3 Ingredient in Cat Food That Causes Crystals in the Urine

what ingredient in cat food causes crystals in urine

If your cat is suffering from crystals in its urine, you will need to change what ingredients are included in their food. And the same care is required for prevention as well. To avoid this problem you need to know what ingredient in cat food causes crystals in urine?

Minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium can contribute to urinary crystal and stone formation. Therefore, cat foods with a restricted amount of minerals help deal with this health issue and act as prevention.

If your cat is suffering from any related health issue, she can also benefit from a food specifically made to deal with urine crystals. They are formulated to make cats” urine less acidic and discourage crystals’ formation.

When your cat is suffering from a health problem, she becomes so sensitive, so changing the food so suddenly may affect adversely. So consulting with the veterinarian is the best option for a change.

If you are changing on your own, then do it gradually. Cats are creatures of habit and may not do well with a sudden switch. Foods rich in cranberry extract or pumpkin puree are better to promote bladder health.

We recently added a new resource to address the dental problems in cats, you can address such a problem with the best cat food for dental problems, it can be a solution as well as prevention.

What are Other Causes of Urinary Crystals in Cats?

Cats that eat a lot of animal protein are more likely to form crystals in urine than cats that eat more plant proteins.

Dehydration can also be a cause of urinary crystals. If your cat isn’t getting enough water, the urine will be more concentrated, and this could lead to the formation of crystals.

Please continue giving your lovely cats a healthy diet with a restricted amount of minerals that will help them stay away from urinary crystals and stones. And also, consult with a veterinarian for any health issues they face.

If your cat is drinking too much water, this can predispose her to the formation of stones and crystals.

Other health issues related to kidneys can affect how your cat’s body handles minerals and can lead to the formation of crystals in urine.

Sphincter mechanism dysfunction is a condition that can prevent your cat from emptying her bladder fully, leading to the accumulation of urine and the formation of crystals.

If you’ve changed your cat’s diet or lifestyle, and her crystals haven’t gone away, it’s essential to take her to the veterinarian for a proper diagnosis.

If you found signed like listed below, then you must visit your vet for a proper checkup:

  • Uses the litter box with increasing frequency
  • Strains to urinate
  • Urinates outside of the litter box
  • Experiences painful urination (listen for crying meows)
  • Licks genitals excessively
  • Has bloody urine
  • Has a poor appetite
  • Seems lethargic and depressed

12 Steps for Maintaining YourCat’s Urinary Health

  1. Freshwater — Always, always, always make sure your cat has fresh water. Avoid using plastic bowls that are prone to picking up the scent of the water.
  2. Canned food — Feed your cat canned food instead of dry food. It has a high water content, which will help keep hydrated.
  3. Flavored water — You can add some tuna water to her canned food. The canned food doesn’t have a lot of flavors, so adding a little extra will make a difference for your cat.
  4. Urinary health medication — It is vital to give your cat the right kind of medication if she does have crystals, stones, or any other related health issues.
  5. Fountains — If you’re not already providing your cat with a fountain, consider doing so. The running water will help keep the cat hydrated and encourage them to drink more water.
  6. Scoop litter daily — Keep the litter box clean so your cat will be encouraged to use it. It helps to discourage from going outside of the box. Don’t switch litter brands —It’s best to stick with the same litter brand that your cat is accustomed to. Try mixing different litter brands if you are experiencing problems with one type.
  7. Provide a refuge — If your cat is having trouble urinating due to the presence of crystals, provide her with a litter box that has low sides. This will make it easier for her to get in and out of the box.
  8. Add feline pheromones — If your cat is suffering from stress, you can try adding specially formulated pheromones to her litter box. These are available at many pet stores or online.
  9. Perches — Make sure your cat has a few perches in her environment. It will help her burn off some energy and may help reduce the likelihood of her developing crystals or stones.
  10. Videos — If you want to see what the feces of cats with crystals look like, check out this video. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it will give you a sense of what your cat is going through if it has these issues.
  11. Food puzzles — Feed your cat using food puzzles. It will help burn off some energy and encourage eating slowly instead of scarfing down meals too quickly.
  12. Moving toys — If you have more than one cat, make sure to have a few moving toys around. It will help keep them entertained and may help reduce tension in the home.

Learn to minimize your cat’s food obsession and we recommend you to visit a well-researched piece from our experts why does my cat eat dog food? It will help you figure out ways to keep your cat away from dog food.