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WELLNESS PLAN AND PREVENTION STRATEGIES FOR URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS - for cats
| Step 1: Nutritional Supplements that Support Urinary Tract Function |
Natural substances can be used effectively to provide relief from UTI symptoms as well as strengthen the urinary tract and provide support against future occurrences.
 Formulated by one of the nation's leading herbalists, Tinkle Tonic is a select blend of herbal and homeopathic ingredients combined to safely and effectively address the causes and symptoms of urinary tract and bladder infections. Its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties soothe and protect the urinary tract without irritating the kidneys. Tinkle Tonic is easy to administer and results are often seen within a few days.
Supplementing with a high quality antioxidant formula delivers immune support, provides stamina and strengthens the urinary tract to protect against future infections. A formula that is effective for urinary tract health should contain adequate amounts of vitamins C, E and a B complex.
Daily Greens provides all the essential vitamins necessary for robust urinary tract support. The antioxidant formula also benefits cats that are negatively impacted by environmental stresses. In addition it promotes stamina and strengthens the urinary tract. It is easily absorbed and fast acting so you will see benefits quickly. As an added bonus, cats that like to eat grass or chew on houseplants will find the greens contained in Daily Greens to be particularly satisfying.
After the infection is remedied the bladder is often still quite inflamed, providing a ripe environment for recurrent infection. Restoring the healthy flora to your pet's intestines with probiotics is an important step in their recovery. Probiotics can stimulate the production of immunoglobulin, improving the body's immune response. In addition the healthy intestinal flora produces various anti-microbial agents, which help to inactivate harmful bacteria.
Gentle Digest is a human grade probiotic that promotes the growth of friendly bacteria in your cat's digestive tract. Unlike other products, Gentle Digest uses live microencapsulated spores which are resistant to gastric acids and therefore insure delivery to the intestines. In addition, it is shelf stable and no refrigeration is required.
| Step 2: Adequate Hydration |
Consuming enough water is extremely important for cats that suffer from UTIs. Cats naturally have highly concentrated urine, but when they do not get enough water, the urine can become so concentrated that it cannot properly flush stone forming minerals from the urine tract. It has been suggested that cats that suffer from recurring idiopathic cystitis could reduce occurrences by half simply by increasing fluid intake.
Cats do not have a well-defined thirst mechanism, so getting your cat to drink enough water to stay properly hydrated can be a challenge. To encourage your cat to drink, the following considerations are important:
The water source must be pure - Spring water is considered the best. It is naturally free of additives like chlorine and fluoride, which can tax the kidneys. If you must give your cat tap water, make sure it has been filtered.
The water must be kept clean - Cats have exceptionally high levels of bacteria in their mouths and the very act of drinking quickly contaminates static sources of water, making it unpalatable. Remember, unmoving water is an ideal breeding ground for harmful bacteria, so water bowls should be cleaned at least once daily and the water replenished.
| Step 3: Proper Diet - limit dry foods |
There is a strong link between feeding a dry diet and the occurrence of bladder crystals. It has been suggested that feeding a dry diet causes dehydration leading to high urine concentration. The higher the urine concentration the more difficult it is to flush mineral deposits from the urinary tract.
Most people feed a dry diet either out of convenience or because they believe a dry diet combats dental plaque. According to holistic feline veterinarian, Dr. Jean Hofve, “dry food does not clean your cat's teeth! In fact, dry food really has no benefit for the cat. It is merely a convenience for the guardian.”
In addition, she adds, “The high heat used in processing dry food damages (denatures) the proteins in the food. The resulting unnatural proteins may trigger an immune response that can lead to food allergies and inflammatory bowel disease.” So starting your cat on a wet diet is a good idea. Remember, if your cat is accustomed to an all-dry diet, add canned food gradually to avoid stomach upset.
Avoid fish flavored foods. Many veterinarians report a link to feeding fish flavored foods to outbreaks of UTI. Fish-flavored foods have also been linked to the development of hyperthyroidism in older cats and they are not recommended for cats with kidney disease due to their high phosphorus content. In addition, fish flavored foods tend to be addictive to cats and when fed these foods consistently they can suddenly refuse to eat anything else.
UTI cases (particularly idiopathic cystitis) are often linked with stress. A remodeling project, a new addition to the household, moving to a new home, increased tensions between human cohabitants are all situations that can trigger a UTI.
Environmental stress has been shown to alter Ph levels and can cause cats to produce more alkaline urine, the environment where struvite crystals are formed. Furthermore, when cats experience stress they will often stop drinking and use the litter box less. Long retention of highly concentrated urine invites infection and crystal formation.
 There is a great deal you can do to reduce the stress in your cat's environment like maintaining a consistent routine, regular exercise, creating a safe retreat, etc.
With excitable, nervous cats or in certain unavoidable situations you may need a little extra support. A calming mist diffuser can help. Nutri-Vet Pet-Ease Natural Calming Mist for Cats provides a natural calming scent that offers relief during times of high stress or even day-to-day living. It contains essential oils - not extracts - of herbs that serve as calming agents, mood elevators and personality modulators. The calming mist diffuser offers a natural solution that is non-toxic and non-addicting.
Get the key supplements and more in
the Essential Urinary Tract Kit.
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