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What is Pus in the Urine?
Pus in the urine in cats, or pyuria, is not an illness or disease in itself, but rather a clinical symptom of present health conditions. Pus in the urine is caused by an infection of bacteria, fungus, or yeast found somewhere in the upper or lower urinary tract system of the feline. The pus itself is a combination of white blood cells and proteins sent from the feline’s immune system to fight off the bacterial infection. The presence of pus in the urine is caused by noninfectious or infectious pathological processes that causes cell damage, inflammation, and an elevated immune response. Pus in the urine in cats is a sign that a feline is suffering from a severe infection that can only be diagnosed by a veterinary professional.
If you noticed that your cat’s urine has a strong odor and is cloudy in appearance, she may have a presence of pus in the urine. The change in the urine itself may be the only symptom a cat owner notices, as pus in the urine in cats is not a disease or illness, but a symptom of a larger condition at hand. A cat that has pus in his or her urine is an indication of an infection, as the pus itself is an abnormally large accumulation of white blood cells. The immune system only releases extra white blood cells when an infection is detected. Common causes of pus in the urine in cats could be a bladder infection, kidney infection, or infection of the reproductive organs.
Pus in the Urine Average Cost
From 481 quotes ranging from $200 - $1,400
Average Cost
$600
Symptoms of Pus in the Urine in Cats
Pyuria is a symptom in itself and can be noted by urine with a strong, or foul odor paired with a cloudy appearance. Symptoms that often accompany pyuria have to do with the dominant feline health condition. Common symptoms seen in cats with pus in the urine can include:
- Cloudy urine
- Fever
- Pain during urination
- Dehydration
- Foul-smelling urine
- Polyuria (frequent need to urinate)
- Polydipsia (increased water intake)
- Inflamed vaginal or penile external organs
- White or yellowish discharge
- Redness of the urinary tissues
- Inability to urinate
- Depression
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Causes of Pus in the Urine in Cats
There are many causes for pus in the urine in cats. Since pus is evidence of white blood cells released to destroy foreign elements that are attacking the body, pus in the urine is caused by infections in the upper or lower urinary tract system. The kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra, which are the main organs of the urinary system, could be infected by a species of bacteria or fungi. Stones can also affect these urinary organs and can be the underlying cause for the presence of urinary pus. Additionally, the reproductive organs, which eliminate the urine from the body, can also develop an infection with pyuria being the main symptom. The presence of trauma or the development of a tumor can affect all of these urinary organs, and in turn, cause pus to be present in the urine of a cat.
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Diagnosis of Pus in the Urine in Cats
As pus in the urine in cats is a symptom and is not a diagnostic illness, the veterinarian will find pyuria in his/her diagnostic proceedings. The examination of urine, known as a urinalysis, is the common process through which a vet may detect pyuria. Upon examination of the urine, the doctor may note the presence of neutrophils (white blood cells) to be of a higher concentration and a urine culture may be requested. A urine culture is a laboratory test that will allow the particles of infectious material to grow in order to detect what type of material is attacking the cat’s urinary system.
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Treatment of Pus in the Urine in Cats
The treatment of pus in the urine in cats is based on the condition the veterinarian found during diagnostics. Administration of an oral antibiotic is a common treatment method used with the presence of pus in the urine. The cytology test that pinpointed which strain of bacteria is causing the problem will determine which type of antibiotic the vet will prescribe. Intravenous fluids may also be given to your cat to reverse dehydration and encourage urination to further eliminate the infection from the body.
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Recovery of Pus in the Urine in Cats
The prognosis for pus in the urine in cats lies dependent on the dominant health condition the feline was diagnosed with. Cats with bacterial, fungal, or yeast infections have a very positive prognosis as aggressive treatments usually correct this common urinary health problem. If the your veterinary noted the presence of a tumor, your cat may not have as high of a prognosis depending on how long the tumor has been allowed to manifest in the current location.
