Kidney stones is a condition usually associated with humans, but it can also show up in cats. Kidney stones are basically crystallized carbonates that form in the cat's kidneys. It often blocks the passage of urine, and thus causes pain and discomfort. Kidney stones is a condition that is treatable, and you can help your cat back to health again
Instructions
Make sure your cat is getting plenty of water. A cat that is dehydrated is much more likely to develop kidney stones than one that is getting plenty of clean, fresh water. A healthy, abundant supply of water can also help to dissolve kidney stones that have already developed.
Switch from dry cat food to a canned food. Canned food will provide additional water for the cat as well as the important mineral magnesium in a more soluble form. Some dry foods have magnesium in forms that are difficult to digest, leading to kidney stones.
Document what your cat eats and present it to your vet for evaluation. He or she may make changes in the diet to help with the kidney stones, as well as prescribing a medication to be added to the cat's food that will serve to break up and dissolve the stones.
Consider surgery for your cat if any of the less invasive methods are not successful in getting rid of the kidney stones. Your vet can describe to you the different options available, which are likely to include traditional surgery and a form of surgery that uses shock waves called extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL).