Urinary problems in cats are common and can be very serious. A specialised diet can help avoid or minimise them.
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Best urinary dry cat food in 2024
Urinary problems in cats can be very painful. In some cases, they can even be fatal. That's why it's essential to do everything possible to prevent stones from forming. There is special urinary cat food to help reduce urinary problems in cats!
Cats' urinary problems, such as kidney problems, small stones obstructing the urethra, and cystitis, are more frequent than we think. They can manifest themselves by urine in the blood, a litter box that stays clean, apathy, loss of appetite, a hard belly, or a swollen bladder. You need to keep an eye on your cat's behaviour to quickly notice any changes in its habits!
Fortunately, there are several solutions to reduce the risk of urinary problems. That is the case with kibbles, whose composition is specially designed to balance the urine's pH and eliminate painful stones.
Is your sterilised cat putting on weight? You may need to watch out for urinary problems. To avoid them, make sure your pet drinks enough daily and buy them dry cat food for urinary tract health. We have put together a small buyer's guide to help you choose the best option for your kitty.
Summary
What should I feed a cat with urinary problems?
If your kitty suffers from urinary problems, you need to give them the right food. Food plays an essential part in the formation of stones, but also their prevention. When you control your cat's diet, you'll be able to stabilise the pH of the animal's urine, which will contribute to its well-being.
If your cat suffers from kidney issues, reduce the amount of protein in its diet. It's also vital to increase your pet's water intake, for example, by opting for wet food, either paté or or semi-wet food. Good hydration helps limit the formation of urinary stones. As for struvite stones, they can be reduced by foods low in phosphorus and magnesium.
What are the benefits of urinary dry cat food?
Urinary tract dry cat food helps increase urine output to protect the bladder lining. These specialised kibbles also contribute to the elimination of carbonate ions present in the urine. Other benefits of this cat food are the reduction of struvite stones and crystals. They help dissolve them and prevent the formation of new stones and crystals in the urinary tract.
Semi-moist kibbles also help cats stay well-hydrated, which is essential for the proper functioning of the urinary system.
In addition, this type of cat food generally limits weight gain. Since overweight animals are prone to urinary problems, this is an advantage that should not be overlooked.
How do I know if my cat has urinary problems?
A cat with urinary problems may have difficulty peeing. You may notice that their litter box stays clean or that they spend a lot of time squatting in it. Sick cats also show less vitality than before, they remain in their corner, and their coat loses its shine. A cat that eats less can also suffer from kidney or urethra problems.
You may also notice blood in your pet's urine.
There are two types of urinary stones in cats. The first are formed when the urine has an acid pH: these are calcium oxalates. The second type is made when the urine has a high pH: these are called struvites and ammonium-magnesium phosphates.
Which cats are at risk of urinary problems?
Indoor cats are most at risk for urinary problems. Since they don't go outside, they don't get much exercise and are prone to weight gain, which promotes urethral obstructions. That is also the case for neutered or spayed cats. These animals tend to be less active and gain weight quickly. Urinary problems can then appear.
Cats fed with poor quality kibble are also likely to suffer from urinary problems. This type of food generally contains a lot of minerals and does not acidify the urine sufficiently.
What treatment should be considered for a cat with urinary problems?
Depending on the type of problem your cat is suffering from, the veterinarian may advise switching to a diet or wet food. As stress can also play a role in urinary problems. Don't hesitate to call on a behaviourist to reduce your pet's anxiety with the help of physical exercise or synthetic pheromones, for example.
There are also medical treatments that relax the urethra of male cats and limit blockages caused by stones. Some medications also strengthen the bladder wall.
How can I prevent urinary problems in my cat?
To relieve an older cat suffering from urinary problems, make sure they drink enough water. They should always have fresh water available. Don't hesitate to choose a water fountain, because cats love to see water in motion. Alternatively, buy a water bowl that doesn't retain odours. If your cat isn't drinking, feed them a daily ration of premium food containing at least 80% water.
It is also vital to give your cat a balanced diet, well-dosed in proteins, fibres, calcium, and magnesium.
