Can All Cats Eat Urinary Food

When Should I See A Vet

If your cat is straining in the litter tray and not producing urine, it is important to see a vet urgently. Blocked bladder is a common consequence of both bladder stones and infection, as plugs of material can become stuck in the urethra, especially in male cats. Blood in the urine is most commonly due to stress cystitis, which is often sterile. This is a common condition and often self-limiting, and resolves once the stress levels reduce. If blood is present in the urine for more than a few days, or if your cat is straining at all, then its important to have your cat checked by a vet.

Myths About Feeding Cats

by Dedham Veterinary Associates | Feb 12, 2020 | Nutrition

Our team often receives questions about cat food and the ideal diet for cats. Plus, certain supermarket brands perpetuate misconceptions about cats dietary needs. So before you clip your next cat food coupon, be sure youre up to speed on these common myths and realities:

1. You should always avoid canned cat food to promote your cats dental health.

Truth: Canned food alone will not cause dental issues, and there are actually several reasons why cats can benefit from consuming some canned food. Moist canned food helps to support kidney and urinary function. Its also more filling, which can help cats to stay slender. Finally, every cat should be exposed to canned and dry food textures at a young age, so they learn to accept both. Later in life, many cats will need to assume a canned diet for medical reasons familiarity will ease the transition.

The gold-standard for maintaining dental health is tooth-brushing. Ideally, you should brush your cats teeth daily, but if this is too demanding on your schedule, even intermittent tooth brushing can be beneficial for your cats oral health. In addition, it is recommended to provide daily small portions of dry food designed to remove tartar while the cat chews. Both Hills Science Diet and Royal Canin make feline diets with excellent tartar removal technology.

2. Cats need a variety of shapes, colors, and food brands to be happy, consistent eaters.

How Often Should I Feed My Cat

You are aware of the human foods that your cat can and cannot eat. Still, you must ensure to keep a check on the frequency of feeding your cat.

If you do not control your tiny cats diet, the kitty can fall prey to obesity and other severe health issues.

So, how often should you feed a cat?

• Kittens :high-protein dry cat food four times a day, in little quantities.

• Adult cats : once or twice a day, in moderate quantities.

• Senior cats :limited ingredient cat food once or twice a day.

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As cats age, they develop different urinary problems and because your kitty is sneaky about it, you wont notice the symptoms unless you are very attentive. Sometimes this can be dangerous because if there is a blockage in the urethra, it can be fatal.

More often than not, the problem could be caused by Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease , which is a collection of various symptoms. There are several reasons for urinary health issues in cats but the most common ones are kidney stones, debris in the bladder and/or urethra, blockage in the urethra from urine build-up, and inflammation.

Stress, injury, congenital abnormality, and problems with the spinal cord can also be the contributory factors. However, theres one aspect that often goes unnoticed but it could be playing a major role in aggravating urinary problems and its symptoms.

It is the dietary intake of your cat. If your furry feline isnt getting proper nutrition, it will show up in form of health issues. Ingredients in cat food influence the pH of urine, its concentration, and volume.

In fact, manipulation of the pH of urine through food has proven to be effective in treating and preventing several urinary health issues in cats. There has been a study on this and it concluded the source of protein has a significant impact on urinary composition in cats.

Warning Signs And Symptoms Of Urinary Tract Disease

If your cat exhibits any of the warning signs of FLUTD, contact your veterinarian immediately. Especially if your cat is not urinating freely, a urinary blockage may be the cause and this condition may be life threatening. Consult your veterinarian immediately.

Signs of feline bladder health problems

• Urinating outside of the litter box
• Straining when urinating
• Lack of energy or interest in normal activities

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Customers Choice: Hills Prescription Diet C/d Multicare Urinary Care

Formulated by nutritionists and veterinarians to target many urinary problems that felines suffer from, Hills Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care is clinically tested to lower the recurrence rate of most common urinary issues signs by 89%. This dry food dissolves struvite stones in as little as 7 days and helps maintain optimal urine pH levels. To achieve this, the formula contains controlled levels of magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus, as well as potassium citrate- which decreases urine sodium levels and increases pH value, ultimately helping dissolve and prevent stones from forming. Made with ocean fish, it is an excellent choice for kitties that prefer fishy flavors- and its an additional essential fatty acid boost, too!

Best Cat Food For Urinary Health

Cat food for urinary health can be given as a form of prevention or to help treat existing issues if prescribed by a vet. Formulated to maintain optimal urine pH and prevent crystals and stones from forming, cat food for urinary health can be wet or dry.

