Crystals in cat urine can become a serious problem if they begin to form urinary or bladder stones.
The combination of crystals and simple urinary problems such as bladder infections can also cause stones to form since infection causes an inflammation of the urinary tract.
Inflamed portions of the tract narrow in width, making it more difficult for stones and crystals to pass through urine out of the body.
Years ago, struvite crystals were the most common type seen in cats.
However, foods were reformulated to prevent these crystals from both accumulating in the urinary tract and then combining into stones.
This is made stone formation less common, with the most common type referred to as oxalate.
Crystals, when they bind together and form oxalate stones, could cause obstructions which cause pain when urinating or in the worst case, block the flow of urine all together.
Even 1 day without urination can be life threatening for a cat.
Natural methods that can help prevent crystals in cat urine include providing the cat with plenty of fresh water.
One tip to encourage drinking is to provide a second water dish somewhere in the home where the cat likes to stay.
Another is to provide canned cat food which contains significantly more water than dry.
A Prescription Diet formulated to prevent stone formation may also help in cats where crystals are a problem.
Hill's Prescription Diet c/d has precise amounts of phosphorus, magnesium and calcium to keep crystals and stone formation in check.
These types of diets also contain other helpful ingredients such as fish oil for a health coat, vitamin B6, which helps to prevent stone formation and antioxidants for overall immune system support.
A homeopathic supplement may also help to keep urine PH within a normal range and to support the overall health of the urinary system.
Watch your cat carefully for signs of trouble.
Any difficulty urinating, the presence of blood in the urine, licking the genitals, or behavioral change should be brought to the attention of a veterinarian.
The combination of crystals and simple urinary problems such as bladder infections can also cause stones to form since infection causes an inflammation of the urinary tract.
Inflamed portions of the tract narrow in width, making it more difficult for stones and crystals to pass through urine out of the body.
Years ago, struvite crystals were the most common type seen in cats.
However, foods were reformulated to prevent these crystals from both accumulating in the urinary tract and then combining into stones.
This is made stone formation less common, with the most common type referred to as oxalate.
Crystals, when they bind together and form oxalate stones, could cause obstructions which cause pain when urinating or in the worst case, block the flow of urine all together.
Even 1 day without urination can be life threatening for a cat.
Natural methods that can help prevent crystals in cat urine include providing the cat with plenty of fresh water.
One tip to encourage drinking is to provide a second water dish somewhere in the home where the cat likes to stay.
Another is to provide canned cat food which contains significantly more water than dry.
A Prescription Diet formulated to prevent stone formation may also help in cats where crystals are a problem.
Hill's Prescription Diet c/d has precise amounts of phosphorus, magnesium and calcium to keep crystals and stone formation in check.
These types of diets also contain other helpful ingredients such as fish oil for a health coat, vitamin B6, which helps to prevent stone formation and antioxidants for overall immune system support.
A homeopathic supplement may also help to keep urine PH within a normal range and to support the overall health of the urinary system.
Watch your cat carefully for signs of trouble.
Any difficulty urinating, the presence of blood in the urine, licking the genitals, or behavioral change should be brought to the attention of a veterinarian.