A cats bladder problems can be caused by number of factors and without a doubt preventative measured are the best way to avoid a potentially series cat bladder problem in the future.
The three most common types of cat bladder problems are bladder infection, bladder stones, and bladder related urinary incontinence.
The ironic thing is that these three cat bladder problems seem to be intertwined in manner ways.
Let's look at a few examples of this.
Bladder incontinence can be caused by a bacterial infection or urinary obstruction from stones.
Bladder stones can be caused by a distended bladder or a thickened bladder that fails to empty properly, Bladder infection can be caused by either stones which cause urine to pool or incontinence in which the bladder in unable to empty properly.
Certainly any one of these three cat bladder problems has many different causes but the interconnection between the three is unmistakable.
This leads us to seven preventative steps for the bladder and urinary tract which ultimately could extend your pets quality of life and dramatically reduce the chances of a date with either incontinence, bladder stones, and/or bladder infection.
*Plenty of clean fresh water: Urinary tract health is dependent on being continually flushed.
This flushing action carries excess minerals (responsible of stone formation) and bacteria (responsible for infection) out of your pets urinary tract.
If fluid intake is reduced or if dry foods are introduced to your cats diet which extract water then cat bladder problems are sure to follow.
*Litter box cleanliness: Dirty litter boxes are a breeding ground for the E coli bacteria as well as others.
These bacteria either are the direct cause or a contributing cause to all three of our common cat bladder problems.
Additionally, dirty litter boxes may discourage voiding and encourage voluntary retention of urine.
Urine retention (whether voluntary or involuntary) gives stones a chance to form and bacteria a chance to flourish.
*Convenient litter boxes: Increased fluid intake means increased urination.
Older cats may have arthritis or other joint and health concerns that may make it difficult to walk up stairs or travel long distances to void.
If unable or unwilling to make their way to the litter box pooling of urine in the bladder and possibly bladder damage can occur.
*Avoid inactivity: Inactive pets tend to have weaker immune systems, have a tendency not to drink enough water, are likely to be overweight, and are more vulnerable to serious diseases such as diabetes.
Inactivity is also a major contributing factor in the formation of bladder stones and bladder infection.
*Supplements for bladder health: Some vets suggest cranberry capsules (liquid cranberry or blueberry are also good choices) for bladder health while others may favor glucosamine supplements to protect the lining of the bladder.
These supplements are inexpensive and could prove helpful especially in aging animals.
*Reduce stress: Stress impairs the immune system's ability to do its job.
Stress can also lead to inactivity and obesity.
*Try uva ursi herbal remedies: The herb uva ursi is perhaps the most widely used natural remedy for urinary tract health.
Supplements containing uva ursi are thought to be particularly effective against the E coli bacteria, exhibit natural diuretic properties, and are considered to be a natural urinary tonic.
In summary, avoiding a cats bladder problem in the future may be best accomplished by implementing some or all of the preventative steps listed above.
The seven steps above can help you to do just that, ensuring you and your beloved feline friend have many happy, healthy, cat bladder problem free years to come.