Urinary Issues/ Prozac Suggested by Vet

Tguernon

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Jun 4, 2023
Messages
9
Purraise
13
Hello, so my 4 year old girl cat has been having ongoing urinary issues for like 4 months. She’s been peeing in the litter box 24/7 in small increments, sometimes peeing blood, and crying out a lot as well as excessive grooming down there. I’ve taken her to the vet more times that I can count, they’ve done x-rays and ultrasounds, tested blood for UTIs, looked for crystals. And each time tests have come back negative, she’s been on multiple different antibiotics and pain meds and nothing seems to really be working. She would be on meds and maybe 2 weeks would go by and she would be fine then she would start back up again. She has been anxious and jumpy lately. I know that stress can be a cause and I know that she does have some anxiety, the vet prescribed Prozac but I don’t really want to give her heavy medicine like that, I wanted to know if other people had the same issues I do and what you use to treat them. She’s been on the hills c/d multi care stress urinary wet cat food, I’ve been giving her bone broth(cat safe) and she has a water fountain, we’ve got 3 litter boxes(I have 2 cats) , idk what else to do. I’d love to have some recommendations for stress relief, as well as urinary relief. I am not entirely against the use of Prozac, but want to know if anyone has used this and what was the experience.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #3

Tguernon

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Jun 4, 2023
Messages
9
Purraise
13
Hi, can you determine what may be causing stress for her and make changes?

How about Cat Music? Can you get her more exercise?

This may help with more tips;

Tips To Increase Your Cat’s Water Intake - TheCatSite
Hello.
I can’t pin point what would be causing her stress, she’s always been a little anxious since I got her as a kitten. I work from home so I’m home with her all the time, she has plenty of toys and cat towers and places to hide and feel “safe”.
I’ve not looked into cat music, so I can try that. I do try to play with her daily, the water intake she does have a water fountain that I change/clean regularly and when I feed her wet cat food I give her bone broth and water in it as well.
 

Kokomo

TCS Member
Adult Cat
Joined
Aug 2, 2017
Messages
105
Purraise
347
I just wanted to chime in as I have a cat on Prozac. He came to me after spending about 6 months in a shelter. I was told he was around 8 to 9, according to the vet closer to mid-teens. He was having urinary issues and nothing seemed to help him. He also had a few other issues such as obsessively licking plastic. Going catatonic if anyone came over. Humping a toy frog all the time. And refusing to eat any canned food and being incredibly difficult to get to eat dry food. I started him on Prozac per my vet's suggestion and I can honestly say I is the best thing I have ever done for him. He gets a quarter of a pill every night in a treat which is a routine he looks forward to. He has almost completely stopped with plastic and his frog, eats his wet food with relish, hangs out and enjoys attention from company, and started playing again. I never thought I'd have a cat on Prozac, never even knew it was a thing, but I am so glad he is in it now. I just wanted to share my experience as it was a wonderful change for his life.
 

downton ali

TCS Member
Adult Cat
Joined
May 2, 2018
Messages
111
Purraise
159
Hello, so my 4 year old girl cat has been having ongoing urinary issues for like 4 months. She’s been peeing in the litter box 24/7 in small increments, sometimes peeing blood, and crying out a lot as well as excessive grooming down there. I’ve taken her to the vet more times that I can count, they’ve done x-rays and ultrasounds, tested blood for UTIs, looked for crystals. And each time tests have come back negative, she’s been on multiple different antibiotics and pain meds and nothing seems to really be working. She would be on meds and maybe 2 weeks would go by and she would be fine then she would start back up again. I know that stress can be a cause and I know that she does have some anxiety, the vet prescribed Prozac but I don’t really want to give her heavy medicine like that, I wanted to know if other people had the same issues I do and what you use to treat them. She’s been on the hills c/d multi care stress urinary wet cat food, I’ve been giving her bone broth(cat safe) and she has a water fountain, we’ve got 3 litter boxes(I have 2 cats) , idk what else to do. I’d love to have some recommendations for stress relief, as well as urinary relief.
I'm having some issues with my 5-year-old cat and what you wrote helps me understand him more. He's been peeing in and out of the litter box and hissing when he pees. I've been to the vet multiple times as well. He does not currently have any crystals, an infection or a blockage. The vet cited cystitis/ inflammation. It's driven me back to a cat behaviorist to try and reduce his stress. My appt. is later this week.

