Cystex is taken by humans to help with the symptoms of a urinary tract infection. The next logical question would be whether this can help your cat through the same type of symptoms.
But the question really should be whether it’s a good idea or not, since it’s easy enough to give it to them and see what happens.
The inherent problem with treating symptoms and not the cause is that the symptoms might abate, but the root of the problem is still there and those symptoms might resurface.
The other problem is that UTIs in cats and humans are not exactly the same, and the same treatments won’t necessarily work from one to the other. The vet will give you antibiotics that are specially designed for a cat.
You wouldn’t want to take cat meds, so don’t give your cat human meds. It’s just not a good idea.
The other problem is that by masking the symptoms you will let the problem get bigger than it would have gotten if you would have just treated it properly from the start. This can lead to feelings of guilt and additional medical expenses.
So if you thought you were saving a few dollars by treating them with at home medications, the idea could backfire and end up costing you even more in the long run.
Can I Give My Cat Cystex? Answer: Not Recommended
Cystex is not recommended for your cat because it qualifies as an over the counter medication, and these are rarely tolerated well by the feline species, and can actually be harmful or even toxic to your pet.
A UTI for a cat is a big concern, and you should not try to treat it at home without consulting your vet. They will be able to not only accurately diagnose the infection, but will give you the proper treatment for your cat that is right for their system.
UTIs in Cats
Some symptoms of a UTI are easy to spot in cats, and others can be more subtle.
Since cats don’t like to show when they’re in pain, by the time you start to notice symptoms it might be a pretty bad case, and you’ll definitely want to take them in and have them treated.
Some typical signs are difficulty while urinating, having blood in the urine, urinating more frequently than usual, and urinating in places they don’t normally go.
There are other signs that your vet can check for, but typically its the telltale signs listed above that will give you a head’s up.
Better Treatment Options
Veterinary medicine is keeping the pace with pharmaceutical companies and you’ll be happy to know that they’ve already got the fix out there for your cat.
This is not an uncommon condition and your vet will usually be able to get this right the first time. In some cases it might take an extra visit or an extra phone call if your cat is not responding to the original prescription. But most times they’re able to clear it right up and your cat will be back to normal in no time.
The Tough Economy
Sometimes it can be hard to take care of your pet when times are tough.
Taking them to the vet might be an added expense that you just can’t seem to justify. But unfortunately quick fixes like Cystex that are made for humans just aren’t the right thing to do for your cat. The good news is that once this infection is treated you can take steps to help prevent another occurrence.
Your vet will help brainstorm with you how this might have happened, and you can change certain things in your cat’s lifestyle that might have helped contribute to it.
Overall, cats are pretty low maintenance when it comes to ownership. UTIs happen to be one of the more common ailments they can come down with, and in most instances will need to be treated by a vet.
If you consider the long term costs of ownership, they’re relatively easy to have as pets and this is just one instance where you’ll have to grin and bear it and take them in.
My cat has symptoms of cystitis without germs. I used to get that too, and my daughter still does. At my vet’s suggestion, I got something you plug into the wall that’s supposed to give off pheromones or the like and relax the cat. But it doesn’t work.