How to Tell if Your Cat Has a UTI (and What to Do)

Has your cat started treating their litter box like a trendy new social club they have to visit every ten minutes?

Or maybe they’re giving you a look of pure, unadulterated betrayal before peeing on your favorite bathmat?

If you’re dealing with some weird potty problems, you’re not alone.

I’ve been there, frantically Googling "why is my cat peeing everywhere except the box?" while questioning all my life choices.

It’s easy to get frustrated and think your cat is just being a jerk. But more often than not, these strange behaviors are your cat's desperate, smoke-signal way of telling you something is wrong with their plumbing.

They can't just text you, "Hey, it kinda burns when I pee," so they have to resort to more… creative… forms of communication.

If you're here, it means you're a flipping fantastic cat parent who is ready to play detective for your kitty's health. You're ready to learn the difference between normal cat bathroom habits and a potential cry for help.

Want me to help you out? It was a labor of love, but I put together everything I would’ve given a kidney to have when I first got Remy plus a ton more goodies because I love you. You can nab it here!

I want you to have this so you can have a wonderful time with your cat while skipping the insane trial and error. And then I can live vicariously through you.

So now, let's break down what's normal, what's not, and exactly what to do when you suspect a urinary tract issue. You've got this!

First, What’s Normal for Cat Urination?

Before we dive into the red flags, let's establish a baseline.

What does a healthy, happy trip to the litter box look like for a cat?

It’s probably not something you’ve spent a lot of time thinking about, and honestly, good for you! That means things are likely going well.

A normal, healthy cat typically urinates once or twice a day. They’ll hop into their litter box, do their business without any fuss, and produce a decent-sized clump of light, pale-yellow urine.

They might do a little perfunctory lick of their nether regions afterward, but it’s a quick, "all clean," and then they're off to their next important nap. There’s no straining, no crying, and no drama. It’s an efficient, quiet, and frankly, boring process.

And in the world of cat urination, boring is beautiful.

How to Tell if Your Cat Has a UTI: The Red Flags

Okay, now for the not-so-boring part. If your cat's bathroom routine starts looking less like a mundane chore and more like a dramatic opera, it's time to pay close attention. These are the signs that something is definitely not normal.

Frequent Trips to the Litter Box

This is often the first thing pet parents notice. Your cat might be making constant trips to the litter box, but only producing tiny drops of urine, or nothing at all.

Medically, this is called pollakiuria (frequent urination) and stranguria (straining to urinate). It looks like they really have to go, but they just can't.

Peeing Outside the Litter Box

Is your cat suddenly treating your laundry basket, your bed, or your favorite rug like a public restroom? This isn't an act of rebellion; it's often a sign of pain.

Your cat may start to associate the litter box itself with the discomfort they feel when they try to urinate, so they avoid it and look for a softer, less painful place to go.

Crying or Vocalizing

A trip to the litter box should be a silent affair. If your cat is crying out, howling, or meowing in distress while trying to pee, they are telling you in no uncertain terms that they are in pain. This is a five-alarm fire drill of a symptom that needs immediate attention.

Blood in the Urine

This one can be scary to see. The urine might look pink, red, or even brownish instead of its normal pale yellow. This is called hematuria, and it’s a clear sign of inflammation or infection somewhere in the urinary tract. If you use a light-colored litter, this can be easier to spot.

Excessive Licking

Remember that quick, normal post-potty lick? A cat with a UTI will take this to a whole new level. They might obsessively lick their genital or lower abdominal area.

This is their attempt to soothe the burning and discomfort they’re feeling. You might even notice the fur in that area is wet or sparse from all the licking.

Lethargy or Other Signs of Sickness

In more severe cases, especially if the infection has been going on for a while or if there's a blockage, your cat might seem systemically ill. They could be lethargic, lose their appetite, or even start vomiting. This is particularly dangerous for male cats.

What to Do if You Suspect a UTI

Okay, you’ve done your detective work, and some of these signs are hitting a little too close to home. What's your next move?

1. Call Your Veterinarian Immediately

This is not a "wait and see" situation. Any signs of urinary distress warrant a prompt veterinary visit. This is especially true for male cats.

Male cats have a very narrow urethra that can become easily blocked by inflammation or tiny crystals.

A urinary blockage is a life-threatening medical emergency. A cat that cannot pass urine can die within 24-48 hours.

If your male cat is straining to pee and producing nothing, get to a vet or an emergency clinic immediately. No exceptions.

2. Prepare for a Diagnosis

Your vet will need to get to the bottom of the problem. This usually involves a physical exam and, most importantly, a urine sample. They’ll perform a urinalysis to look for bacteria, crystals, and signs of inflammation.

They might also recommend a urine culture to identify the specific type of bacteria causing the infection so they can choose the most effective antibiotic.

3. Follow the Treatment Plan

If it is a bacterial UTI, your vet will prescribe a course of antibiotics. It is crucial to give the full course of medication, even if your cat starts to seem better after a few days.

Stopping early can allow the infection to come roaring back. Your vet might also prescribe pain medication to keep your cat comfortable while they heal.

To support recovery, focus on increasing your cat’s water intake by feeding them wet food and making sure they always have access to fresh water.

4. Do NOT Try Home Remedies

Please, please, please do not try to treat a suspected UTI at home. Your well-meaning trip to the health food store is not going to help.

Things like cranberry supplements, which are sometimes recommended for humans, have no proven benefit for cats and can sometimes make things worse.

You'll just be wasting time while your cat continues to be in pain. The only safe and effective solution is a proper diagnosis and prescription treatment from your veterinarian.

You're Your Cat's Urinary Health Hero!

Navigating the world of cat urinary issues can be stressful, but by knowing how to tell if your cat has a UTI, you’ve already given yourself a huge advantage.

You’re equipped to spot the subtle signs of trouble and take swift, effective action.

Trust your gut. You know your cat better than anyone. If something seems off with their litter box habits, it probably is.

By being their observant, loving advocate, you’re not just solving a messy problem—you’re protecting them from pain and preventing serious, life-threatening complications. You’ve totally got this! 🐾

PSA: My cat is my precious baby #1 but this bundle is my precious baby #2.

I highly recommend checking out my beloved cat bonding guide + bundle containing everything you need to be the cat parent of the year!

Thank you for helping Remy and I keep the lights on around here! :)