Cats can be susceptible to a condition known as feline bladder infection. This can be a painful and uncomfortable condition, with several noticeable feline bladder infection symptoms. These can include blood in the urine and frequent trips to the litter box with little success. The degree to which the symptoms manifest can vary among cases and cats.
Feline bladder infection symptoms develop for reasons similar to urinary tract infections. The condition is typically caused by bacteria that enter the urethra and travel up the tube to the bladder. Once the bacteria begin to multiply in the bladder, the resulting condition is often painful. In many cases, the delicate balance of chemicals within the bladder is disrupted, causing a buildup within the organ. This can damage the tissues, which often manifests as blood in the urine.
Much like human symptoms, feline bladder infection symptoms often include a full feeling in the bladder and the sensation of constantly needing to urinate. If the cat is making constant trips to the litter box but not having any success urinating, the full feeling may be caused by something other than urine in the bladder. With the bacterial infection, there is often a buildup of tiny crystals in the organ. These crystals, along with dead cell tissue and other water minerals, are typically flushed out of the body with urination. A bacterial blockage can keep them contained in the body, resulting in the uncomfortable feeling.
The discomfort may also cause behavioral differences in the cat. Even the most well-trained cat may begin to have accidents outside of the litter box, especially when squatting on a cool surface in an attempt to get some relief from the itching and warmth that has built up from the feline bladder infection symptoms. He or she may lick the area repeatedly. If the buildup of bacteria goes untreated, it may result in the swelling of the area. This may be visible when the cat is grooming or licking, and can often also result in sensitivity around the stomach and genital area.
Some cats are more likely to develop the condition than others, and this can also be a way to determine if the feline bladder infection symptoms are pointing toward an accurate diagnosis. Females are more likely to develop infections, especially if spayed. The older the cat, the more likely the infection is; those over ten years old are at particular risk.