symptoms of urinary tract infection in male cats

Male cats experiencing urinary tract infections (UTIs) usually attribute to causes such as urinary stones, rough catheterization, and bacterial infections. In the early stages of the infection, cats will frequently lick their urethral opening due to discomfort caused by pain and itching. As the UTI worsens, it causes inflammation, leading to urinary tract obstruction in cats. Symptoms include frequent urination, difficulty urinating, dribbling, and cloudy urine. If not treated promptly, later stages may present with hematuria, urinary retention, purulent urine, and the presence of urethral mucosa in the urine. Cats will experience great discomfort and are prone to developing other diseases.

Most cases of UTIs in cats are caused by infections during estrus due to licking of the genitals. Other common causes of UTIs in cats include urinary stones, rough catheterization, and external bacterial invasions.
In the early stages of a UTI in cats, symptoms such as itching and pain occur, causing cats to frequently lick their urethral opening. At this stage, the infection in the urinary system is mild and it is recommended to have the cat wear an Elizabethan collar to prevent further exacerbation of the condition due to licking.
As the condition progresses, urinary tract infections cause urethritis, which manifests as redness, swelling, heat, pain, and dysfunction at the inflamed site. After the urethra becomes inflamed, cats experience urinary obstruction, which leads to symptoms such as frequent urination, difficulty urinating, dribbling, and cloudy urine. Cats experience great discomfort during urination and may even emit screams.
When a cat's urinary tract infection is severe, it results in severe purulent urine, urinary retention, hematuria, and urine containing urethral mucosa. Medical examination of the urine reveals the presence of pathogenic microorganisms and inflammatory cells. Treatment involves irrigation of the urethra and administration of fluids to control the infection.

Note: Firstly, if a cat has a UTI, timely treatment is essential, as other organs and tissues may be damaged due to the infection. Secondly, UTIs are highly prone to recurrence, so owners should pay more attention to their cat's urination after experiencing a UTI. Lastly, not every cat with a UTI will exhibit identical symptoms; some may only show partial symptoms. Therefore, if owners notice any abnormalities in their cats, they should promptly bring them to the vet for inspection.