Foods for Feline Urinary Syndrome

Feline urinary syndrome, also called feline lower urinary tract disease, is a condition in which crystals form in a cat's urine and bladder. These crystals can cause urethral blockage, bleeding and trouble urinating. The condition occurs more often in male and obese cats. Diet plays only a small role in feline urinary syndrome, with water intake and meal timing being equally crucial components in managing the problem.

  1. Water

    • A large supply of fresh water should always be made available to cats with feline urinary syndrome. Large amounts of water may help to dilute any substances present in the urine that could cause urethral blockages or other problems. Drinking large amounts of water also increases the frequency of urination, flushing out the bladder and ensuring that urine does not sit in the bladder for long periods of time. Because of its high calcium concentration, cow's milk should never be given to cats with feline urinary syndrome.

    Food

    • Cat urine contains two types of crystals, both of which can cause problems. While increasing urine's acidity can prevent one type of crystal, it promotes the other. This makes it very important to have a veterinarian perform tests to determine which type of crystals are causing issues for a particular cat before making dietary changes. Generally, dry cat food is more likely to cause feline urinary syndrome than canned or semi-moist foods. Food that is too high in fiber may draw water out of the body and cause urine to become more concentrated, so avoid a high fiber diet in cats with a history of feline urinary syndrome. High magnesium content can also cause urinary issues in cats, so check cat food labels for magnesium levels. It is also a good idea to speak to a veterinarian about dietary changes. If necessary, a veterinarian can prescribe a special diet containing a better balance of minerals than commercial pet foods.

    Meal Time

    • Perhaps more important than what a cat with feline urinary syndrome eats is when he eats it. The pH level of a cat's urine increases after a meal. A cat who has free access to food all day may eat more often, thus maintaining a continuously high pH level. A high pH level is linked to the formation of crystals in urine which can cause urethral blockages and aggravate feline urinary syndrome. Cats with feline urinary syndrome should be fed two meals a day rather than being granted free access to food.