Crystals in cat urine are a problem to pay attention to, since it is easy for them to end up forming stones, popularly known as stones. These can cause urinary obstruction, constituting an emergency.
In this article on our site we will see what factors predispose to the appearance of crystals in cats, what types are the most frequent and what measures must be taken to eliminate them, although we have already anticipated that diet and Proper hydration is key. Read on for all the information on crystals in cat urine
Causes of crystals in cat urine
Crystals in cat urine are formed from minerals normally present in it that, due to different circumstances, are group together to form the crystal. The set of crystals is the calculus or stone. They are more frequent in male cats, as they have a narrower urethra. The age of onset is usually relatively early, between 2 and 5 years old.
Other risk factors are obesity, dehydration, since it decreases the volume of urine, some infectious diseases and stress, very common in cats as they are very sensitive to changes in their routine. Likewise, concentrated urine, for example if the cat drinks and urinates little, constitutes a risk by increasing the probability of crystal formation and by making it difficult to eliminate it.
If you suspect that the cause of crystals in your cat's urine is stress, don't miss this article: "Things that stress cats."
Symptoms of crystals in cat urine
Symptoms of crystals in the urine in cats are pain during urination or the presence ofblood in the urine , which is known as hematuria. In addition, the cat that is eliminating crystals may show changes in its behavior when it comes to evacuating, for example, urinating outside the litter box.
If we detect any of these symptoms we must go to the vet quickly, as the clinical picture can get complicated. Crystals in the urine are one of the causes of the pathology known as FLUTD, which is a disease that affects the lower urinary tract of cats and is usually recurrent. In severe cases where stones have formed in cats and obstruction has occurred, there are more symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, pain in the abdominal area or a distended abdomen. It is an emergency. A complete blockage of urine can be fatal.
Types of crystals in cat urine
Depending on the minerals present and the characteristics of the urine, different types of crystals are distinguished in the urine of cats. The most frequent in this species are those of struvite, based on ammonium and magnesium phosphate. Its incidence is currently declining because it is known that they can be avoided through diet, which can modify the pH of urine and lower magnesium levels.
Other types of crystals in the cat's urine are those of calcium oxalate They are becoming more frequent while those of struvite because they are related to a lower magnesium intake. In other words, with a diet low in magnesium, the formation of struvite crystals is prevented, but the circumstances are favorable for the formation of calcium oxalate crystals.
Other types of crystals can be found in cats, although they are diagnosed in a smaller percentage of cases. They are those of ammonium urate, uric acid, calcium phosphate or cystine Regardless of the type, the crystals can be located anywhere in the urinary system.
How to eliminate crystals in cat urine? - Treatment
Treatment of crystals in cat urine will depend on the type of crystal present. That is why it is important to get a good diagnosis. In a urine sample, the veterinarian can identify the crystals by viewing them under a microscope. It is not always easy to get urine from cats, which is why the veterinarian often has to extract it directly from the bladder. Stones can be seen by doing an X-ray, an ultrasound, or both.
Some crystals can be removed drugs In addition, an important part of the treatment is dietand hydration , as we will see in more detail in the next section. With a specific diet, the struvite crystals can be dissolved. On the other hand, those of calcium oxalate are not going to be undone by modifying the diet. Therefore, if necessary, they will have to be removed with an operation. Cases of total obstruction are also resolved by surgical intervention.
Diet for cats with crystals in urine
On the market we will find different foods specifically formulated to dissolve and prevent the formation of crystals in urine. They are low in protein, balanced in minerals and high in sodium. They modify the pH, prevent an excess of minerals and increase water intake.
In the case of struvite crystals, the aim is to reduce ammonium phosphate, magnesium and pH. For those of cystine or urate, proteins are limited. The cat must consume these foods for a few weeks to eliminate the crystals. But not only is food essential, but hydration also plays an essential role. Cats have a tendency not to drink too much water. Perhaps because in nature their prey provides them with a large amount of liquids or because their ancestors lived in desert places. If we also feed it only with feed, it may not be well hydrated and good hydration is essential for a correct elimination of urine. In the presence of crystals it is necessary to increase the volume of urine to decrease its concentration. That is why it is recommended that the menu, if it is based on feed, also include wet food. This is what is called a mixed feeding
Also, encourage the cat to drink. One idea is to put a fountain on it. Cats are attracted to moving water. Placing several drinkers and, of course, always having clean and fresh water, is essential. Dividing the daily ration into several feedings has been proven to make the cat drink more, as well as wide-mouthed drinkers in which the whiskers do not rub. They should be placed away from the litter box and food. Finally, the digestibility of the food also influences. A low-quality diet implies a greater loss of water at the fecal level and not in the urine. It is another reason to feed the cat with quality products.
