Are my cats' urinary issues from allergies, stress, or a UTI?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 14 lbs
Is it actually possible for a cat to have urinary issues with allergies? I took one cat in for a possible urinary tract infection. After bringing him home (where the vet said it was allergies) I noticed my other cat had similar symptoms, only she couldn't pee from what I've seen. Is it possible for two cats to have a UTI at the same time? Or is it also possible for the urine issue to be distress from allergies or allergies in general?
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on July 12th, 2018
A true urinary infection with bacteria is much less common in cats then dogs, and less common in males then females. Unless there is a disease process predisposing to infection like diabetes or kidney disease. I would not expect a link between allergies and urinary issues unless as you say it is stress related. There is a syndrome in cats (many names) called feline lower urinary tract disorder (FLUTD). Basically it causes symptoms of a uti but there is no infection. In can be more problematic in males. It could be triggered by stress (changes in the house, change in litter, new food, not enough litterboxes, etc.). The Ohio State University has a good web site for indoor cat owners called the indoor pet initiative. There are other causes of urinary tract issues as well but it would be quite odd for both your kids to be affected. It is very important to make sure cats are able to urinate though because obstruction of the urinary tract can occur, more common in males, and this is an emergency if this happens. I hope this helps and thank you for using PetCaoch!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on November 7th, 2019
Hi, and thanks for your question. Stress related (idiopathic type of inflammation) infections and presence of crystals are the most common causes of it. Unfortunately and ideally a clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm this clinical suspicion and treat appropriately. Anti-inflammatory medications and antibiotics may be needed. Sometimes what can be done at home is to recognize and remove stressors (stress factors) and monitor for any improvement. You could try that in the meantime. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on July 1st, 2017
Urinary tract infections can occur for many different reasons, stress can lead to them or it can simply be that bacteria find a way to get up the urethra. Sometimes utis can be the start of other issues such as kidney problems or bladder stones, but most often they only effect the bladder. I would recommend you take steps to reduce stress such as buying a pheromone diffuser, you could have the urine checked for crystal and bloods ran to check the kidneys if you want additional piece of mind. No cats do not tend to die from cystitis itself.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on May 23rd, 2018
As long s she is passing some urine and not blocked, you can wait until morning. Make sure she has plenty of fresh water available. This may be a stress induced cystitis or a urinary tract infection. Most urinary tract problems are caused by some form of stress, be it absence of the owner, another cat marking around the house or in the garden or even looking into the window, new family members or pets, etc. Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (stress induced) is usually treated with pain medicine and stress reduction, Feliway diffusers. Urinary tract infections are rare in cats and will usually treated with pain medication and antibiotics.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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