How to Clear Crystals in Cats

Cats can develop crystals in their urinary tract which are painful and, if left untreated, fatal. Crystal formation in cats is primarily linked to the food cats eat and how it affects their urine. Cats that have developed crystals display symptoms similar to those of a bacterial bladder infection --- crying while in the litter box, trying to urinate outside the box, hiding and blood in the urine. Since the symptoms for bacterial infection and urinary crystals are the same, only a veterinarian can diagnose your cat. With proper veterinary care and some basic maintenance, it is easy to prevent regrowth of crystals.

Things You'll Need

  • veterinarian
  • cat food formulated to treat cats with urinary crystals
  • fresh water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take your cat to a veterinarian if it shows symptoms of urinary distress. In addition to the possibility of bacterial infection, there are three types of urinary crystals (urate, oxalate and struvite). The food required to treat each is different, so the veterinarian needs to test your cat's urine to determine what type it has developed. The veterinarian may wait for the crystals to clear themselves or prescribe medications to help clear out the cat's bladder and reduce irritation. This determination is made based on the severity of the cat's urinary blockage. In severe cases, when the urethra is completely blocked, the vet may insert a urinary catheter to allow for flow or perform surgery to clear the blockage.

    • 2

      Administer any needed medications as directed. Typically, medication is required only if there is a secondary infection present, although steroids are prescribed to reduce a severe inflammation. Antibiotics and steroids are typically administered in pill form, but if you have a cat that cannot take pills, liquid and topical formulations of the most common treatments are available. Once the cat has completed the course of medication, the veterinarian checks to make sure it has recovered and has no further symptoms. The veterinarian also details how to prevent new crystal growth in your animal.

    • 3

      Feed a cat food formulated to prevent the specific types of crystals your cat has, based on direction from your veterinarian. Many different cat food manufacturers produce urinary tract health formulas for the three types of crystals formed in cats, and veterinary preference plays a part in the brand recommended. If you know which type of crystal your cat is prone to and what type of pH level you need to maintain, you can change brands if you wish.

    • 4

      Keep clean, fresh water --- distilled water is often recommended --- available at all times for your cat. This helps prevent new crystal growth and facilitates the flushing of any crystals that linger.