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Pus in the Urine Average Cost
From 481 quotes ranging from $200 - $1,400
Average Cost
$600
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Pus in the Urine Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Need pet health advice? Ask a vet
Ask a Vet
Ragamuffin
Six Years
Unknown severity
0 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
My cat jasmine is 6 years old and she started as pooping and peeing outside her box, after she has these problems we would wash her in the tub with a wash cloth and scrub the poop or discharge thats on her, now i noticed after she peed on my blanket that she has whit stuff on her pee pee, what do you think is wrong with my cat?
July 29, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. It is possible that Jasmine has a urinary tract infection if you are noticing white debris where she pees. It would be best to have her seen by a veterinarian, as they can look at her urine and see if treatment will help get her back to normal again. I hope that she is okay!
July 30, 2020
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Allura
Turkish Angora breed
2 Months
Serious severity
0 found helpful
Serious severity
Has Symptoms
My small kitten of 2 1/2 months if extremely weak at this point and won’t eat anything. However when I went to check on her she was peeing a light green color. This is extremely concerning because she has nearly eaten anything. What does it mean?
Aug. 1, 2018
Allura's Owner
3320 Recommendations
The presence of green coloured urine is concerning and may be an indicator of liver disease with increased concentrations of bilirubin in the bloodstream; other causes may be due to diet or medication side effects. You should visit your Veterinarian for a thorough examination, urinalysis and a blood test to help narrow in on a diagnosis. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 2, 2018
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Bailey
Found him outside i dont know
1 Year
Mild severity
1 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
My cat is a male just turning a year, recently he would not eat his dry food at all 2 days went by, he was vomiting and then i noticed he was not going to the bathroom at all. I kept monitoring that and noticed he had pus in his urine. I googled it and read to try to give him moist food and add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. I know i should have taken him to the vet but really can not afford too so i did the home remedy and he has eaten the moist food with the vinegar and hes going to the bathroom still pus but not as much. I guess my question is is it possible for this to be working? Need professional advice.
July 3, 2018
Bailey's Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
1611 Recommendations
I think it is highly unlikely that Bailey will have this problem get better without veterinary care, honestly. Male cats are prone to urinary blockages, and many urinary problems are related to diet. A urinary blockage can be a terrible, painful condition, and it would be best to have him seen by a veterinarian, have his urine looked at, and get antibiotics and a urinary diet if needed, earlier rather than later. You may be able to keep him from having problems long term with a little bit of intervention now. Many clinics offer free or discounted first exams, and there may be a low cost clinic near you. I hope that all goes well for him!
July 4, 2018
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Shiloh
tabby
14 Days
Mild severity
1 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
We have a 14 day old kitten that the stray cat momma abandoned 7 days ago. We have been stimulating her to poop and pee via a warm washcloth and it has been working well. However, yesterday and this morning I have noticed a pus-like raindrop sized goo on her urethra first thing in the morning that I have to clean off. Her urine besides that is clear. But the goo made me worried about a possible UTI especially because there is a possibility of cross contamination with her poo. We try to keep it as clean as possible. Changing tissues multiple times per cleaning while she is pooping. Should she be taken to the vet? She is still urinating well.
