UTI in a male cat

[friskey099]

Hi Everyone, I THINK my male cat might have a UTI. Mostly because he has started peeing in the bathroom sink all the time and hardly anything coming out but this is a weird cat so he might just be peeing in the sink for fun lol.

I called the vet and we do have an appointment for tonight BUT I know he is going to give me many options to pick from etc. and I like to research first so if anyone can give me a few answers that would be great.

I want to know which is the BEST method to check for a UTI, blood test, urine test, xrays? And how much does each one cost? Are there pros and cons to the different tests?

This way I will know a bit of info and know how much I will be spending Thanks.

[sugarcatmom]

Originally Posted by friskey099

Hi Everyone, I THINK my male cat might have a UTI.

How old is your kitty, and does he have any other health issues? It's actually very rare for a cat under 10 yrs to have a true urinary tract infection, but urinary tract inflammation on the other hand, is quite common, especially for cats that eat mostly kibble.

Originally Posted by friskey099

Mostly because he has started peeing in the bathroom sink all the time and hardly anything coming out but this is a weird cat so he might just be peeing in the sink for fun lol.

Not likely for fun, probably more likely 'cause urinating is painful and he's associating the litter box with pain, so he goes elsewhere. How long has he been doing this? Is he also still using the litter box at all? Good thing you have a vet appt today because it's possible his urethra is blocked or inflamed.

Originally Posted by friskey099

I want to know which is the BEST method to check for a UTI,

At the very least, a urinalysis is required, but if you can spend a few more bucks, sending the urine out for a culture and sensitivity test (takes 72 hrs) is the best way to know for sure if there are bacteria present. Blood tests probably aren't necessary at this point unless he's had this issue for a while and/or hasn't had blood work done in the last few years.

In the meantime, here is some really good info for you on urinary tract issues in cats: http://catinfo.org/?link=urinarytracthealth

[friskey099]

He was adopted so we are guessing he is between 2 - 3 years old. That makes me feel a little better that he may not have a UTI. He eats more wet food then kibble as I read somewhere that was better for him.

We actually have two cats so we can't 100% be certain if he is using the litter box but he still does go into the litter box and digs in the litter, not sure if he is using it though.

Any idea how much all that would cost?

Do you think he might have something else? Diabetes maybe? All my info which led me to a UTI was from google so I could be completely wrong.

[sugarcatmom]

Originally Posted by friskey099

He was adopted so we are guessing he is between 2 - 3 years old. That makes me feel a little better that he may not have a UTI.

He is at a prime age for urinary tract issues though (often collectively referred to as Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease - aka FLUTD), just probably not an actual bacterial infection, and those can still be very serious. Many male cats die every year from a blocked urethra - so it's great that you're getting him looked at.

Originally Posted by friskey099

He eats more wet food then kibble as I read somewhere that was better for him.

Depending on what the lab work shows, you may want to consider ditching the dry altogether.

Originally Posted by friskey099

We actually have two cats so we can't 100% be certain if he is using the litter box but he still does go into the litter box and digs in the litter, not sure if he is using it though.

If he's doing that several times within a short period, he may be having trouble peeing. Does he lick his genitals a lot?

Originally Posted by friskey099

Any idea how much all that would cost?

Can vary a lot between vet clinics so I can't say for sure. A basic exam and urinalysis shouldn't break the bank though. Don't let the vet talk you into antibiotics without knowing for sure whether there actually is an infection. Many just automatically dispense them whenever there's a urinary tract issue, when most of the time they're completely useless (and may eventually contribute to an increase in antibiotic-resistent bacteria). A better protocol would be to try pain meds (just not Metacam!) and/or urinary antispasmodics. Adding extra water to wet food can also help prevent future incidents.

Originally Posted by friskey099

Do you think he might have something else? Diabetes maybe?

Diabetes isn't very common in young cats, and you'd probably notice a considerable increase in the amount that he drinks, eats and pees. You could always ask the vet to check his urine for glucose (might be part of a regular urinalysis anyway), but I think it's much more likely to be a crystal or inflammation issue.

Good luck! Let us know what the vet says.....

[Barkingdog]

Your cat could have cats crystals in his urine . My dog had this and he could not pee he was peeing blood . I had to stop feeing him dried food as it had yeast in it and that can cause crystals . My dog had no x rays taken , his urine was tested and he was given some meds . I can't remember what kinds. I hope your cat will feel better fast.