Cat with repeated Urinary Tract Infections? Top 5 Natural Treatments
Understanding Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC) and Natural Remedies
If your cat is exhibiting symptoms like passing bloody urine, urinating in unusual places, or excessively licking herself, she may be suffering from a condition known as Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC). To help you visualize, imagine the urinary bladder as a plastic cup, and the lining of the bladder as a plastic bag. In cats with FIC, stress can cause this ‘plastic bag’ to break down. This breakdown allows urine, which should stay contained within the ‘plastic bag’, to leak out and cause inflammation and discomfort in the bladder.
Immediate Actions and Pain Relief
Urgency in Treatment: If you have a male cat that is straining to urinate and not passing any urine, it’s critical to consult your veterinarian immediately to ensure he is not completely blocked. This is a medical emergency.
Natural Pain Relief: For managing pain, one effective natural remedy is chamomile. Administering three milligrams per ten pounds of body weight once or twice daily can help alleviate discomfort.
Reducing Spasms and Stress
Antispasmodic Treatments: To reduce urethral spasming and make it easier for your cat to pass urine, consider natural options like Valerian root tincture. The recommended dose is a quarter milliliter per ten pounds of body weight, administered two to three times a day.
Managing Anxiety: Reducing anxiety is crucial, as stress is a primary cause of FIC. Natural options such as catnip can significantly calm an anxious cat. Another effective supplement is L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, with recommended doses of one to two milligrams per pound, given two to three times a day.
Increasing Fluid Intake and Strengthening Bladder Health
Boosting Hydration: Increasing fluid intake is vital. I recommend making a chamomile tea and using a 20cc syringe to administer 20 to 25 milliliters of fluid two to three times a day to help flush out the bladder.
Supplements for Bladder Health: To support the bladder wall lining, supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin can be beneficial. These are key ingredients in my Ultimate Feline Health Formula.
