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Bladder crystals in cats are tiny crystallized particles which in themselves not serious but when left untreated they can bind with other crystals to form bladder stones. If these stones are large enough to block urine flow a potentially fatal condition can occur as urine backs up into the bladder and possibly into the kidneys. If the obstruction is not removed or passed in less than 48 hours uremic poising can, and likely will, set in. So in essence bladder stones in cats are harmless tiny particles that can cause big problems under the right set of circumstances.
There are three basic types of cat bladder crystals. They are struvite, oxalate, and urate.
*Struvite crystals are the most common. They tend to form in animals whose urine is extremely alkaline and contains an overabundance of phosphate, magnesium, and ammonium. Eating large meals encourages the formation of struvite crystals and a good rule is to avoid large feedings in favor of grazing whenever possible.
*Oxalate crystals are the second most common. They tend to form in animals whose urine is very acidic and high calcium and sodium. Also, diets high in protein and vitamin D encourage the formation of oxalate crystals.
*Urate crystals are not that common in cats but are worth mentioning. They tend to form when urine is extremely acidic or when a cat is suffer from diminished liver function or a metabolic disorder of some kind. Diet high in protein may also encourage the formation of urate crystals.
As you can see there are a number of common threads which lead to the formation of bladder crystals in cats. Formation requires a certain set of variable that persist for a while. Let's look at a few simple ways to avoid these tiny harbingers of doom.
As you can see there are a number of common threads which lead to the formation of bladder crystals in cats. Formation requires a certain set of variable that persist for a while. Let's look at a few simple ways to avoid these tiny harbingers of doom.
*The importance of hydration cannot be understated when it comes to avoiding formation. If you can keep your pets urine dilute and free-flowing you will have greatly reduced the possibility of bladder crystals. There are a few tips worth mentioning with first being to simply make sure you cat is drinking enough water. The second, is make sure the water is filtered, thus eliminating any minerals that might cause a problem. The third, is opting for wet food varieties with a lot of gravy when possible.
You should also be aware that sometimes there are extenuating circumstances that can make keeping your cat hydrated a real challenge. For me this comes in the form of being a pet parent of a cat who is both old and has reduced kidney function. I must give him intravenous fluids every other day just to keep him hydrated, prevent constipation, and avoid urinary crystal formation. If you feel your may be experiencing something similar talk to your vet about the best course of action.
*As far as diet goes pet foods that moderate pH levels around normal levels is good place to start. Second, cats who are susceptible to crystals should have whole animal protein and should not consume corn, wheat, rice, or other grains. If their favorite food or treat does include these ingredients make sure moderation is observed. Third, a diet which includes less than 7 percent magnesium and very low ash content (preferably 0) will help as well.
If you are feeding your cat table food, or preparing their food at home, limit any foods that produce urine acidity. Examples, are raw endive, beets, beet greens, spinach, and potatoes. Ask your vet for a full list of high acidic foods.
Additionally, many pet parents have found that by adding a homeopathic pet urinary tract supplement, to hydration and diet modification, they have been able to improve results while bolstering overall urinary tract health. These types of supplements also tend to help normalize urine flow and improve immune system function.
Robert D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic consumer advocate for natural pet health and wellness with over 10 years experience in the field. To discover more about FLUTD in pets along with information about a safe and effective herbal and homeopathic pet urinary tract conditioning supplement Click Here
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