Feline Urological Syndrome Magnesium Diet

Feline urological syndrome (FUS) is an overarching term that veterinarians use to describe urinary tract infections in felines. Urinary tract infections arise from various medical conditions, some of which include urinary blockages or kidney stones. Most urinary tract infections arise from a buildup of minerals in the urinary tract. In turn, many people incorrectly believe that magnesium, a commonly occurring mineral in the feline, can contribute to FUS. Feline diets need a balance of various minerals that include magnesium.

  1. Misconceptions about FUS and Magnesium

    • According to FelineFuture.com, the magnesium level in the feline does not, in and of itself, contribute to FUS. Rather, magnesium is essential to a feline diet and does not contribute to FUS if magnesium levels remain proportionate to other essential minerals in the feline diet. Felines that have a diet that is high in magnesium do not necessarily have a higher propensity for FUS. Even in instances in which the feline has a low magnesium diet, if the feline has highly acidic urine, the feline is more likely to have FUS symptoms, such as urinary tract infections. In turn, the most important factor in combating FUS is maintaining the acidity of the feline's urine.

    Magnesium is Essential

    • Do not deprive your feline of magnesium. Rather, ensure that your feline has a diet that combines various minerals, magnesium, ammonium and phosphate, that are present in high concentrations in the feline's urine. A balance of these three minerals will ensure properly balanced acidic urine. In turn, feed your feline a high-protein diet that does not contain a high percentage of carbohydrates or vegetable byproducts, which elevate acidity. Avoid dry cat food, which is essentially made from vegetables and grain. Moreover, make sure to provide foods to your feline that are high in calcium, which helps with the absorption of magnesium. Calcium is common in most high-protein foods.

    Failing to Include Magnesium in the Feline's Diet

    • If you persist in providing your feline with a low-magnesium diet, various negative results can occur. Magnesium is essential to energy production, preventing tooth decay and muscle functioning, among other bodily functions. If you create a magnesium deficiency in your feline, you can cause cardiovascular diseases as well as gastrointestinal disorders. Magnesium deficiency is quite similar to calcium deficiency; expect weak bones and high blood pressure in your feline. According to FelineFuture.com, the National Research Council suggests that an adult feline consume 38mg of magnesium daily. This dose assumes that the adult feline is approximately 13 pounds.