Feline Pyelonephritis: Kidney Infection Welfare

Overview: Welfare assessment for pyelonephritis in cats, a painful bacterial infection of the kidney causing serious welfare compromise.

Key Welfare Facts

Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection of the kidney pelvis causing fever, back pain, and reduced appetite.
Ascending urinary tract infection is the most common route, though haematogenous spread also occurs in cats.
Affected cats are often reluctant to move, show hunched posture, and are painful on kidney palpation.
Prompt treatment with appropriate antibiotics, guided by culture and sensitivity, is essential for recovery.
Chronic pyelonephritis leads to progressive renal scarring and eventual chronic kidney disease if undertreated.
Regular urine culture during treatment and after completion confirms bacterial clearance and prevents relapse.

Welfare Assessment

Pyelonephritis causes acute significant pain and risks permanent renal damage if inadequately treated. Prompt diagnosis, appropriate antibiotic selection based on culture, and follow-up confirmation of clearance are essential for preventing long-term welfare compromise.

What You Can Do

Seek same-day veterinary assessment for cats showing signs of back pain, fever, or lethargy
Ensure appropriate antibiotic selection through urine culture before and during treatment
Complete the full antibiotic course and confirm clearance with post-treatment urine culture
Monitor for recurrence with periodic urinalysis, especially in cats with underlying renal disease