What is wrong with my cat?

My male ginger senior cat has recently been urinating excessively and it has a very strong ammonia smell. Following this he has now developed diarrhoea and has stopped eating. He can suffer with uti’s which is usually treatable with cranberry supplements. He had the symptoms reappear for a uti a few weeks ago and again gave him the supplements and he was ok then a few days later these symptoms started.

To analyze the results, you can start with a urine sample. It is likely that the cause is bacterial, antibiotics appropriate to the type of bacteria found have been used. You should increase your water intake and other dietary measures. Similar diseases in cats can be life-threatening, so if the symptoms do not go away, please seek further help from your veterinarian.

I took her to the vet a couple of weeks ago and she had treatment for a urinary tract infection. I was given antibiotics for her to be taken twice a day, a long with other pills for muscle relax, pain and inflammation. I also gave her kibble for urinary health happy wheels. The problem appeared to go away. But now, after over one week, the same symptoms have returned again. Does anyone know what this could be and what could be done to cure it? Please let me know. I am very concerned for my cat. I look forward to hearing from you.

Hello - the act of drinking excessively (PD, polydipsia) and urininating excessively (PU, polyuria) does not necessarily suggest a urinary infection, but your vet may have already looked at a sample down a microscope (and maybe even a blood sample), and diagnosed one. Cystitis (bladder inflammation / pain) is far more common than a bacterial infection and the causes of this are frequently behavioural / lifextyle issues which can be addressed. Another possible cause may be diabetes which can be diagnosed on urine testing; others include kidney disease, liver disease and so on.  Depending on the cause, the sort of signs that you describe can be very serious so ask for the case to be triaged ASAP in order that the problem can be identified and appropriate steps taken in plenty time.  Triage is where the vet asks questions in order to decide how soon your cat needs to be seen and whether anything should be done in the meantime.

You do not tell me what symptoms your cat has, so I hope that I guessed correctly and something there is helpful.