Cranberry Juice for Your Cat's UTI? Maybe There's Something Better

(photo credit: Dmitrii Ivanov / Shutterstock.com)

Let’s agree that when in doubt, it’s always best to consult with a vet. But aside from it becoming rather pricey each time we head off with an issue that might have easily been resolved at home, it’s a stressor for your pet and one that might not always be necessary.

Having had both felines and pooches in my household over the years, I suspect I’ve been exposed to every dilemma there is. From urine crystals to tooth removal, cyst surgery, cancers, and these days one that’s been diagnosed with a heart murmur and pot belly.

“Not my first rodeo”, is an understatement when it comes to pet ailments.

And that’s why I’m always interested in learning more about possible home solutions to some of the more chronic conditions. You know the ones like a dicky tummy, ear infection, and the classic urinary tract infection (UTI) that some pets just seem prone to. So, let’s talk about this last one which is caused when outside bacteria travels into the urethra and up into the bladder. It’s uncomfortable at best and if left untreated, can be downright painful when your pet is urinating.

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How Does pH Level Contribute to a UTI?

We’ve all heard the term pH level, but what does it stand for? It’s actually the measure of acidity versus alkalinity in liquid. If your pH level is low, your acid levels are high. Sound complex? It’s not. And, it factors big-time into how you treat a pet with a UTI.

To start, this type of infection is more common in older or obese animals, where grooming and self-care are challenging and bacteria can accumulate. Seasoned pet owners will likely recognize the early warning signs such as frequent visits to the litter box, piddling around the house, and almost obsessive grooming around their lower regions.

If advanced, you may notice blood in your pet’s urine and they may cry when urinating. In those instances, your pet is absolutely going to need antibiotics to get them back on track. So, off to the vet for you.

But when your pet is just starting to show some symptoms there are some simple steps you can take to not only identify the signs of a UTI but also help prevent it from progressing and from happening again.

Finding the Right Support for Your Pet

Because this type of infection produces a spike in pH levels in urine, it’s no surprise that the pet industry is all over this one. Brands such as Fresh Step have even developed a litter box fill that actually changes color based on your pet’s urine quality. Green or yellow is normal while orange is a low pH meaning high acidity and likely infection.

Now that you have a better sense of what’s going on, there are a few steps you can take to help improve your cat’s urinary tract/bladder health.

For starters, increasing your pet’s water intake is a no-brainer. Fluids help hydrate, neutralize acidic urine, and flush out toxins. It’s also something you can achieve by simply improving their water consumption, by including wet food in their diet, or by opting for some natural additives you can introduce to their water.

One option is Natural Antibiotic for cats. Fully organic with no chemical additives, these drops can be added to your pet’s wet food for a safe, easy way to tackle health issues including bladder and UTIs. It even comes in a “roast chicken” flavor/scent that will probably appeal to most felines.

Another option is Cat Water. It’s a pH-balanced, mineral-free spring water that not only reduces bladder stones but because it’s free from the usual host of chemicals we consume each day, it claims to be better tasting than tap water and more likely to encourage your feline to drink.

If changing up her water isn’t making a difference and you’re still struggling to get fluids in her, check out this 5-stage Veken water fountain. It removes impurities from tap water using a coconut shell activated carbon and that means you don’t get that slimy accumulation of food particles mixed with water. Best of all, the continual fountain motion is a natural draw for pets, encouraging improved water consumption. I love this idea for households where multiple pets share the same water bowl (like mine) because the large, 95-ounce capacity means you’re not constantly replenishing throughout the day.

And while drinking cranberry juice is a proven silver bullet when resolving UTIs in humans, getting your cat to eat cranberries or drink the tart-tasting juice just isn’t going to happen. Or, at least in the quantity one would need to make a dent in a UTI.

That’s where introducing a supplement such as VetClassics Cranberry Comfort can net similar results but in a more palatable format. Using cranberry, Echinacea, vitamin C, marshmallow root and grape root, these veterinarian-formulated soft chews support bladder health and can help prevent UTIs from reoccurring. Used daily, your feline may be free from infections in the long term.

Now, if your pet is like mine and super-fussy about treats and seriously suspicious about any type of supplements, it may be time to simply introduce a premium quality wet food like this Hills Science Diet. It’s been specially formulated for older cats (over seven years of age) and it supports both bladder and kidney health.

For felines loathe to leave the comforting crunch of their kibble, why rock the boat by trying to get them onto wet food? Today, many top brands are tackling the issue of urinary tract health by adjusting the pH levels in their dry foods. IAMS Proactive Healt h blend is just one of the many manufacturers that have taken your pet’s health to heart and are formulating foods to help them live a happier life.