Unfortunately, many cats struggle with urinary health. My own cat had a perineal urethrostomy surgery as a result of severe urinary infection and struvite blockage, and he barely made it- it was years ago and his lifestyle is forever changed because of it. From recurring urinary infections to urethral blockage and bladder stones which can lead to expensive surgeries and life-threatening conditions, there are various urinary health problems that shouldnt be taken lightly. One of the best things you can do for your cat, whether to prevent urinary problems or to help existing ones, is to reevaluate their diet.

Cat food for urinary health contains everything a feline needs to have a perfect urine pH value, and, in turn, a reduced chance of urinary tract issues. These foods are low in minerals and often contain ingredients that dissolve stones and crystals, and can help your cat maintain a healthy life without frequent UTI issues. Here is our list of 10 best cat foods for urinary health- each is a tailored fit for any kitty and their unique lifestyle.

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The Best Cat Food For Urinary Tract Health Has The Right Mineral Balance

The concentration of phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium contribute to the likelihood that your cat will develop urinary tract crystals. Cats who tend to form stones should consume a diet thats less than 1.0% 1.2% phosphorus on a dry matter basis. These diets are usually lower in calcium and magnesium, other minerals with an impact on crystal formation.

An easy way to identify foods low in these minerals is by avoiding those with meat, fish, and animal by-product meals. These meals are usually ground with bones and connective tissue intact, increasing the foods mineral content.

Feeding Only Dry Food Makes Cats Prone To Urinary Issues

This was the most shocking revelation for me, as Ziggy had been eating a high-end dry food exclusively since he was a kitten with no problems. But ultimately, I was dehydrating Ziggy, which made his urine more concentrated and less likely to be able to flush out the crystals that caused his blockage. Our domestic kitties wild ancestors consumed most of their necessary water through eating meat. Mimicking that style of diet through feeding wet or even raw food will help ensure that your cat is well-hydrated enough to keep urinary problems at bay. I mention this first because I have learned that ensuring your cat is fed a healthy, species-appropriate diet is the most important preventative measure against FLUTD. Ziggy was prescribed a special wet food that keeps the pH of his urine acidic, which prevents harmful crystals from forming.

Of course, its also important to make sure the water youre giving your cat is appropriate as well. That means no unfiltered tap water, especially if you live in an area with hard water, like we do. Encouraging your cat to drink more water by introducing a water fountain, multiple sources of water, and adding a bit of extra water to their food are all good ways to ensure they are hydrated and their urine is dilute.

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What Human Food Can Kittens Eat

Growing kittens should eat kitten food or food labeled for all feline life stages. Even if you introduce other foods, this should be their primary source of nutrients as too many changes in the diet can lead to digestive upset.

On the other hand, if your kitten grows up eating only one food, theyll become accustomed, and changing it later will be difficult. For that reason, you can try offering foods like scrambled eggs, cooked meat and fish, salad greens, and pumpkin.

Remember to introduce any new foods slowly and always feed them in small amounts. Keep in mind that these foods should not make up more than 10% of your kittens daily calorie intake Any more than 10% could upset the nutritional balance of their food. In addition, offer one new food item at a time to give your pet a chance to taste and get to know that food.

Is The Moderate Calorie So Different In Any Way From The Regular So

The Moderate Calorie Dry Cat Food supports a healthy weight for cats at risk of developing lower urinary tract disease and who are predisposed to weight gain. On the other hand, the Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Urinary SO Dry Cat Food is intended just to aid in the nutritional management of calcium o…morexalate and struvite urolithiasis, and is recommended for cats at risk of developing lower urinary tract disease.

By on Nov 1, 2017

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Best Food To Feed Cats With Urinary Tract Problems

This post may contain affiliate links. We are compensated for referring customers to our affiliate partners.

Cats are very susceptible to urinary tract problems. Feline lower urinary tract disease is one of the most common illnesses among cats and most cats will have urinary tract health issues at some point in their lives. FLUTD caused by a range of factors and affects both female and male cats. Luckily FLUTD is relatively preventable with a stress-free environment and a good diet.

Bladder Health For Dogs And Cats

Why Choose A Urinary Tract Health Formula

Carnivorous diets are naturally acidic. While domesticated cats have evolved to eat a different diet than they did in the wild, some cats may benefit from a formula that helps reduce urinary pH.

A Purina study shows diets that include acidifying ingredients promote a low urine pH while supporting cats health.

These formulas effectively promote a low urine pH, which helps maintain a healthy urinary tract.

Purina Pro Plan Urinary Tract Health Formulas are formulated to be fed exclusively and should not be mixed with any other type or brand of cat food. By mixing in or switching to other products, Pro Plan Urinary Tract Health Formulas may no longer be effective in maintaining urinary tract health.

