What can I do with two cats with recurrent bladder infections?

Our question this week was:

Dr. Debra – Both my cats got bladder infections when I moved into my new house. I attributed it to stress. Now 7 months later they both have it again. I heard it wasn't contagious so it's strange they both came down with it again.

The 18-year-old cat was on Clindamycin and it didn't work so then for another 14 days on Clavamox. I take her in Sat to make sure it's all gone. Second cat after 14 days the bladder infection gone but she has a vaginal infection. What would cause that?She's about 12-years-old and overweight at 16 1/2 lbs. They have to make a liquid med at the pharmacy because it's resistant to the antibiotics she's had. She also needs some PPA because they said she's leaking but she won't take the chewable Prion & she foamed at the liquid form. Also tried Sudafed alternative but the 15mg comes in a grape liquid form and she wouldn't take it. Any suggestions? Know where I can get a PPA in a pill form that I could give a cat? How did she get a vaginal infection? I keep their litter box clean and feed them Instinct brand canned food plus a little raw from Nature Variety.

Rita Carlson

Answer

Hi – thanks for your email Rita. Your problem sounds very complicated. You wrote that you have two cats that have recurrent urinary tract issues. I agree that it is unlikely that the issue is contagious.

You suggest that the problem is infectious and therefore he has been on multiple antibiotics. A small percentage of urinary tract issues in cats are infectious although it is possible that your cats problem are contagious, based on statistics it is unlikely.

There are several causes for urinary frequency, bloody urine, difficult urination, or inappropriate urination. Some cats can have Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease or Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC). This is often stress induced bladder infection. This can be seen after stressful events such as a move or a new pet.

To help determine the underlying cause, I'd make sure that your cats have a radiograph to ensure there are no bladder stones.
Then I'd suggest a urinalysis and urine culture to determine if there really is a urinary tract infection. If your veterinarian can't do or interpret these tests, I'd recommend that your vet recommend a specialist that can help or give a second option.

Best of luck!

Dr. Debra

To read most recent questions Click here!

Click here to see the full list of Ask Dr. Debra Questions and Answers!