Cats that are struggling in the litter box may have what's referred to as a bladder infection in cats. It is a common cat illness that favors older cats. Here's how to recognize it and how to prevent cat bladder problems from repeating.

Some of the symptoms of bladder infection in cats are frequent squatting and crying when urinating. They may associate the cat litter box as a place where the pain occurs, so they may suddenly start to wet in areas like the sink, corners of the room or other places that are unusual to your cat's normal behavior.

You cat may just dribble a few drops of urine and may frequent the potty more often than normal. Sometimes she seems to have more thirst and drink more water. Other times she may shun water and food.

Should your cat be showing one or more of these symptoms then you will need to take it to your veterinarian as soon as you are able to. Your cat will be in a degree of pain and this can be treated quite effectively once diagnosed.

In order to diagnose the problem, your veterinarian may do a urine analysis for your cat. This will show what infections may be present and therefore determine how it is to be treated.

Sometimes, bladder infection in cats can be a precursor to other more serious problems. The infection occurs typically because there has been a disruption to the flow of urine. This may have been because of bladder stones or cystitis.

If your cat has not urinated for an entire day, you will need to get him or her to the veterinarian fast. Your cat will no doubt be in excruciating pain and needs to be relieved of it fast. Many times your veterinarian will catheterize your cat and relieve the flow of urine in order to address the infection.

Acting as soon as possible when you notice any of the signs of bladder infection in cats will ensure that your cat's infection does not result in a blockage. This can affect the kidneys, and if left untreated can result in death within 24 hours. You can understand that this is a very important health issue for your pet that must be addressed as soon as you notice it.

Once your cat has been diagnosed with a bladder infection your veterinarian will most likely place it on a course of antibiotics. Your cat will have no doubt had an injection of long-acting and possibly short-acting penicillin when it was diagnosed, and you would need to commence the course of antibiotics yourself at home. Sadly, once a cat has had a bladder infection, he is likely to have it recur in the future.