One common
problem with cats is the forming of urinary tract crystals or
urinary tract infections (UTI's). To help prevent this problem,
feed your cat a food that is all natural, preservative-free
and contains a high quality protein.
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The pH of
your cat's urine is a significant factor in whether your cat
will be prone to crystals. There are two types of crystals your
cat can develop:
Struvite Crystals - These occur more often in
urine that is of a neutral to alkaline pH. To prevent this,
a cat with neutral to alkaline pH is fed a diet that has a more
acid pH. This will acidify the urine and help to prevent Struvite
crystals.
Calcium Oxalate Crystals - These are formed
when a cat's urine has an acid pH. These are more prevalent
today because cat foods tend to have a more acid pH in an attempt
to prevent Struvite crystals.
The acidity scale goes from 0 to 14, with 7
being neutral. Feeding your cat a diet that is between 6 and
7 may help to prevent Struvite crystals without forming Calcium
Oxalate crystals.
You can test your cat's pH with store-bought
litmus papers. Normally, a pH should be around 6.5 for your
cat's urine. Of course, only your veterinarian can tell you
what the ideal pH is for your particular cat.
Another way to prevent crystals is to provide
your cat with plenty of water. Water will help to dilute the
minerals that can cause crystal formation. Place several bowls
of water around your house, and be sure the cat's whiskers do
not touch the sides of the bowls. Change the water one to two
times a day.
Cat urinary tract infections can be life threatening,
and should only be evaluated and treated by your cat's veterinarian.
Never attempt treatment and or prevention without the supervision
of a veterinarian.
