Cats get urinary infections more often than you might think. As their causes are not always clear, vets often mistake a common symptom of cats' urinary infections - like peeing outside the litter box - as something behavioral, due perhaps to stress, rather than the medical condition that is actually underlying it.

However, it's far more likely that a cat's urinary tract infection is due to physical rather than behavioral problems. The condition is one among several urinary problems, including an obstruction in the urinary passage and inflammation of the bladder, known as Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD).

This is a very unpleasant and painful situation for the cat, as it will strain to urinate but cannot do so. If you've ever suffered from a UTI of your own, you'll have some idea of what your poor kitty is going through. You can best help if you become familiar with the reasons behind the condition, and learn and follow some basic rules of care for your afflicted feline.

Have you noticed how often your cat goes to the water bowl for a drink? Not very often, right? There's a reason for that. Cats originated in areas that were hot, arid, and desert-like. Through evolution, they became capable of extracting the necessary liquids from their prey. The animals they hunted gave them most of the fluids they needed to stay healthy, making finding an alternate water source of less importance. As this instinct is still predominant in them today, the result is a rise in occurrence of typical cat's urinary infections.

Your veterinarian will treat your cat's urinary infection specifically based on a review of such tests as a urinalysis. But you can cut back drastically on vet fees and keep your cat's urinary tract in good health by following these time-tested methods of prevention.

1. Plenty of water is key.

Using clean, hot water, wash your cat's water bowl - daily. If you use soap, make certain the bowl is thoroughly rinsed to prevent any harm as a result of the chemicals in the detergent.

If your cat eats a lot of dry food, try moistening it by adding a little bit of water. To really pique their interest, try adding chicken broth.

For a little extra money, you can purchase a free flowing water drinking fountain. Cats are intrigued by water that moves, and may be encouraged to drink.

Cats dig moving water, so consider buying a free flowing water drinking fountain. The fun interaction may encourage them to drink more often.

2. Do not serve your cat food that is high in magnesium; i.e., oily fish, heart, pork, or beef.

3. Instead of prescription diets, pick foods that are natural; organic is ideal, when available. Be sure to ask your vet if the foods you're providing will create the optimal pH level in your cat's urine.

4. Putting a tablespoon of vinegar in your cat's water once per day keeps the pH in the urine slightly acidic. This helps in preventing bladder stones, which are a common cause of cat's urinary infections.

As always, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Follow these basic rules of health and maintenance, and your cat will live a happier, healthier life free of feline urinary tract infections.