IDIOPATATHIC CYSTITIS CAT URINARY INFECTIONS

A urinary tract condition has been recognized in cats over the last few years. The term "idiopathic cystitis" refers to an inflammation of the bladder, with an as-yet unknown cause. cats often are young or middle-aged, with an equal prevalence among males & females. Signs displayed are typical of many types of urinary tract infections.cats often urinate small amounts of urine, with or without blood, outside the litter box. urinating may be painful, so the cat may cry while urinating. The cat maybe is grooming the belly & hindquarters more often, may resent being picked up, may have a decreased appetite & begin hiding in odd places.The term "idiopathic" means that the cause of the condition is unknown. Theories exist, but research still needs to be done. Stress seems to play a role, & interestingly we tend to see more cases at the changes of the seasons. A viral infection may also play a part in the disorder. Some cats show a decrease in the protective layer that is produced on the bladder wall, which may possibly contribute to the disease.Diagnosing idiopathic cystitis can be difficult. Cats are not only prone to other types of urinary tract infections that show the same signs, but can also show behavioural problems which can lead to urinating outside the litter box. READ MORE HERE:http://www.fairmontah.com/feline_idiopathic_cystitis.htm

CAT URINARY PROBLEMS

If your cat is straining to urinate and only produces a few drops of urine or none at all, he needs to be seen by a veterinarian immediately. Your cat could be experiencing urethral obstruction, and if the problem is not solved, he could die within just a couple of days. What is urethral obstruction, and why is it life-threatening? The urethra is a tubelike structure that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. Sometimes, mineral crystals or stones form in the urethra and block the path to the outside. The blockage is called a urethral plug. Because a male cat's urethra is longer and narrower than a female's, urethral plugs are most often seen in males (whether or not they are neutered). Once a plug has formed, urine builds up in the bladder. This is not only painful to the cat, but can quickly cause kidney damage. The kidneys' job is to release poisonous wastes from the body; when kidneys don't function properly, these poisons accumulate in the bloodstream. The final result, if not treated: a painful death. READ ENTIRE ARTICLE AND SYMPTOMS HERE; http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:3lnLGw3k0_0J:www.healthypet.com/library_view.aspx%3FID%3D54+CAT+URINARY+BLOCKAGE&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=11&gl=us