Keeping an eye on your cat’s urinary health is crucial, as many are prone to issues collectively called Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD), including urine crystals and bladder stones. Diet plays a key role in managing and preventing these problems.

Veterinarians explain that a cat's diet affects the PH, concentration, and mineral content of their urine. Foods high in minerals like magnesium or phosphorus, or too low in moisture, can promote crystal or stone formation.

What to Look for in Urinary Cat Food

The best cat foods for urinary health prioritize three key factors:

1. Moisture Content: Wet foods or formulas that encourage water intake help dilute the urine and flush the bladder.

2. Controlled Mineral Levels: Foods should have controlled levels of minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium, which are the building blocks of stones.

3. Urine-Acidifying Agents: These ingredients help maintain a slightly acidic urine PH to discourage the formation of struvite crystals (which thrive in alkaline environments) and support a healthier bladder.

Ultimately, prescription veterinary diets are often the most effective options, as they are clinically tested to help dissolve existing stones and prevent both struvite and calcium oxalate stone formation.

Veterinarian-Recommended Options

Always consult with your veterinarian before switching your cat's diet, especially to one targeting a specific health concern.