I recently restarted his anxiety meds, and I understand your reluctance!! It made a huge difference for my guy, but then I took him off of it. What a mistake. His quality of life was so much better with him on it. Even now, I'm reluctant, but he's always been a nervous nelly. I'm at my wits end and pretty much ready to do anything that may help him (and help me keep my house clean!).

I do remember some things she asked me to do that helped (when I used to do them on a regular basis). Maybe this will help you somewhat.
1- Get my cats on a regular schedule, so that they have a routine and know what to expect.
2- Give each cat regular one-on-one interactive play time with me at the same time each day. A wand toy works great. Twice a day is ideal. Start at 5 minutes. Work up to 15 minutes each. Playtime ends with a good kill bite followed by treats, so they know playtime is over. (Playtime is separate from each other and ends with treats in a separate room.) There are videos online about how to play with your cats, e.g., move the wand toy around like its prey to engage their hunting instincts, however I'm happy to send you links if you want.
3- I put contact paper on the bottom of my windows where my cat was showing distress (jumping and vocalizing). I had moved to a condo where people walked their dogs nearby and there are some outdoor cats.
4. Use Feliway plug ins (one upstairs and one downstairs). Feliway Classic or Optimum.
5. Give them food/treats in puzzle feeders to keep their minds active and engaged/give them challenges.

I have to feed my guy a strictly urinary diet, and my vet emphasized that even his treats have to be for cats with urinary issues, otherwise it can disrupt the balance of magnesium (I think?) in his diet. I'm no expert here and bone broth sounds healthy, however it may be worth an inquiry with your vet.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #8

Tguernon

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Jun 4, 2023
Messages
9
Purraise
13
I'm having some issues with my 5-year-old cat and what you wrote helps me understand him more. He's been peeing in and out of the litter box and hissing when he pees. I've been to the vet multiple times as well. He does not currently have any crystals, an infection or a blockage. The vet cited cystitis/ inflammation. It's driven me back to a cat behaviorist to try and reduce his stress. My appt. is later this week.

I recently restarted his anxiety meds, and I understand your reluctance!! It made a huge difference for my guy, but then I took him off of it. What a mistake. His quality of life was so much better with him on it. Even now, I'm reluctant, but he's always been a nervous nelly. I'm at my wits end and pretty much ready to do anything that may help him (and help me keep my house clean!).

I do remember some things she asked me to do that helped (when I used to do them on a regular basis). Maybe this will help you somewhat.
1- Get my cats on a regular schedule, so that they have a routine and know what to expect.
2- Give each cat regular one-on-one interactive play time with me at the same time each day. A wand toy works great. Twice a day is ideal. Start at 5 minutes. Work up to 15 minutes each. Playtime ends with a good kill bite followed by treats, so they know playtime is over. (Playtime is separate from each other and ends with treats in a separate room.) There are videos online about how to play with your cats, e.g., move the wand toy around like its prey to engage their hunting instincts, however I'm happy to send you links if you want.
3- I put contact paper on the bottom of my windows where my cat was showing distress (jumping and vocalizing). I had moved to a condo where people walked their dogs nearby and there are some outdoor cats.
4. Use Feliway plug ins (one upstairs and one downstairs). Feliway Classic or Optimum.
5. Give them food/treats in puzzle feeders to keep their minds active and engaged/give them challenges.

I have to feed my guy a strictly urinary diet, and my vet emphasized that even his treats have to be for cats with urinary issues, otherwise it can disrupt the balance of magnesium (I think?) in his diet. I'm no expert here and bone broth sounds healthy, however it may be worth an inquiry with your vet.
Thank you for this! Yes I’ve tried almost everything you can think of, I’m not like opposed to the anxiety meds and I know that they do work. I just feel like knowing my like something wrong will happen. But maybe I’ll look into it more and look into some other enrichments for her!
 

downton ali

TCS Member
Adult Cat
Joined
May 2, 2018
Messages
111
Purraise
159
Thank you for this! Yes I’ve tried almost everything you can think of, I’m not like opposed to the anxiety meds and I know that they do work. I just feel like knowing my like something wrong will happen. But maybe I’ll look into it more and look into some other enrichments for her!
I share the fear. I'd really rather have the medicine be a temporary solution.

