Symptoms and prevention of urolithiasis in cats. Pet nutrition and treatment
Urolithiasis (KD) can occur in cats of any age, but it is especially common in pets who are overweight and lack physical activity. The risk also increases in sterilized animals.
The cause of the disease is a high concentration of minerals in the urine. They crystallize in the bladder and precipitate, and some cases are accompanied by a urinary tract infection. With microscopy of the sediment, the veterinarian can detect crystals; with ultrasound of the bladder, the stones themselves, or uroliths.
Why does KSD occur in cats?
Symptoms of urolithiasis in a cat
What signs and behavior should alert the owner:
difficult, painful or frequent urination;
urination in small portions;
tension before, during or after going to the litter box;
blood in urine;
changes in behavior: anxiety, going to the toilet past the tray, active licking of the stomach due to painful sensations.
Features of ICD in sterilized cats
Sterilization changes hormonal levels, sexual instincts decrease along with the pet's activity. The risk of gaining excess weight and obesity increases, and against this background the likelihood of developing urolithiasis increases. It is important to provide sterilized cats with sufficient physical and mental exercise.
Prevention of urolithiasis in cats
To prevent the disease, it is important to follow simple rules.
Establish a drinking regime
Fluid is important for diluting urine and emptying the bladder more frequently.
Cats are nocturnal animals and drink when they are most active. But the water bowl should remain full throughout the day. Pets' whiskers are very sensitive and irritated by contact with the sides of the container, so the bowl should be wide.
Cats don't like to drink where they eat. Place a container of water in any place convenient for your pet, but away from the food bowl. There must be at least three such containers.
The importance of drinking regime in cats
Minimize your pet's stress
There are many factors in the life of a domestic cat that can cause stress: change of environment, new animals and people, unsuitable litter for the litter box, changes in diet.
Keep your pet physically active
Cats live in three-dimensional space: they need to climb, jump on some surfaces and jump over others. The owner’s task is to provide suitable conditions for the animal at home. To help your pet move more, play with it more often. You can buy an interactive feeder - it will cover the need for hunting.
Keep your cat physically active
It is important to play with your cat more often
Treatment and nutrition of cats with urolithiasis
It is important to encourage the animal to drink more water, so we recommend replacing dry food with wet food. It helps reduce the concentration of urine and prevent the formation of new crystals.
In the presence of large stones, surgery is usually prescribed. If sand or small crystals are found in the urine, your veterinarian may prescribe a diet to help dissolve them and reduce ion concentrations.
What food is suitable for a cat with urolithiasis?
Royal Canin Urinary S/O is a complete dietary food for adult cats that helps dissolve struvite stones and prevent their re-formation. When using the Urinary S/O diet, they dissolve within 5-12 weeks. The diet also stops the growth of oxalate stones.
If you notice signs of urolithiasis in your pet, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. The specialist will select a diet that will help prevent the formation of salts and improve the pet’s condition.
