If your cat has a bladder infection join the crowd. About one out of every four cats will experience a bladder infection at some point in their lives. Of this twenty five percent five percent of these will become chronic or recurring.
One may wonder why felines with their reputation for cleanliness are so vulnerable to bladder infection. There are a few good explanations with the most likely being found in the their litter boxes. You see, this condition is almost always bacterial, being caused predominately by the E coli strain of bacteria, and there is no better place to find bacteria than in a dirty litter box.
There are other contributing factors as well including urine retention, age, immune system weakness, lack of fluids, urinary obstruction, and lack of exercise. Believe it or not arthritis in older cats can be a major contributing factor if it reduces your pets desire to find his/her way to their litter box regularly for voiding.
So in determining a natural remedy for cat bladder infection we have to take into account as many of the contributing factors as possible, to both get rid of the infection, and perhaps more importantly make sure it doesn’t end up becoming chronic.
The most celebrated herb considered to be a natural remedy for cat bladder infection is uva ursi. While you may not have heard of it, it has been used for centuries as a way to treat bladder infections in both people and pets. It is reported to be especially active against E. coli and also possesses diuretic properties useful for flushing the bacteria out of the system. Large doses can produce toxicity and symptoms thus making a case for its usefulness in homeopathic remedies which use very small quantities. So our quest to find a natural remedy for cat bladder infection, a homeopathic remedy containing uva ursi should be somewhere close to the top of our list.
Our next step is to increase urine flow through increasing the quantity of liquids consumed. Think of it this way. Have you filled a bucket with pure rain water only to see it become bacterial filled over time? Or maybe a swimming pool that wasn’t treated correctly and then turns green? This is exactly what happens in the bladder after bacteria has gained access through the urethra.
The E coli bacteria is stubborn and opportunistic and if for any reason urine is allowed to stagnate it will flourish.
Step number three in our quest to find a natural remedy for cat bladder infection is to add either cranberry juice or blueberry juice to your pets increased fluid intake. These are the only two juices that can inhibit E coli’s ability to adhere to the lining of the bladder and urethra.
Step number four is one that is rarely discussed in relation to natural remedies for bladder infection in cats. It is stress reduction. Stress and cats mix like dogs and catnip. Stress compromises the immune system, basically opening the door for bacteria that seems to always be knocking.
In summary, finding a natural remedy for cat bladder infection revolves around four steps: a homeopathic remedy containing uva ursi; increased fluid intake; cranberry or blueberry juice, and a stress reduction plan. A good rule of thumb is to give the above treatments about 7 days to start working but you must keep a close eye on the situation. If for any reason symptoms begin to get worse immediate veterinary attention will be very important in assuring a positive outcome.
Rob D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic advocate for the use of natural health products and natural living Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/a-four-step-approach-to-finding-a-natural-remedy-for-cat-bladder-infection-1487128.html
with over 10 years experience in the field of natural health and wellness.
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