22 March 2021
Urinary issues in cats, such as crystals, stones, or infections, often stem from inadequate hydration, high mineral concentrations in the urine, stress, or genetic predisposition. One of the most common causes is the formation of struvite or calcium oxalate crystals, which can develop into painful and potentially dangerous urinary stones if left untreated.
Historically, a cat’s diet provided a significant amount of water through the consumption of whole, small mammals. Domestic cats are less likely to have enough moisture in their diet, especially indoor cats who do not catch and consume prey. Similarly, cats prefer drinking from running water such as streams, as they are naturally wary of stagnant water since it is more likely to contain microscopic organisms which could be damaging to their health. Thus, it makes them less likely to drink water from a water dish which in turn causes a lack of water intake in their diets.
Providing your cat with a water fountain or canned food, which typically has a moisture content of between 72% and 78%, is a convenient way to make sure they are getting the water they need. Water intake plays a key role in reducing the likelihood of all types of crystal formation. When the cat drinks water, the urine is diluted. Wet food plays an important role in keeping your cat hydrated and can help prevent the formation of urinary crystals.
This water will add volume to the urine, reducing the overall specific gravity. This means that the amount of minerals in the bladder remains the same, however are more dispersed in a larger volume and are therefore less likely to find each other and agglomerate, forming a crystal or growing into a larger stone. Fresh water should always be provided to your cat whether it be in a bowl or fountain. Complementing a diet of dry kibble with canned food is a great way to monitor and ensure your cat is taking in enough water.
Yes. Canned food significantly increases your cat’s water intake, diluting the urine and decreasing the likelihood of mineral buildup that leads to crystal or stone formation. Specifically, diets formulated to maintain an optimal urinary pH and control levels of magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium can help prevent the recurrence of urinary problems.
Look for options that are labeled for urinary health support, such as our Care Urinary Health canned food which is the perfect complement to our Care Urinary Health dry food. Combining kibble with wet food increases not only hydration, but also palatability, and is an easy way to introduce varying textures in your cat’s everyday diet.
If your cat shows signs of straining to urinate, frequent urination, licking the genital area excessively, crying during urination, urinating outside of the litter box or blood in the urine, consult a veterinarian immediately. These can be signs of a urinary tract infection, blockage, or other serious conditions requiring prompt treatment.
Combining dry and canned food is an effective way to enhance your cat’s hydration and urinary health. Our Care Urinary Health canned food increases moisture intake, supports urinary tract health, and adds variety to your cat’s diet. Always ensure fresh water is available and monitor your cat’s behaviour to catch potential issues early.
Source:
Buckley, C., Hawthorne, A., Colyer, A., & Stevenson, A. (2011). Effect of dietary water intake on urinary output, specific gravity and relative supersaturation for calcium oxalate and struvite in the cat. British Journal of Nutrition, 106(S1), S128-S130. doi:10.1017/S0007114511001875
