turmeric to a cat with an inflamed bladder as it can make it worse. Consult a vet before giving anything orally.

I can't think of anything stressful that may have happened in July. Nothing new around the house, no one came or left. I guess this time he could be picking up on them, since I've been having a really hard time and not spending as much time with him as I should.

Click to expand...

There's your stressor. To you it may not be a big deal, but to your Parker, it's huge.  I notice that my kitties tend to act out more when we've had a schedule change and are not spending as much time with them as normal.  I really admire the fact that you're trying to seek help for Parker while you're not doing so great and are struggling.  You've gotten a lot of good help here and I hope it helps you and Parker.  I also would suggest the Feliway diffusers and/or a calming collar.  The only other suggestion I would have is for you to join the Yahoo FLUTD (feline lower urinary tract disease) group.  They have tons of experience with kitties who have urinary issues such as crystals and recurring UTI.  http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/FLUTD/?yguid=353539644   Lastly, you could ask your vet to do a urine culture, which is a bit more in-depth that a regular urine test.