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Best Prescription: Hills Prescription Diet C/d Multicare Urinary Care With Chicken Canned Cat Food

• Type: Wet/Canned
• Made In: United States

Though theyre not necessary for every cat, veterinary diets can help resolve persistent recurrences of urinary tract disease.

According to the company, this Hills Prescription Diet food can lower the recurrence of most common urinary signs by 89%.

Its pH balance and controlled levels of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus help reduce the risk of both struvite and calcium oxalate crystals. If your cat already has struvite crystals, the food can help to dissolve them in, on average, 27 days.

Though hundreds of customers agree that the food can help, youll need to check with your veterinarian to determine if Hills Prescription Diet c/d is the right choice for your cat.

Carbohydrates Vs Animal Proteins And Fats

A diet with too many carbohydrates is one of the leading causes of obesity and diabetes in felines. While cats do need a small amount of carbohydrate in their diets, they are carnivores by nature and their bodies thrive best on meaty proteins and fatty acids.

Dry cat foods typically contain more carbohydrates than wet food because many dry foods use grains, such as cornmeal and rice, to process the kibble. Some cat foods even contain proteins from vegetables rather than meat, which is also not ideal for your carnivorous cat.

Instead, cats need food low in carbohydrates and high in animal fats and proteins. While some dry foods do contain an acceptable amount of carbohydrate with little or no grain or vegetable products, these are often specialty brands. When shopping for cat food, read the ingredients list and try to minimize ingredients stemming from corn, rice, beans, peas or potatoes.

Regardless of whether you choose dry or wet food, your focus should be on the nutrients it contains. If you need a little guidance about what to look for, read my care guide Understanding Pet Food Labels.

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Taste Of The Wild Rocky Mountain Grain

Most Popular Cat Food for Urinary Tract Health: There are many different cat foods out there, so it can be difficult to choose just one for your cat especially if there is not a specific formula your vet recommends. If you want to make a smart choice but youre not sure where to start, consider a popular brand like Taste of the Wild. This brand uses premium-quality roasted meats in grain-free recipes that are loaded with natural flavor. This Rocky Mountain Grain-Free Canned Food is a good option for cats with urinary health issues because it contains animal protein, it is rich in moisture, and it is supplemented with DL-methionine. It contains a fairly short list of main ingredients and has a low concentration of carbohydrates but is still complete and balanced with the use of beneficial supplements like vitamins and chelated minerals.

• Pros: Rich in animal protein, high in moisture, complete and balanced nutrition, very digestible, supplemented with DL-methionine, moderate calorie and fat content
• Cons: Not specifically formulated for urinary health, contains fish ingredients

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How To Know If Your Cat Needs A Best Urinary Tract Cat Food

If your cat is like mine and is very shy to go in front of you, spotting the first few signs of urinary tract infection can be a challenge. But as parents, we do need to find ways to keep an eye on them. Some of the visible symptoms of UTI are:

Straining to go to urinate

Your cat might find it difficult to urinate. She could be passing too little urine and it feels like she is struggling hard to relieve herself.

Bladder inflammation

If the urine is cloudy, bloody, or dribbling, chances are high she has inflammation. Bloody urine can also be a sign of internal injury or blockage. If you notice blood in the urine, seek an appointment with the vet immediately.

Frequently attempting to urinate

If your cat has no problem using the litter box but all of a sudden she is urinating outside it, then it surely is an alarm. This is a sign your kitty is facing some discomfort.

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The Five Best Cat Foods For Urinary Tract Health

Since FLUTD is a common ailment among cats, there are several cat foods that are formulated to support urinary tract health.

• Holistic Select Natural Dry Cat Food

Holistic Select is another great option for preventative care. Holistic Select is a holistically formulated cat food that supports the whole health of your cat. It is made with lower amounts of both ash and magnesium to reduce the risk of FLUTD. Holistic Select is also made with cranberries, antioxidants, and probiotics to support urinary tract health.

• Hills Science Diet Adult Urinary Hairball Control Cat Food

Hills offers two options for urinary tract health. The first is a prescriptive food that may be recommended by your veterinarian in case of FLUTD. The second, is Hills Science Diet which is a preventative food formulated with optimal levels of magnesium to support urinary tract health. It also contains cranberries and lots of powerful antioxidants to maintain a healthy urine ph. So whether you need a preventative food or a prescriptive food, Hills is a great option for cats suffering from FLUTD.

• Wysong Uretic Feline Diet

• Royal Canin Feline Urinary SO Dry Cat Food