June 18, 2018
Shiloh's Owner
3320 Recommendations
It certainly sounds like Shiloh has a vaginal infection which certainly may occur if your are using a washcloth to stimulate defecation and urination; this is something you should see a Veterinarian about so that the diagnosis may be confirmed and treated. Infections in kittens can be serious if not treated promptly due to their immature immune systems. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
June 19, 2018
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Pepper
Tabby Short haired black
4 Years
Moderate severity
1 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
I have a 4 year old short haired black cat she’s spaiyed and I think she has thick kinda pussy looking urine in the litter box. She has also put on a few pounds in the last year and she drinks lots of water and really enjoys eating anything you will give her. So I’m wondering if there could be a simple reason for this. She seems normal and happy and hasn’t lost her appetite or anything like that other than putting on a bit of weight and sometimes there seems to be a kinda sticky stuff that smells a bit on the back of her back legs looks like it’s from when she’s peeing. The only small problem is that I also have a 9 year old long haired male cat who has been a picky eater and drinks no water and pukes all the time so I’m not absolutely sure who’s pee I’m seeing but I’m pretty sure it’s the females. Also I should’ve mentioned the male cat is neutered. Thanks for any advice you could give I know it’s not much to go on but I appreciate any information you can give
March 15, 2018
Pepper's Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
1611 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. One somewhat common cause for thick or pus-like urine is a bladder infection, or an infection of the bit of uterus that is left after a spay. It would be best to have her seen by a veterinarian, as they can test her urine, look at the discharge, and determine the best course of action for her.
March 15, 2018
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Jack
Maine Coon
6 Years
Moderate severity
0 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
Our cat was attacked by dogs two weeks ago. He seems fine, other then a swollen leg and some anxiety. He has been eating and drinking. Now he has mucus in his urine and has little control over it.
Balou
short air
2 Years
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
My cat as been odd this past few days, I am not sure if it is an infection because he does'nt have the same symptoms that a cat with infection should have like my searches on internet. Yesterday I have notice he peed a jelly transparant substance. He still walks, drinks a little water, but he is not like him self. He does'nt play anymore, he does'nt even come for his daily treats and won't eat them.I am not shure if he eats because I have 2 other cats so it is hard to tell if he goes and have a little bite I try to watch him as closely as possible but during the day we work and I am not there to watch him. He does'nt groom himself anymore, he really looks depressed. Probably because he is in pain but there is no blood in the urine and he does'nt lick his genitals like cats would with an infection. He does'nt cry either when he pees. Tonignt I will try soft canned food, I made some reseach and found out that this is one of the first steps to take and will give im a little sider vinegar to help boost is immune system. I do not have money for a vet check up, so if you have any recomendations or advices to give me it will really be apreciated!!
Alpha
Turkish Angora
4 Years
Moderate severity
0 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
Hello my male cat alpha 4 years old have started behaving oddly since 2 days . He is frequently urinating here and there and sometimes just sitting in the litter box for almost 5 to 6 mins . Some months ago alpha had under gone serious pneumonia for which he was given antibiotics for many days but now he hav totally recovered . He is normally drinking water nd having his meals . He isnt even having pain while urinating the only problem is that he is frequently urinating and the urine is in small amounts and i noticed some type of white almost transparent like discharge in his urine . Please let me know what could be the underlying cause ,could it be just a urine infection or something more serious . Please let me know at the earliest.
Poppy
Black and white
1 Year
Fair severity
0 found helpful
Fair severity
Has Symptoms
My cat poppy is weeing a bit and I noticed that she's got white pus in her wee there's not a lot but she's been drinking a lot of water and I'm concerned for her
Nudgey
shrort hair domestic tabby
2 Years
Moderate severity
0 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
after my 2 and 1/2y.o domestic cat urinates in the litterbox, theres yellow discharge dripping in his fur below and around his private areas. if im home i clean it off as i really dont want him to ingest it. he has no reddness, swelling, or blood in the urine. he does one LARGE wee a day which i think is a bit smelly. he has had anal gland abcesses in the past and is currently having 2 weekly injections of convenia for anal gland succulitis. he eats hills C/D stress renal dry food, 1/4 cup twice a day. he was 7kg and is now 6.2kg. my vet wants him to be 5kg. Also he is not off his food or water, bowel motions are large hard sausage shape, doesnt hide or meow when eliminating, continues to play, shows affection and is strictly an indoor cat adopted from an animal shelter with a past history of cat flu. he is neuted and doesnt have FIV. could pus be coming from the anus when he urinates by passing the perineum area???
Pus in the Urine Average Cost
From 481 quotes ranging from $200 - $1,400
Average Cost
$600
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