We're all here trying to do best we can by our little lovebugs, aren't we? :)
 

Alldara

TCS Member
Staff Member
Forum Helper
Joined
Apr 29, 2022
Messages
5,278
Purraise
8,912
Location
Canada
What type of litter are you using? I had to use a litter that was not clay and not pine for my guy's flare ups to stop.

Also what kind of litter boxes? Covered or uncovered? All grouped together or spread out?

I don't think it was prozac but I did have an anti-anxiety medication that I could give to Nobel for a few weeks.

Cat calming music is helpful, so is purring soundtracks. Catnip can be great for anxious kitties.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #11

Tguernon

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Jun 4, 2023
Messages
9
Purraise
13
What type of litter are you using? I had to use a litter that was not clay and not pine for my guy's flare ups to stop.

Also what kind of litter boxes? Covered or uncovered? All grouped together or spread out?

I don't think it was prozac but I did have an anti-anxiety medication that I could give to Nobel for a few weeks.

Cat calming music is helpful, so is purring soundtracks. Catnip can be great for anxious kitties.
I have three litter boxes (2 cats) I live in an apartment so space is a little limited but I have one in my bedroom/bathroom area and the other two in the guest bathroom which is bigger than mine. I’ve been using clay litter, the boxes are open no lid. Someone mentioned cat music today so I’ve put some on(I’ll be honest it’s making me more sleepy than her I think lol) and yes I’ve got some catnip as a food topper and some catnip toys I play them with
 

downton ali

TCS Member
Adult Cat
Joined
May 2, 2018
Messages
111
Purraise
159
David Teie has some albums available. A behaviorist recommended him. I have "Purr More". They're on Apple Music for 2.99 per album, so reasonable price. Supposed to be scientifically geared for cats...
 

Alldara

TCS Member
Staff Member
Forum Helper
Joined
Apr 29, 2022
Messages
5,278
Purraise
8,912
Location
Canada
I have three litter boxes (2 cats) I live in an apartment so space is a little limited but I have one in my bedroom/bathroom area and the other two in the guest bathroom which is bigger than mine. I’ve been using clay litter, the boxes are open no lid. Someone mentioned cat music today so I’ve put some on(I’ll be honest it’s making me more sleepy than her I think lol) and yes I’ve got some catnip as a food topper and some catnip toys I play them with
The cat music makes me sleepy too!

I'd try some corn based litter first. That's the closest in texture. But I've settled in on paper litter after also using walnut shell based litter and wheat litter among other trails.

How I generally change over is by filling one box with the new litter and leaving the other two with the old litter. (I'd recommend it being one of the two side by side ones) Then, once they use the new litter regularly, fill a second box with it and leave the third until you run out of old litter.

You can make a temporary box out of the cardboard that comes around cat cans and a plastic bag.

You might want to try one with a lid. Some cats like to feel secure. We have both. I've never seen Cal use the open one.

Did the vet check her teeth/mouth? That was an odd thing that my vet did but he told me an infection there and then they get it in their urethra because they clean themselves. Teeth brushing can help prevent this.

If you're feeling creative and want to hide another box somewhere there are some cool DIYs and other things 10 creative DIY ways to hide the cat litter
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #16

Tguernon

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Jun 4, 2023
Messages
9
Purraise
13
David Teie has some albums available. A behaviorist recommended him. I have "Purr More". They're on Apple Music for 2.99 per album, so reasonable price. Supposed to be scientifically geared for cats...
Okay thank you!
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #17

Tguernon

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Jun 4, 2023
Messages
9
Purraise
13
The cat music makes me sleepy too!

I'd try some corn based litter first. That's the closest in texture. But I've settled in on paper litter after also using walnut shell based litter and wheat litter among other trails.

