Bladder Infections (UTI) in Stressed, Indoor Cats: Part 1

Who has more bladder infections—indoor cats or outdoor cats? Indoor cats do.

Researchers studied 450 cats and found the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) higher in cats that were confined to the house. This is not new information. In studies done since the 1920s, indoor cats were found to be 2 to 10 times more likely to have urinary tract infections.

Other risk factors, in addition to being an indoor cat, have studies done in the past found increased the likelihood of UTIs?

Dry cat food,
Inactivity, and
Stress.

A new study by Buffington in the March 2006 Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that cats with frequent UTIs were more likely to be:

anxious,
fearful,
nervous, and
aggressive.

In addition, cats with UTIs had more digestive tract illness.

Why are Buffington’s findings important? This research is important because researchers are now considering that infection in the urinary tract is a function of personality. In Buffington’s study, authors suggested that cat behavior traits of anxiety, fearfulness, and aggression were more significant than any other factor in the development of UTIs.

In addition, Buffington suggested that owners are upset by their cats’ urinary infections and may become angry. Angry owners further stress sick cats, which may lead to more anxiety, fearfulness, aggression and bladder infections. To help prevent this, Buffington suggests that veterinarians should explain the causes, pathology and treatment of UTIs to cat guardians. This information will empower cat owners. With cat owners empowered they will not be stressed and will not become angry with their cats. As a result, cats will heal more rapidly and may have fewer reoccurring infections.

Buffington also found that longhaired cats and Persian cats, such as Himalayans, had more UTIs than did shorthaired cats and Siamese cats. This is similar to findings from previous studies that found being pedigreed and having long hair increased the chances of developing a UTI.

Unlike some previous studies, Buffington’s study did not find that cats eating dry kibble had more UTIs. Authors suggested that cat owners may have altered feeding practices to ensure increased water consumption in cats being fed dry diets.

Tomorrow, we’ll cover the symptoms you’ll notice if your cat has a UTI and which medications can help.