How Can You Prevent Bladder Crystals And Inflammation In Your Cat?
Because cats have a low thirst drive and higher alkaline levels in their urine, they can be prone to urinary crystals. Urinary crystals are made up of minerals, like calcium, magnesium, and phosphate. If these crystals get too large, they can cause cystitis, or bladder inflammation. Urinary crystals are common with UTIs, and a cat may experience uncomfortable symptoms such as straining or bloody urine. Thankfully, there are things you can do to prevent bladder inflammation and the buildup of crystals; read on to learn more.
Invest in a Fountain Instead of a Water Bowl
Hydration is key when it comes to preventing bladder issues. Cats tend to prefer moving water over stagnant water since still-water sources in the wild are more likely to contain bacteria. A cat fountain doesn't have to be expensive or overly complicated. These products have motorized pumps that circulate water through a filter, which gives your cat the illusion of drinking fresh running water. A fountain may also be more comfortable for your cat than a bowl since they are larger, and your cat is less likely to brush his or her whiskers along the edges. Some cats can experience a sensory overload called whisker fatigue when eating or drinking from smaller bowls, so a fountain can reduce that sensation.
Ask Your Vet for Food Recommendations
One study found that feeding cats a specialized diet instead of commercial foods could reduce the recurrence of feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC). If you aren't sure where to start ask your vet for recommendations. He or she can help you find brands that have bladder lining protectants, like glycosaminoglycans, and lower mineral concentrations in their ingredient lists. Special urinary diets also may have formulations that help balance urine pH so that your cat's urine isn't too alkaline or prone to bacterial infections. Wet cat food is typically better since it has much more water content than dry food; however, wet food can be expensive, so your vet could help you come up with a healthy combination diet for your cat that includes both wet and dry food.
Maintain a Stress-Free Environment
While urinary crystals or bacteria can cause bladder issues, some cats actually can develop stress-related cystitis. This condition has a lot of similar symptoms to UTIs, but a blood test may show no traces of bacteria in the urinary tract. To reduce stress, you may want to invest in feline-specific pheromone products. These products imitate natural pheromones released by a mother cat to her kittens and can help your cat feel calmer in a busy household. Make sure that your cat has both high places to hang out—like a cat tree—and quiet places, like a covered bed, to decompress in if they feel overwhelmed. Lastly, some cats get stressed by lack of stimulation. You should be playing with your cat every day. Enrichment activities can include things like puzzle feeders, balls/mouse toys, feather teasers, catios, or open windows where they can watch wildlife.
Reach out to your veterinarian for more tips and information on taking care of your cat
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