Does my cat have a uti or not?

Question

Well, my cat hasn't been using the litter box. She'll pee anywhere, on anything. I changed her litter a week or so ago to a new kind, she used it a few times and then quit. So I figured it was the litter, so I changed it back to the stuff I always use and she still won't use the litterbox.

Her pee has no blood, and she pees in large amounts. She also won't p**p in the litter box.

So, I'm thinking that she doesn't have a uti, because of the no blood in the urine factor, and also she isn't peeing in small amounts, shes peeing a lot at a time like she always did.

So, what do you think? UTI or no?

Change the litter again or no?

Also, how much does it usually cost for a uti to be treated? Do they go away with time?

Answer 1

The only way to truly tell if she has a UTI is to have the urine tested.  Just because you don't see blood, doesn't mean there isn't blood in the urine.  The dip test will tell if there is or there isn't.

UTI's need antibiotics.  The doctor may need to do a urine culture to see what kind of bacteria (if any) he's dealing with.  Then he'll be able to prescribe the right antibiotic.  

Depending on the type of antibiotics, it could be between 50-75 dollars to treat.  Ask the vet for a estimate.  

Answer 2

This could be a behavior problem or there could be a medical problem... how old is she?  What is new in the home?

Answer 3

She needs to see a vet.  Even if we were vets, we can't examine her or run any tests over the internet to diagnose her. Different vets charge differently and it will depend on what tests they run and what medication is given.  Call around to check prices if they can give you an estimate.  

Infections do not go away.  They get worse and more expensive to treat.

Answer 4

Hi, Maybe I can help,

"So, what do you think? UTI or no?" - Maybe.. best thing would be to get her evaluated by a vet. UTI, if caught early, is easily treatable with antibiotics.

"Change the litter again or no?" - No. Cats are picky. Stick with the litter she used the most.

My questions for you - Does she drink a lot? Does she go to pee many times during the day? If those apply to your kitty, it could be the start of diabetes.

Either way, I would get her checked by a vet now. Catching both of these problems early require less time and money from the owner. Both UTI and diabetes, if left untreated can progress into kidney failure and worse.

Good luck!