Feline UTI's and Diet 

 So, what exactly is FUS? (Feline Urological syndrome)

FUS is an inflammation of the bladder, or cystitis. Rarely are bacteria found when culturing the urine. It is painful, frequently reoccurs but is easily preventable.

Crystals in Urine
Crystals, or struvite crystals in the urine is part of FUS. Frequently a cat with struvite crystals will be prescribed a special diet by the veterinarian.

A frequent cause of FUS is the diet.

Cats in the wild do not get FUS because they eat a proper diet that will ensure a proper pH of their urine.

The cause of struvite crystals is an alkaline, concentrated urine.

A cat fed meat, bones, and organs will have an acid, less concentrated urine.

Why Urinary pH is Vitally Important

Adding grains and vegetables to the cat's diet, (which is not appropriate foods for a carnivore)  will increase the pH and the struvite crystals can precipitate. Struvite crystals can not form in acid urine. Keeping the cat's urine slightly acid which is normal for cats, will prevent the formation of crystals.

The best way to keep kittys urine on the acid side, meaning a pH less than 7, is to avoid all grains and vegetables in the food.

We would caution that if your cat has been prescribed an acidifying food, any dietary changes need to be done with careful monitoring of pH. This is something that should be done together with your veterinarian.

Concentrated urine = Trouble

Add to that that cats, being desert animals, have a very low thirst instinct. In the desert they got all their moisture requirements from eating their prey.

Feeding a cat kibble is breeding ground for urinary tract disorders. Besides causing an alkaline urine where struvite crystals form, the cat is also chronically dehydrated.

Dehydration means that the urine gets more concentrated causing the struvite crystals to precipitate, but the urine also stays longer in the bladder causing even more of a likelihood for struvites, and if there are bacteria present they have a chance to multiply rapidly before being expelled.

If your cat has been diagnosed with FUS and you are prescribed special food, it is imperative to follow the guidelines. It is also important to not allow other cats to eat the prescription food as that can cause a different type of crystal that will have to be surgically removed.

Increasing your kittys water intake is the first thing to do, followed by a dietary change. Kibble should NOT be used for a cat prone to urinary tract issues. A quality canned food, such as Wellness, or a home made raw diet has helped countless cats  with urinary tract problems.

We recommend  Catit to entice your cat to drink more. When using canned food, extra water can be added to make the food a bit more soupy. Do not add water to kibble as it can cause mold spores  in the food to bloom which can cause lethal toxins.