How I generally change over is by filling one box with the new litter and leaving the other two with the old litter. (I'd recommend it being one of the two side by side ones) Then, once they use the new litter regularly, fill a second box with it and leave the third until you run out of old litter.

You can make a temporary box out of the cardboard that comes around cat cans and a plastic bag.

You might want to try one with a lid. Some cats like to feel secure. We have both. I've never seen Cal use the open one.

Did the vet check her teeth/mouth? That was an odd thing that my vet did but he told me an infection there and then they get it in their urethra because they clean themselves. Teeth brushing can help prevent this.

If you're feeling creative and want to hide another box somewhere there are some cool DIYs and other things 10 creative DIY ways to hide the cat litter
Thank you for this! You all have been wonderful, I’ve never been in this forum before but I’m so glad I stumbled upon it!
I’ve heard of trying different cat litters so I will take a look into it and try it! Thank you for the suggestion about doing a lid I will also try that as well!
 

silent meowlook

TCS Member
Staff Member
Forum Helper
Joined
Nov 10, 2014
Messages
3,413
Purraise
6,407
Hi I am sorry that your cat isn't feeling well. I am not a veterinarian. I am just stating what I would want to know or consider if she was my cat.

She has what seems to be symptoms of bladder stones, or something along those lines. I know you have had x-rays and ultrasound done, but sometimes things are missed or aren't apparent. Has the urine been cultured? You might have said it has but I missed it. Antibiotics should not just be given to a cat that is showing signs of urinary problems. Most cats don't have urinary tract infections. Even the cats that get blocked usually don't. Just giving antibiotics without doing a culture first is questionable. In my opinion. But allot of veterinarians do this. Even though it is written in current literature not to do it, they still do. And you said that your cat did find relief from the antibiotics. So, it goes to show that cats don't read medical books.

What I fear though is that a super bug can be created by giving antibiotics that aren't quite rite for the bacteria they are fighting (if she does in fact have a urinary tract or bladder infection) may cause resistance to antibiotics. Of course, I don't know. I haven't seen your cat and I am not a veterinarian. Do you have any of the results of the urinalysis that was done? Have they done full blood work as well? Was the ultrasound done by a regular veterinarian or a specialist?

Regular veterinarians are great. They are basically general practice veterinarians and do well with the routine issues that arise with dogs and cats. Most veterinarians are much more knowledgeable about dogs than they are cats. There is much more medical information about dogs and most of the medical literature about cats was just about dogs but with cats written into it. Thankfully, over the last 10 to 15 years the veterinary community is finally acknowledging that cats are a completely different species and need to be treated as such. There are now certifications for veterinarians and veterinary hospitals to become feline friendly certified or get different levels of cat certification. Unfortunately not all vets are up to speed on this. Also, a veterinarian is expected to know everything about multiple species. It just isn't possible to do. it would be like your dentist also being your eye doctor as well as your orthopedic surgeon and your gynecologist and pediatrician and so on. You would never see that in human medicine, and that is just one species. That is where specialists come in and are extremely valuable. A specialist that only does internal medicine, is going to probably do at least 50 or more abdominal ultrasounds a week. They are going to be able to purchase the best ultrasound machine out there because they don't have to buy all the other vet stuff like vaccines and the majority of pharmaceuticals. The difference between good ultrasound and a lower quality one is major. The difference between having someone who has not only done all the schooling to get the veterinary degree but also did an additional 4 years of school and externships and has had years or even decades of doing internal medicine only, well, that is priceless. It really makes a difference.

Allot of people are worried that their veterinarian will be upset or hurt if they ask for a referral. That just isn't true. They are professionals and want what is best for the cat.

Bottom line is, if it was my cat, I would not start the Prozac, I would ask for a referral to a specialist, or find one myself, and I would get a second opinion. I just think there is something more than a stressed cat going on here and that needs to be addressed before starting any behavior medications. Before a behavior diagnosis can be made, everything else needs to be ruled out.

Just my opinion. I also didn't read all the replies, so maybe this ha already been said, No matter what, I do hope your little cat is feeling better soon.
 

