Feline Urinary Diet

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is common in cats and has many causes. FLUTD is actually a complex of diseases and includes urolithiasis, bladder infections, stress-related elimination issues and idiopathic cystitis. Dietary modification is one of the methods that can combat the symptoms, which include painful and frequent urination, blood in the urine and urinating in inappropriate places.

  1. Food

    • A high-protein and low-carbohydrate food is the diet preferred for cats suffering from feline lower urinary tract disease. This diet features a meat-based protein source as its primary ingredient and most closely approximates the natural diet of the feline species. A meat-based diet resembles the diet of mice, birds and other small animals that wild cats consume.

      Numerous commercial cat food diets which are appropriate are available through pet stores or veterinary hospitals. Use the food label to determine the contents of the food and choose a food with meat listed as the primary ingredient.

      For those cat owners who elect to provide a home-cooked food for their cat, it is important to work with a veterinary nutrition expert to ensure that the food is nutritionally balanced and will provide for all of the cat's nutritional needs.

    Moisture Content

    • Many cats consume inadequate amounts of water. Encouraging water consumption can increase the volume of urine produced and produce a more dilute urine, which in turn can improve bladder health by continually flushing the urinary tract.

      Make water sources more attractive to the cat. Supply water fountains for cats that prefer running water. Leave a water faucet dripping to provide a water source.

      Feed a canned cat food diet. Canned foods contain a significant amount of moisture. For cats that will not eat canned cat food, add water or low-sodium chicken broth to dry food to encourage additional water consumption.

      Raw diets may also be fed. However, cat owners should realize that there is an increased risk of contamination from bacteria such as salmonella, e. coli or campylobacter. This risk of intestinal infection extends to humans residing with the cat as well.

    Feeding Schedule

    • Feed small meals frequently throughout the day rather than one large meal to help alleviate boredom for the cat and give the cat events throughout the day to anticipate.

      Cats often enjoy hunting, and many prefer to capture their food prey. Simulate this activity for your cat by using toys that can be stuffed with food. Provide toys that roll and the cat can chase to prevent boredom, relieve stress and encourage exercise.