How Do Cats Get Yeast Infections?

Published in Pet Health on - Reviewed by Dr. Andrew Turkell DVM

How Do Cats Get Yeast Infections?

It may surprise you to find out that your furry friend has developed a yeast infection, yeast infections are actually extremely common in cats. Most female cats will develop a yeast infection at least once in their lifetime, if not more than once or commonly.  Yeast infections are a serious problem that will need to be treated in your cat as soon as possible, besides being very uncomfortable for your cat it can also cause serious health complications if it goes untreated, or worsens. 

Many cat owners may not notice when their cat has a yeast infection,  or they may simply think that it is something else that is common as well such as a UTI (unrinary Tract Infection). If you suspect your cat has a yeast infection or just want to do your best to prevent them from having to deal with this painful issue then you will want to read below to understand what you can do to help your cat as a responsible cat owner.

What Are The Symptoms Of Yeast Infections In Cats?

Yeast infections in cats occur when Candida which is a common sugar-digesting yeast begins to go beyond its normal levels causing problems. Candida is part of your cat's normal flora and is found throughout their body, and genital regions.  This yeast though is opportunistic and will invade other parts of the body where it will damage the body, which when left unchecked can cause other serious health conditions. 

Here are the most common symptoms of feline yeast infections:

  • Greasy skin
  • Loss of hair
  • Redness on skin
  • Scaly skin
  • Thickening of the skin
  • Dark spots on skin
  • Smelly discharge from lesions on the skin
  • Upper respiratory infections
  • Eye problems
  • Intestinal diseases
  • Infection in the chest
  • Bladder problems
  • Fever Weight loss
  • Anemia
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Coughing
  • Lameness
  • Disorientation

There are many signs that show if your cat has a yeast infection, most of these symptoms are shared with cats having a Urnnicary Tract infection, so it may be necessary to have a vet take a look at your cat to make sure it is nothing more serious. 

While Candidiasis is the most common fungal infections leading to yeast infections there are other kinds of fungal yeast, which can also cause yeast infections. the other kinds are  Malassezia dermatitis and Blastomycosis. Both of the fungi can lead to a different form of a yeast infection in your cat with their own symptoms, and health complications. This is why it is so important to treat these invaders, as well as take supplements which can help prevent infections.



What Causes Yeast Infections In Cats?

Fungal yeast infections are most commonly caused when fungi naturally occurring in either their environment or on their body enters their body in an unwanted way leading to the growth of the fungi.  This fungus can enter your cat's body in several ways however here are a few of the most common:

  • Ingestion through food or water
  • Inhaled into the respiratory system
  • Absorption through the skin, or wounds
  • Fleas, or other parasites

Cats can also be more susceptible to yeast infections due to underlying health conditions or older cats who have a weakened immune system. Cats who have diabetes, cancer in the pancreas, or an otherwise compromised immune system are much more susceptible to contracting a yeast infection. 

When cats contract a yeast infection, the most common way to treat this it either with medicated shampoos or antibiotics. Both of these help by bringing down the invasive fungi to a normal level, if your cat has a serious infection where normal methods of treatment do not seem to work they may go further with the treatment. This can involve ointments or even an invasive steroid injection.

While these are certainly a common option for treating yeast infections one of the best things you can do to your cat is to give them a daily herbal natural supplement which will help to prevent the root causes of yeast infections, as well as help to alleviate the symptoms caused by yeast infections. 



How Can I Treat And Prevent Yeast Infections?

While antibiotics may be necessary for some situations, repeated and chronic use can lead to further complications and long-term side effects.  In such cases, many pet owners report reduced immunity and frequent, recurring yeast infections that are difficult to resolve without continual dependence on medication. Such conventional treatments tend to destroy beneficial, protective bacteria as well as unhealthy bacteria, leaving the urinary tract vulnerable to recurring infection.  Today this cycle of chronic, recurring yeast infections and dependence on medication is sadly not uncommon.

There are also homeopathic remedies you can try to ease your cat’s discomfort. Our UTI support can be a great supplement to the treatment procedure prescribed by your veterinarian. Our UTI support works to tackle the main causes of urinary tract infections ensuring that in the future your loved cat will not have to suffer from them, or if they suffer from the regular it can help to alleviate the length and severity of the infection.

     Another natural method to fight and prevent yeast infections that works tremendously well for not only pets but their owners as well. CBD Oil has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries and due to the endocannabinoid system that is present in us all, it will work against the yeast infection. CBD for pets is easily the most effective natural alternative to prescriptions as it is a very potent antibiotic, and is also a great anti-inflammatory agent.

  CBD will work on inflammation and pain caused by urinary tract infections. Not to mention if your pet is a senior or suffers from arthritis this anti-inflammatory will have the added benefit of combatting joint or muscle pain. CBD will also be working to fight the bacteria that has caused the yeast infection. Even the toughest bacteria that is resistant to prescriptions can be eliminated by CBD. Once the yeast infection has passed, CBD for pets can still be administered daily as a preventative measure against infections, and other diseases and ailments which can cause future infections.

UTI Support is a 100% homeopathic formula to relieve the full range of symptoms of yeast infections without harming beneficial bacteria.  Cats and cats suffering from symptoms such as urinary pain and burning, frequent accidents and inflammation in the bladder and urethra can all benefit from the gentle homeopathic ingredients found in UTI SUPPORT.

Pets of all ages may use UTI SUPPORT, and the ingredients are safe to administer alongside other medications and supplements if necessary.  Like all Prana Pets formulas, UTI Support relieves symptoms without side effects or dangerous health risks, even with long-term use. For added support, C-Support may be administered daily to promote cleansing, boost immunity and protect against infection. Pet Urinary tract infections or feline yeast infections can be a source of tremendous pain and suffering for both cats and cats.  Typically the immune system protects the urinary tract from bacterial infection, however different factors such as stress, poor diet and exposure to environmental pathogens can weaken the animal’s defenses.

As pathogenic bacteria enter the urethra, bladder and kidneys, infection can take hold and lead to a range of unpleasant symptoms.  Many cats and cats then exhibit symptoms such as whimpering and crying while urinating, visible difficulty or straining while urinating, frequent urination and accidents, or bloody, discolored urine.  In advanced cases, animals may also show reduced energy levels, poor appetite and fatigue. This is why it is so importnant to naturally treat and prevent this unwanted trouble.


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