Cat urinary foods are specifically tailored to promote your cat’s bladder health. These diets contain specific amounts of minerals and protein to help guard against urinary tract disorders.
Many of these foods also contain pre-, post- and probiotics to promote a healthy gut and intestinal flora. These dietary aids can reduce inflammation and boost your cat’s immunity.
Contents
High quality raw materials
Quality raw materials make a big difference in both your pet’s diet and health. It may come as a shock to some cat owners, but the best urinary cat foods will contain ingredients such as raw meat or bone broths, fresh fruits and vegetables, fish-based oils and emulsifiers. Look for products made from animals or plants raised humanely without using antibiotics or other unnatural means.
When it comes to urinary health, dietary changes that are essential include replacing commercially processed dry and wet cat food with more wholesome, species appropriate alternatives. This is better for your cat’s wellbeing as well as the environment. A balanced diet can help your kitty live a long and fulfilling life by keeping their urinary tract health in check. A diet that contains adequate amounts of meat, fat and water in all three forms is the best approach.
Reduces struvite crystals
Sturvite crystals can form in some cats’ urinary tract, causing harmless but unsightly problems. If not addressed and cleared away promptly, these harmless crystals could harden into bladder stones which cause infections and discomfort.
Struvite crystals are mineral deposits composed of magnesium, phosphate and ammonium. While they can be found in urine of healthy cats, they tend to form more frequently in those with a history of cystitis or stress.
Water intake and altering urinary pH are two common methods used to dissolve struvite crystals. Furthermore, a low-protein diet that includes amino acids may help as well.
Diet is a major factor in the formation of struvite crystals in cats. To ensure optimal growth and development, it’s essential to feed them a nutrient-rich, additive-free diet free from contaminants and additives.
Reduces urinary pH
Stulvite stones can form due to a high urinary pH, irritating and blocking the bladder. In severe cases, struvite stones may lead to urolithiasis – a serious medical condition marked by pain, difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, and complete obstruction of the urinary tract.
An elevated urine pH can be caused by several factors. For instance, cats that consume plant-based diets may produce more acidic urine than usual.
However, these diets also contain ingredients to maintain urinary pH within the normal range of 6.0-6.5. Examples include dl Methionine, which dispels struvite crystals in urine and maintains desired range.
Maintaining a cat’s water intake is another crucial element in helping reduce its urinary pH. Make sure your furry friend always has access to at least one water bowl throughout the day.
Reduces urination frequency
If your cat seems to be urinating more frequently than normal, it could be an indication of a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs can cause pain and irritation in the urinary system, so the body will attempt to eliminate them by increasing frequency of urinating.
Some cats may urinate outside the litter box, a behavior issue that may be due to feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD). FLUTD is an underlying medical condition which may include struvite stones and bladder inflammation.
Male cats are especially susceptible to developing urethral obstructions, which can be life-threatening if left untreated. Their longer and thinner urethras make it easier for the urethra to become blocked than female cats’ do, making male cats particularly vulnerable.
In some cases, changing the diet of your cat may help dissolve or prevent struvite stones. This is done either by altering their food intake or using a special diet designed to alter urine composition in order to reduce or dissolve struvite crystals.
