Cat UTI Symptoms: Signs, Causes & When to See a Vet

Written & Reviewed By Dr Bolu Eso DrMedVet MRCVS Veterinary Surgeon registered with the RCVS (Ref: 7312262). Co-founder of KittySense. 7+ years in clinical practice & TV and media presenter on animal health. @drbolueso @docboj RCVS Verified

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in cats are less common than you might think compared to dogs and humans, but when they do occur, they're uncomfortable and potentially serious if left untreated. The challenge is that cats are masters at hiding discomfort, so by the time you notice symptoms, the problem may already be quite advanced.

In my practice, I've seen countless cases where owners bring their cat in for "suddenly urinating outside the litter box" only to discover the cat has been struggling with painful urination for days or weeks. The key to managing UTIs successfully is catching them early and understanding what you're looking for.

This guide covers everything you need to know about cat UTI symptoms, what causes them, and when you need to see your vet.

What Is a UTI in Cats?

A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria enter and multiply in the urinary tract, typically the bladder (cystitis) or urethra. In cats, true bacterial UTIs are relatively uncommon in young, healthy animals. They're much more common in older cats, cats with diabetes, cats with kidney disease, or cats with anatomical abnormalities of the urinary tract.

What owners often call a "UTI" is actually more likely to be feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), an umbrella term for several conditions affecting the bladder and urethra including sterile cystitis (inflammation without infection), bladder stones, urethral plugs, and stress-related cystitis. True bacterial infection is only one cause among many.

Common Symptoms of UTI in Cats

1. Urinating Outside the Litter Tray

This is often the first sign owners notice. A previously house-trained cat suddenly starts urinating on the carpet, duvet, or bath mat. This happens because the cat associates the litter tray with pain and tries to find alternative places to go. If your cat is urinating outside the litter box, read our complete guide on why cats stop using the litter tray.

2. Frequent Trips to the Litter Tray

Affected cats feel a constant urge to urinate (pollakiuria) and make repeated trips to the litter tray, often producing only small amounts of urine each time or none at all. You might see your cat squatting repeatedly with little result.

3. Straining to Urinate

Straining, crying out while urinating, or spending a long time in the litter tray without producing much urine are all red flags. Male cats are at particular risk of complete urinary obstruction, which is a life-threatening emergency.

4. Blood in the Urine

Pink or red-tinged urine (haematuria) is one of the most obvious signs of urinary tract disease. Sometimes the blood is visible to the naked eye, other times it's only detectable on testing. Blood in the urine is never normal and always warrants veterinary investigation.

5. Excessive Licking of the Genital Area

Cats with painful urination often over-groom their genital area in an attempt to soothe the discomfort. If you notice your cat licking themselves more than usual, particularly after using the litter tray, this is a significant symptom.

6. Strong-Smelling or Cloudy Urine

Urine that smells unusually strong or appears cloudy can indicate infection or inflammation. Healthy cat urine should be pale yellow and relatively odourless.

7. Lethargy and Reduced Appetite

A cat in pain or discomfort may become withdrawn, hide more than usual, or lose interest in food. These are non-specific signs but when combined with litter tray changes, they point to urinary tract disease. For more on recognising pain in cats, see our guide on how to tell if your cat is in pain.

What Causes UTIs in Cats?

Bacterial Infection

True bacterial UTIs are more common in ol