The development of urinary crystals in cats depends on several factors, including:
- Acidity of the urine (pH level)
- Concentration of certain minerals in the urine
- How frequently the cat empties his bladder
- Genetics (especially in the development of oxalate crystals)
Depending on what type of crystals your cat has, your veterinarian will develop a treatment plan.
If your cat has struvite crystals, treatment can include:
- Balancing urine pH. The recommended pH level for feline urine is between 6 and 6.5. A more acidic urine can discourage the formation of struvite crystals. Food that has the label “reduces the urine pH to help maintain urinary tract health” has undergone controlled studies to satisfy the U.S. FDA. However, these foods are generally for adult cats only.
- Increasing water consumption. The more your cat drinks, the less concentrated his urine will be. This means crystals are less likely to form. This also means the urine will spend less time in the bladder (another way to decrease the chance of crystals forming). Experts suggest providing fresh, clean water at all times — and in several locations around the house.
- Changing the concentration of magnesium in the diet. Lowering magnesium intake can help lower the risk of developing struvite crystals. The type of magnesium may also play a role — research suggests that magnesium oxide may contribute to crystal development because it causes an alkaline urine. Magnesium chloride causes an acidic urine, which can discourage struvite crystals.
- Changing the concentration of phosphorus in the diet. A slightly reduced phosphorus intake may help reduce the risk of developing struvite crystals. However, phosphorus is important to many body functions!
- Changing feeding methods. Cats who are at risk for developing struvite crystals may do best being fed several small meals throughout the day — rather than one big meal. After eating a large meal, urine pH often becomes more alkaline. The urine will stay more acidic if the cat eats smaller meals more frequently.