You may think that you're providing for your kitty's needs by feeding her one of the popular dry cat foods, but that very food may be shortening your cat's life span.
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Symptoms of Feline UTI
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Straining to urinate while producing little urine, urinating outside the litter box, blood in the urine and frequent licking of the genital area are all symptoms of urinary tract infection in cats.
Causes
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Diets with high ash and/or magnesium are big contributors to feline UTI, along with insufficient water intake and waiting for prolonged periods of time before urinating.
Effects
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If such an infection leads to a blockage, a male cat can die within 24 hours, so prompt medical attention is urgent.
Acidic Urine is Key to Good Health
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The higher acid content in your cat's urine, the less likely he will develop a UTI or blockage. Good water intake and foods low in ash and magnesium help develop a higher acid content.
Food Choices
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Feeding your cat a dry food that is formulated for urinary tract health is a big step in the right direction toward keeping her healthy and happy. You may also want to offer a wet food once or twice a day to assist with moisture intake.
Prevention/Solution
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Permitting your cat to freely graze on his dry food, providing him with plenty of clean, fresh water and keeping his litter box clean will further help to prevent UTI's and urethral blockages.
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