Treatment for Urine Crystals in Cats

Cats, like humans, can develop kidney stones and small crystals in their urine. These crystals may or may not be associated with a UTI (urinary tract infection). When the crystals form they become like fine pieces of sand, irritating the urethra and bladder. Urine crystals are especially harmful for male cats because they can block the urethra and prevent urination. If left untreated, a cat may die from an inability to urinate.

  1. Water

    • A major contributing factor to maintaining urinary health is water consumption. As your cat drinks more water, the urine crystals may pass more quickly or dissolve. Providing fresh, cool water for your cat at all times will encourage him to drink.

    Feeding schedule

    • Cats with a tendency to develop crystals should be fed ad libitum--at their leisure. Smaller meals throughout the day instead of one or two big meals, will reduce crystal formation because the pH of the urine will be more acidic.

    Dietary Changes

    • There are special dietary products available through your veterinarian that will balance mineral levels in your cat's body and dilute his urine so that crystals will not form. These products also have ingredients in them to help dissolve crystals that have already formed.

    Urohydropropulsion

    • Urohydropropulsion is a procedure typically performed on male cats to clear urethra blockage. Your veterinarian will insert a catheter into your cat's urethra and extract the stones that are small enough to pass through the urethra.

    Cystotomy

    • A cystotomy is a surgical procedure that requires entry into the cat's abdomen to remove large crystals (stones) from the bladder. Stones are often too large to pass through the urethra.