Cat Food & Urinary Tract Infections

Cats with feline lower urinary tract disease, feline idiopathic cystitis, urinary stones or urethral obstructions urinate frequently and in inappropriate locations. Cats with these disorders benefit from specially formulated diets. These diets provide the right proportion of nutrients to create pH-balanced urine. This balance is important, because extremely alkaline urine promotes formation of struvite crystals and acidic urine may lead to formation of calcium oxalate crystals, both of which can create urinary obstructions.

  1. Balancing pH

    • Specially formulated cat foods promote urinary tract health. These foods, available from Purina, Eukanuba, Friskies, Iams and other suppliers, help the cat to create more acidic urine, preventing the formation of struvite crystals that can cause stones. However, these foods also provide the proper proportion of nutrients, ensuring that overly acidic urine also doesn't cause health problems.

    Reducing Magnesium

    • Most commercially available cat foods restrict the amount (or proportion) of magnesium in the food. This is especially important for cats with urinary tract health problems. Reducing magnesium in the diet helps the cat to produce more acidic urine and prevents struvite crystal formation.

    Providing Water

    • Adequate fresh, clean water is essential to cat urinary tract health. Placing multiple bowls of water in various locations around the house may promote increased water intake. Some cats especially enjoy drinking from water fountains or specially designed fountain bowls; these can also encourage drinking.

    Timing Meals

    • Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine recommends providing a constant supply of food or feeding cats with urinary health problems several small meals. Timing of meals can increase the acidity of urine and promote urinary tract health. However, pet owners may find this difficult to accomplish for pets on a calorie-restricted diet.

    Warning

    • Do not use supplements for urinary acidification in combination with foods for urinary tract health. Excessive acidification can cause metabolic imbalances and affect kidney function. As with any health regimen, consult a veterinarian for advice.