How do I know if my cat has a UTI?

Cat owners: this Q&A with Dr. Q. is just for you! Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in cats is a painful - and painfully common - health issue, that you want to be able to recognize and deal with as soon as possible.

Male cats can develop urinary tract infections or blockages, and either issue is dangerous for their health. Female cats aren't prone to blockages, but they can develop bladder stones. Any of these health problems run the risk of being fatal!

If you notice the following signs, you will need to get veterinary help for your cat right away:

• Frequent trips to the litter box (more than usual)
• Difficulty going to the bathroom
• Excessive water drinking, especially when accompanied by small or no trips to the litter box
• Peeing outside the litterbox (either just outside, or in random locations around the house)
• Blood in their urine (may be difficult to see if they go in the litterbox or it's absorbed into carpet)
• Vomiting; blood in their vomit
• Low energy, acting lethargic, lying down more often than normal and in odd positions

As you've probably discovered, your pet cat has a routine they like to stick with. This is true of their bathroom habits as well! If you see anything out of the ordinary with their behaviour, even if it's not as extreme as some of the examples in the list above, don't take it lightly. Act quickly and get your cat to the vet. You could be saving them from a life-threatening urinary tract illness.