Diet for Felines Who Have Calcium Oxalate Dihydrate

Calcium Oxalate Dihydrate, otherwise known as kidney stones, are formed in the kidney and begin as a crystal that becomes larger as more minerals accumulate around it, forming a stone. This stone will then travel down the ureter into the bladder and eventually out of the body through the urethra. In some cases though, the stone can become lodged and block urine from being eliminated. Felines with kidney stones require a special diet to get rid of the stones and prevent future stones from forming.

  1. Symptoms of kidney stones

    • Cats that have kidney stones will urinate frequently but only a small amount of urine will be released. They may strain, release only a dribble of urine, and there may be blood in the urine. In extreme cases, some cats will not be able to urinate at all. Other symptoms of kidney stones may include loss of appetite, vomiting, depression, weakness, abdominal pain and hiding and remaining still.

    Proper feline diet for kidney stones

    • According to vetinfo.com, protein, phosphorus and magnesium are elements found in dry foods that contribute to stone formation in cats and should be lowered in their diet.

      Water is the most important way of helping cats fight kidney stones but if your cat only eats dry food, he is not getting enough water in his diet because he is not drinking enough from his bowl to make up the difference, according to catinfo.org. Cats have a very low thirst drive and are designed to get their needed water supply in their food. A cats normal prey, such as mice or birds, contain 70 percent water, canned cat food contains 78 percent water, and dry cat food only has 5 to 10 percent water.

      Canned food is the best choice for cats because of the high water content and is less likely to contribute to the formation of kidney stones. If your cat does not like canned food, add one to two tablespoons of either plain or flavored water to their dry food. You can also add tuna water, clam juice, chicken or beef broth to her dry food, to make it more appetizing.

      To make tuna water, combine a can of tuna with three cups of water, mash together and let it sit for 15 minutes. Pour the water into covered ice cube trays and freeze to keep it fresher longer.