Urinary Diet Foods for Cats

Some cats spend most of their lives facing recurring bouts of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD), a collection of symptoms affecting a cat's bladder. Some symptoms, like stones and crystals, can be life-threatening in male cats. Others are so painful they cause many cats to stop using their litter boxes. Although the exact cause of FLUTD is unknown, many veterinarians believe diet and stress are the main contributors. Putting your cat on a diet that promotes urinary tract health can help prevent FLUTD.

  1. Feed Wet Food

    • Wet food promotes urinary tract health by preventing dehydration, keeping the urine dilute and creating an environment that inhibits formation of stones and crystals.

      To reduce stress, give your cat several small meals every day or free feed wet food. It won't go bad if left out for several hours, and it will not cause your cats to gain weight.

      If your cats are not used to wet food, help them make the transition from dry by putting about 1/8 tsp of wet food under about 2 tbsp of dry food. Very gradually increase the amount of wet food over a period of several days. Another trick is to sprinkle FortiFlora on a small amount of wet food. FortiFlora is a probiotic supplement that contains animal digest, the ingredient that makes dry food so appealing to cats. Most veterinarians sell it.

    Try Raw Food

    • Raw food most closely resembles a cat's natural diet and helps produce urine at the correct pH to discourage formation of stones and crystals. Independent pet supply retailers sell frozen raw cat food, or try making your own.

      To transition your cats to raw food, start by adding just a tiny bite to their regular wet food. Gradually increase the amount of raw until that is all they are eating. The transition could take several weeks.

    Add Water to Wet Food

    • Cats do not have a strong thirst drive and need moisture with their food. Adding about 1/2 tsp of water to your cat's wet food will increase their moisture intake and help prevent FLUTD. Do not add water to dry food. Most dry foods have a high bacterial content, and bacteria thrives in moisture.

    Take Away the Dry Food

    • Dry food tends to create very concentrated urine, the perfect environment for the formation of stones and crystals. Gradually eliminating all dry food from your cat's diet will promote urinary tract health and help prevent other medical problems, such as obesity and diabetes.

    Avoid Prescription Food

    • While your veterinarian may suggest prescription food to dissolve crystals or stones, it should not be fed any longer than necessary. Most prescription foods contain inferior ingredients that are not species-appropriate for cats.

    Encourage Drinking

    • Encourage drinking by giving your cats filtered water, which tastes better than plain tap water. Or add some chicken broth to their water. They will also drink more if you place water bowls in several locations throughout your house.

      A pet fountain is another way to encourage your cats to drink. Many cats cannot resist the enticing sound of the splashing water.