Why do cats get UTI's so often?

Truefully,until I found this site,I had no idea that cats got UTI's this often. What makes them so suseptible(sp?)to it? We've had farm cats that have always been fine.....it would be much harder to know if an outside cat had it or not. Especially in the house,why would they get it? I sure hope my cats never do! What are some things you can/should do or don't do to help prevent it ever occuring?
Thanks!
Maybe they'll like cranberry juice?????hee hee

juice is too sugery may make the problem worse..

I dont know for sure but using humans as examples .. the shorter the urethra the more likely you are to get a uti

One theory I've heard is that they're becoming more common as most people are feeding a strictly kibble diet. This makes the cats rely on drinking water to obtain their moisture, which they're supposed to get from their food. Many cats don't drink enough water, leading to strains on the urinary tract systems (as well as other problems stemming from a diet high in carbohydrates, which is unnatural for a carnivore).

I bought this cranberry juice at my healthfood store for my cats (though it turns out they didn't have a UTI). The brand is Lakewood and it's called Pure Cranberry. Most juices include apple juice; this one doesn't and is bitter. I gave it to my cats and they did not appreciate it.

Originally Posted by vanillasugar

One theory I've heard is that they're becoming more common as most people are feeding a strictly kibble diet. This makes the cats rely on drinking water to obtain their moisture, which they're supposed to get from their food. Many cats don't drink enough water, leading to strains on the urinary tract systems (as well as other problems stemming from a diet high in carbohydrates, which is unnatural for a carnivore).

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You are RIGHT! Cats in the wild get their water from the prey they kill and eat but in our HOMES we give them kibble and they do not drink enough water to compansate for it. ThaT is why canned is so much better AND better for their teeth as particles do not stick and cause tarter!

I always was told it was the ash content in the cheaper variety of dry foods.. I had 1 cat get UTI when I was young and still learning all the quirks of being a cat owner...( I am still learning 27 years later) I started to buy premium dry food after I got a long lecture from the vet and it never happened again..

The better quality food, the better the urine, too. Also, bottled water helps, less minerals.

Originally Posted by abbycats

I always was told it was the ash content in the cheaper variety of dry foods.. I had 1 cat get UTI when I was young and still learning all the quirks of being a cat owner...( I am still learning 27 years later) I started to buy premium dry food after I got a long lecture from the vet and it never happened again..

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Yes many years ago that was true.. mineral aka ash contents are far more standarized today..hehe at the still learning... me too 28 years of being owned by cats and I am still in kindergarden

My cats have never had a UTI or a URI. Maybe because im feeding raw meat instead of kibble.

Originally Posted by bengalbabe

My cats have never had a UTI or a URI. Maybe because im feeding raw meat instead of kibble.

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Bingo!

I am struggling with the first UTI in my family, and I am not hapy. Not only was my cat in pain, now I have to shanghai her twice a day for medications. She has been so good about this, but now I am wondering if I should start with some wet food to help this out. Would 9 Lives be OK? I don't use canned food for my babies, theyare strictly kibble, so any advice would be gratefully appreciated, and I am sure Princess Alexis would appreciate it too.

if you have a $$ issues look at chn soup for the soul( the big bags are a great deal)... or for smaller bags look at Nutros max adult( it has wheat but it is certified for urinary issues)..

I ( knock on wood ) have never had cats with utis but they alway s had canned with dry... one has now moved to raw and I hope to get the other to mainly canned then raw ..

Yes- not enough water is a big problem with cats. Feeding GOOD QUALTIY wet, providing water fountains and better water bowls will help. So will keeping a clean litterbox! Cats don't like to use dirty boxes and will hold their urine a lot longer than they should. This can also contribute to a UTI.

"but now I am wondering if I should start with some wet food to help this out. " Yeeeeeeeeeeesssssssssssss!


If you have access to a Petsmart, their home-brand Authority looks good. I am going to add that to our Ocicat's diet as a 'local' wet food to go with the Natural Balance and Merricks I oreder from CA.

Dan

Thank you all for your help. There are so many variables, I know, but I am working on all of them as we go.

Now specifically, what kinds of wet foods would be helpful for her. What about Sheba, some of the other gourmet stuff at least temporarily until we get her stablized?

Specifically, what would be a GOOD wet food to feed long term/

You guys are wonderful and have helped me out a great deal. Love you all.

go to the store and read label s... avoid byproducts( unless specified as liver , kindeys or what organ and who) , avoid many grains ( two is the most i serve , prefer none).... my girls like broth over water ... if you can get an all meat that is the best

Guys please do not brand bash on the boards. If you want to say something negative about a pet food, say it to the company. That is how changes come about. If you brand bash here, your post will be edited or deleted. You are welcome to reach out and PM individual members about your experiences with a certain food, but please do not do it publicly and please understand that each cat will react differently to ANY food out there.

OOOPPPSSS, Sorry. I didn't mean to get anyone in trouble. My apologies.