In this article
1. Hydration is key in preventing urinary issues
Keeping your cat well hydrated is absolutely the easiest ways to help prevent urinary issues. Cats originally evolved as desert animals, so they naturally don’t drink a lot. That’s because desert animals get most of their water intake from the prey they eat. A cat drinking fountain can be a huge help in keeping your cat hydrated as cats instinctively prefer running water over standing water. Be sure to check out our Catit cat drinking fountain range.
2. Wet food helps cats get more water
Wet food is a great tool in preventing urinary issues in your cat because it naturally increases how much moisture your cat takes in.
More moisture helps by:
- Diluting the urine
- Flushing out minerals from the bladder
- Lowering the risk of crystals and stones forming
If you feed wet food, be sure to feed your cat the recommended amount as it is less calorie-dense than kibble. If your cat prefers dry food, you can also add a bit of water or a liquid food topper to boost hydration.
3. Cat food affects urine pH
The food your cat eats has an impact on how acidic their urine is. If urine is too acidic or too alkaline, crystals can form more easily. The two common types are:
- Struvite crystals (more likely in alkaline urine)
- Calcium oxalate crystals (more likely in very acidic urine)
Most commercial cat foods are designed to keep urine pH in a healthy range. Be careful when feeding your cat home-made food or table scraps, as these can throw the pH off balance.
4. The mineral balance in cat food matters
All cat food contains minerals, and that’s a good thing as your cat needs them to stay healthy. It is important, however, that the mineral levels aren’t too high and that the minerals are balanced. Too much of a certain mineral and too little of another can increase the risk of crystals.
The minerals that are most likely to have an impact on your cat’s urine quality are:
- Magnesium
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
- Sodium
- Potassium
In high-quality commercial cat food, these minerals will be balanced to help reduce problems. Just avoid feeding your cat too many treats or table scraps, and be cautious with home-made diets that aren’t vet approved.
5. Some cats benefit from a special urinary diet
If a cat already has urinary problems, a vet might recommend a special urinary diet. These come in both dry and wet forms, and are designed to:
- Increase water intake
- Control minerals
- Keep urine pH stable
- Reduce the chance of crystals and stones
These diets are commonly used for conditions like feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), and should only be fed under veterinary guidance.
