Our adorable 13 year-old neutered male Ocicat Chas has had difficulty peeing, twice now. On seeing his distress the first time, I took him to the vet, who initially dismissed a Urinary Tract Infection because they are rare in males and said it might be stress. We considered this but felt it was unlikely, as he is a contented, sociable, much-loved indoor cat with very few stress triggers in his life. Sure enough, blood tests proved that he did indeed have a UTI (E-coli), which was then knocked down successfully by the third antibiotic the vet prescribed.
Now, about a year later, the UTI has reoccurred but we caught it fast (there was blood in his urine) and it appears that another round of the same AB has alleviated Chas's discomfort and inability to pee. I am wondering whether re-occurrences are common, whether anyone else with a male cat has experienced this and whether there is anything preventative we can do (I gather cranberry extract can be effective). He should probably have an x-ray to identify any stones in his bladder or urinary tract.
Can anyone shed some light on this? As always, I am grateful for the wisdom on offer here.
Now, about a year later, the UTI has reoccurred but we caught it fast (there was blood in his urine) and it appears that another round of the same AB has alleviated Chas's discomfort and inability to pee. I am wondering whether re-occurrences are common, whether anyone else with a male cat has experienced this and whether there is anything preventative we can do (I gather cranberry extract can be effective). He should probably have an x-ray to identify any stones in his bladder or urinary tract.
Can anyone shed some light on this? As always, I am grateful for the wisdom on offer here.