Veterinary Diets for Urinary Disease

Bladder stones are one of the most common urinary problems in cats. Crystals in the urine can eventually form into stones and wreak havoc on your pet. Types of crystals that affect cats include struvite and calcium oxalate. While there are many possible causes of bladder stones in cats, a common factor seems to be abnormalities in the pH levels of the urine. Therefore, one of the most reliable methods for preventing and sometimes eliminating stones is feeding cats diets that are specially formulated to combat urinary disease.

  1. Causes

    • Male cats seem to be most affected by urinary problems, although they afflict females as well. The urethras of male cats are extremely small, and it doesn't take much to block them. The occurrence of crystals, stones and plugs is usually a factor of the pH level and mineral concentration of the urine. The pH level refers to how acidic or alkaline urine is. It is measured on a scale from one to 14, with seven being neutral. A reading under seven signifies acidic urine, while readings over seven indicate alkalinity. Normal pH for cats is typically between 5.5 and 7. Struvite crystals are made of magnesium, phosphate and ammonium, and these types of elements usually occur in urine that is alkaline. Too much calcium, sodium and protein in your cat's diet can lead to an excess secretion of calcium in the urine, which can cause calcium oxalate crystals. It is for this reason that diet can affect the formation of crystals. In addition, the more water a cat intakes, the better its chances of avoiding stones. Therefore, encourage your cat to drink more. A pet water fountain may accomplish this. In addition, feeding your cat wet food also adds a bit more liquid into the diet.

    Diets to Prevent Struvite Crystals

    • Diets that are formulated to prevent struvite crystals aim to dilute the urine and make it more acidic, which inhibits the formation of crystals. Diets that are effective in dissolving these stones include Royal Canin Urinary SO, Hill's S/D and Royal Canin Dissolution. However, Hill's S/D is not suitable for lifelong use. Therefore, if your cat is prone to developing crystals, you will need to feed it food that can be given indefinitely as a preventative, such as Hill's C/D, R/D and W/D; Royal Canin Urinary SO; Royal Canin Control; and Purina CNM UR-Formula. Cats that are prone to developing struvite crystals should have access to their food all day. These foods are available dry in bags and wet in cans and can be purchased at your veterinarian's office. Some of the diets are also available in the moist form in pouches.

    Calcium Oxalate Diets

    • Calcium oxalate crystals commonly occur in urine of cats that have acidic urine and high amounts of calcium in their blood. Sometimes, certain medical disorders and cancer can cause oxalate crystals. Unfortunately, the way to remove the stones from your cat is via surgery, as there aren't any foods that can dissolve them. To prevent your cat from forming the stones, feed it Royal Canin Urinary SO, Hill's X/D or Purina CNM UR-Formula, available in dry, moist and wet varieties at your veterinarian's office.