Urinary tract problems are common in both cats and dogs and can range from simple bladder irritation through to bacterial infections, bladder stones and more serious conditions. Early recognition is important because untreated urinary disease can be painful and, in some cases, become an emergency.
Common signs to watch for include straining or difficulty passing urine, frequent trips outside or to the litter tray with only small amounts of urine produced, blood in the urine, discomfort when urinating, excessive licking of the genital area, or accidents in a previously house-trained pet. If your pet is unable to pass urine at all, particularly male cats, this requires immediate veterinary attention.
Not all bladder problems are caused by infection. In dogs, bacterial urinary tract infections become more common with age and may occur alongside conditions such as diabetes or hormonal disorders. In older pets, an annual urine test can be a valuable part of their health check, helping to detect hidden infections, crystals or other urinary changes before obvious signs develop.
Cats are different. Cats can develop a condition known as feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC), where inflammation of the bladder occurs without a bacterial infection. Stress plays a major role in many of these cases. Changes such as moving house, renovations, boarding, veterinary visits, the arrival of a new family member or pet, conflict between household cats, or even changes to daily routine can trigger an episode.
Alongside veterinary care, there are several ways you can support urinary health.
Encourage good water intake by providing fresh water in multiple locations,
Feed wet food where appropriate,
Keep litter trays clean and plentiful (one per cat plus one),
Maintain a healthy body weight, and
Reduce sources of stress.
Environmental enrichment, predictable routines and plenty of opportunities for play and rest can be particularly beneficial for cats.
Nutritional support may also help. Urinary Calm & Care for cats and Urinary Calm & Care for dogs contains N-acetyl D-glucosamine and hyaluronic acid, nutrients that help support the protective layer lining the bladder wall. It also contains L-tryptophan and L-theanine, amino acids that may help promote calm behaviour and support pets whose bladder symptoms are associated with stress. These are veterinary formulations developed and used by veterinarians in the UK.
While nutritional supplements can play an important supportive role, they should never replace a veterinary examination. Any pet showing signs of urinary discomfort, blood in the urine or changes in urination should be assessed promptly so the underlying cause can be identified and treated appropriately.
Healthy Bladders, Happy Pets: A Guide to Urinary Tract Care for Cats and Dogs
Urinary tract problems are common in both cats and dogs and can range from simple bladder irritation through to bacterial infections, bladder stones and more serious conditions. Early recognition is important because untreated urinary disease can be painful and, in some cases, become an emergency.
Common signs to watch for include straining or difficulty passing urine, frequent trips outside or to the litter tray with only small amounts of urine produced, blood in the urine, discomfort when urinating, excessive licking of the genital area, or accidents in a previously house-trained pet. If your pet is unable to pass urine at all, particularly male cats, this requires immediate veterinary attention.
Not all bladder problems are caused by infection. In dogs, bacterial urinary tract infections become more common with age and may occur alongside conditions such as diabetes or hormonal disorders. In older pets, an annual urine test can be a valuable part of their health check, helping to detect hidden infections, crystals or other urinary changes before obvious signs develop.
Cats are different. Cats can develop a condition known as feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC), where inflammation of the bladder occurs without a bacterial infection. Stress plays a major role in many of these cases. Changes such as moving house, renovations, boarding, veterinary visits, the arrival of a new family member or pet, conflict between household cats, or even changes to daily routine can trigger an episode.
Alongside veterinary care, there are several ways you can support urinary health.
Environmental enrichment, predictable routines and plenty of opportunities for play and rest can be particularly beneficial for cats.
Nutritional support may also help. Urinary Calm & Care for cats and Urinary Calm & Care for dogs contains N-acetyl D-glucosamine and hyaluronic acid, nutrients that help support the protective layer lining the bladder wall. It also contains L-tryptophan and L-theanine, amino acids that may help promote calm behaviour and support pets whose bladder symptoms are associated with stress. These are veterinary formulations developed and used by veterinarians in the UK.
While nutritional supplements can play an important supportive role, they should never replace a veterinary examination. Any pet showing signs of urinary discomfort, blood in the urine or changes in urination should be assessed promptly so the underlying cause can be identified and treated appropriately.