Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 7/21/2008

Question
I have a 4 year old female cat who has been straining in the litter box and either very little comes out or something nothing at all.  I have had her on doxycyclene antibiotics for a while and they are not helping yet.  From day one she never cried in pain from urinating, she has not been urinating in inappropriate places in the apartment, she never lost her appetite.  I feed her Wellness dry food (never liked wet food from day one) which is available to her 24/7.  Her eyes are bright, she is alert, she jumps every once in a while, and she is in pretty good spirits.  I don't understand why it is taking so long for the antibiotics to kick in.  I have put several bowls of fresh water all over the apt. to lure her to drink more.  Is there anything else I can do to help make this clear up faster?  Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Answer
IT IS VERY RARE FOR A URINARY TRACT INFECTION TO OCCUR IN A CAT.  IN ADDITION, DOXYCYCLINE IS NOT A GOOD DRUG TO GET TO URINE.

Cats commonly get crystals in their urine from magnesium in their food. You nbeed to have your vet check a urinalysis.  If there are crystals, then you need to switch foods.  Consult with your vet about that.