JamesCalifornia

Mr.Mom to a house of cats 😇😼
Top Cat
Joined
Apr 1, 2016
Messages
4,037
Purraise
8,154
Location
Los Angeles
~ I had an abandoned feral yard cat on Zoloft for a time. It did calm him down. I have also used CBD drops with good results.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #20

Tguernon

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Jun 4, 2023
Messages
9
Purraise
13
Hi I am sorry that your cat isn't feeling well. I am not a veterinarian. I am just stating what I would want to know or consider if she was my cat.

She has what seems to be symptoms of bladder stones, or something along those lines. I know you have had x-rays and ultrasound done, but sometimes things are missed or aren't apparent. Has the urine been cultured? You might have said it has but I missed it. Antibiotics should not just be given to a cat that is showing signs of urinary problems. Most cats don't have urinary tract infections. Even the cats that get blocked usually don't. Just giving antibiotics without doing a culture first is questionable. In my opinion. But allot of veterinarians do this. Even though it is written in current literature not to do it, they still do. And you said that your cat did find relief from the antibiotics. So, it goes to show that cats don't read medical books.

What I fear though is that a super bug can be created by giving antibiotics that aren't quite rite for the bacteria they are fighting (if she does in fact have a urinary tract or bladder infection) may cause resistance to antibiotics. Of course, I don't know. I haven't seen your cat and I am not a veterinarian. Do you have any of the results of the urinalysis that was done? Have they done full blood work as well? Was the ultrasound done by a regular veterinarian or a specialist?

Regular veterinarians are great. They are basically general practice veterinarians and do well with the routine issues that arise with dogs and cats. Most veterinarians are much more knowledgeable about dogs than they are cats. There is much more medical information about dogs and most of the medical literature about cats was just about dogs but with cats written into it. Thankfully, over the last 10 to 15 years the veterinary community is finally acknowledging that cats are a completely different species and need to be treated as such. There are now certifications for veterinarians and veterinary hospitals to become feline friendly certified or get different levels of cat certification. Unfortunately not all vets are up to speed on this. Also, a veterinarian is expected to know everything about multiple species. It just isn't possible to do. it would be like your dentist also being your eye doctor as well as your orthopedic surgeon and your gynecologist and pediatrician and so on. You would never see that in human medicine, and that is just one species. That is where specialists come in and are extremely valuable. A specialist that only does internal medicine, is going to probably do at least 50 or more abdominal ultrasounds a week. They are going to be able to purchase the best ultrasound machine out there because they don't have to buy all the other vet stuff like vaccines and the majority of pharmaceuticals. The difference between good ultrasound and a lower quality one is major. The difference between having someone who has not only done all the schooling to get the veterinary degree but also did an additional 4 years of school and externships and has had years or even decades of doing internal medicine only, well, that is priceless. It really makes a difference.

Allot of people are worried that their veterinarian will be upset or hurt if they ask for a referral. That just isn't true. They are professionals and want what is best for the cat.

Bottom line is, if it was my cat, I would not start the Prozac, I would ask for a referral to a specialist, or find one myself, and I would get a second opinion. I just think there is something more than a stressed cat going on here and that needs to be addressed before starting any behavior medications. Before a behavior diagnosis can be made, everything else needs to be ruled out.

Just my opinion. I also didn't read all the replies, so maybe this ha already been said, No matter what, I do hope your little cat is feeling better soon.
Thank you for this, it was very informative and I do agree with you that I don’t agree with everything I feel this vet has done, I do apologize I don’t have all of the testing paperwork in front of me since this has been going on for months. But I know both an ER vet and my regular vet have some x-rays and ultrasounds and found nothing, I do agree things can be over missed. They have recommended me to a specialist (but the specialist they recommend had horrible reviews) so I haven’t gone to one nor do I really have more money to( I’ve spent a fortune the last couple of months). I know that they have her on antibiotics because she has been bleeding and they don’t want more bacteria to be growing down there is what they have told me. This go around they have her on orbax(antibiotic) and Onisor(anti inflammatory)
 
Top