How to Prevent Crystals in Cats
Crystals in a cats bladder or urethra can cause serious discomfort, or worse--especially if the urethra becomes obstructed by the crystals, which is most common in male cats. These crystals can form when there is irritation (cystitis) of the bladder and/or urinary tract, according to HomeVet.com. Bladder infections can cause the irritation, but cystitis can occur with or without the infection. Preventing the crystals is often possible and can help keep your cat healthier.
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Instructions
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Keep a water bowl filled with clean water at all times. Keeping a cat well-hydrated helps promote bladder health and prevents crystals. According to PetEducation.com, the more water a cat drinks, the more diluted its urine will be and the more quickly it will pass through the bladder--both help prevent the formation of crystals.
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Bring the cat to a veterinarian clinic for a urinalysis. This test can detect crystals and determine what kind of crystals, if any, may be present. According to HomeVet.com and uvma.org, knowing which type of crystals are present is important for preventing them. For example, struvite crystals, the most common type, can be prevented by increasing the acidity of the urine through the cat's diet, but crystals composed differently can be made worse by an increase in acidity.
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Feed a cat that is prone to crystals wet food more than dry food. The extra moisture in the food helps keep the urine more dilute. If your veterinarian finds crystals in the cats' urine, she may recommend the cat be placed on a prescription diet.
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Tips & Warnings
Symptoms of crystals include urinating in areas other than the litter box and blood in the urine. If your cat shows these symptoms, you should take it to a vet. In addition, CatsofAustralia.com lists straining while trying to urinate, licking the area and passing only small amounts of urine as symptoms of crystals. Always take cats displaying these symptoms to a vet.
Some cats with crystals won't display symptoms before the crystals have blocked the urethra almost entirely. However. if your cat seems lethargic or ill in any way, such as acting differently than it usually does or if it once loved to play but now just sits around, take it to the vet for a urinalysis and other tests. Also, always request urine and blood tests during the cat's annual exam, if your vet does not already do these as a standard procedure. This is important if your cat has a history of crystals.
If a cat stops urinating entirely, or seems to be straining in the box with little results, take it to the vet immediately. An obstructed urethra, which is most common in male cats, may prove fatal.
References
- Photo Credit cats image by Maksym Dyachenko from Fotolia.com
