Davet - question re constipation/urinary infection post

[paulette2]

Now you've got me thinking -- my Jack has always been a good "pooper" but he hasn't gone for 2 days. How exactly could I tell if in fact he has a urinary tract infection? He's eating/drinking normally, playing, etc. The problem is I have 3 cats so I can't always pinpoint who is peeing (excuse the expression). None of my cats have ever had this problem, thank God, so I'm not familiar with the symptons. I've heard that they will sometimes sit in the litterbox or cry. One of my girls has trouble with constipation so on occasion we give her the Laxatone which does the trick. But since you specifically mentioned males being at risk, I'm concerned.

[Traci]

Signs of UTI infection and/or blockage include: straining in the litterbox, or, squatting/urinating in unusual places other then the litterbox.....frequent trips to the box....producing only drops of urine or none at all....blood in urine...howling/crying out, unable to get comfortable....frequent licking at genitals....fever, lethargy and painful abdomen.

If any of the above signs occur, don't ever waste time, to an ER vet IMMEDIATELY.

As for constipation, sometimes it can be difficult to distinguish between it and urinary tract problems. Kitty probably won't exhibit too many signs with constipation, but may exhibit large or painful abdomen, straining in litterbox to produce a stool, blood in stool or that anything produced may be hard formed, and possible decrease in appetite, and/or vomiting.

[MommyHuggs&Heavynn]

With kittens that can be extremely serious. The vet can give the kitten an enema to clear it out. If your kitten is seriously constipated that is probably the answer. If it is mild constipation you can try some canned pumpkin if your kitty will eat it.
P.S-almost every kind of medicine or suppliment humans take can be lethal for cats. I wouldn't recommend giving your cat anything that's meant for humans without asking your vet first!

[davet]

guest, re: how you can tell the difference,? it really take a little practice to be able to palpate the abdomine and tell the difference except when the bladder is so large it is about to rupture...then that it "katie bar the door time" however with all this straining and there is no urine in the box, that is a pretty good but no positive diagnosis