Many people are amazed that our feline friends are prone to get kidney stones. One of the most common forms of kidney stones are oxalate stones. Chronic stones can damage kidneys, so eliminating kidney stones in your cat is vital. There are several holistic and natural remedies that can help to eliminate the threat or frequency of oxalate stones in cats.
-
Importance of Minerals
-
Oxalate stones are made of excess calcium and are sometimes referred to as calcium oxalate stones. Not only does calcium lead to the formation of these stones but a lack of magnesium also can contribute. Diets high in acid can lead to the formation of oxalate stones. Phosphorous levels should also be monitored and kept low.
Maintaining a Proper Diet
-
A proper diet is of the utmost importance in eliminating your cat's oxalate stones. According to Dr. Elizabeth M. Hodgkins, author of "Your Cat: Simple New Secrets to a Longer Stronger Life," dry cat food may contribute to the formation of kidney stones. She suggests feeding your cat only wet food.
However, other experts, such as Dr. Delber Carlson and Dr. James Giffin, co-authors of the "The Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook," believe that hard food may not be the main culprit. They suggest that the greatest benefit of wet cat food is the amount of liquid contained in it, which in itself can reduce kidney stones.
Specialty Cat Foods
-
Several cat foods on the market improve overall kidney health. Drs.Carlson and Giffin suggest feeding your cat Hills Prescription Diet s/d Cat Food. They claim that it dissolves kidney stones. Another recommended food is Hills Science Diet Feline.
Purina makes a dry and wet cat food called Purina Feline NF Kidney Function Food. It can be found in pet stores or vet practices. An over-the-counter option is Purina's Little Friskies Special Diet dry cat food for urinary cat health.
Using Herbs
-
Herbs are another option for treating your cat's oxalate kidney stones. The three main herbs that can be used to reduce or eliminate feline kidney stones are burdock, dandelion, and cleavers, also called Galium aparine. These herbs reduce toxins and support kidney health.
Herbs can interact with medication your cat is on, and finding the exact dosage of an herb can be tricky. Not enough is a waste, and too much can make your cat sick. It is best to contact your vet or to try to locate a holistic vet for advice on using herbs to treat kidney stones.
-