Your cat could die from urinary tract crystals.
It is generally recognized that a cat’s urinary tract health and urine pH cat can be strongly correlated.
Are your cat’s urinary tract crystals, which can lead to the development of stones and a potential obstruction, a concern? How does the pH of your cat’s urine and the risk of crystal formation depend on the cuisine it consumes? Here, to help clear up any misunderstandings, we describe the appropriate pH range for feline pee and how these values relate to a cat’s urinary system health.
The significance of pH levels
The pH of any liquid serves as a barometer for how acidic or alkaline it is. The pH of human or feline urine can reveal a person’s state of health or illness.
Cats are particularly prone to pH problems. When the pH is off, crystals may form in a cat’s urine. Crystals can combine with other elements in the urine to form grit and stones, which can irritate, bleed, and/or block. A cat with a blocked urethra—the tube that drains urine from the body—will die if not treated right away.
The Normal pH Range of Cat Urine
Cats need acidic urine for the health of their urinary systems. Despite the fact that the range varies based on the circumstance, experts generally agree that a healthy range is between 6.3 and 6.6. (The pH decreases as urine’s acidity increases.) A pH exceeding this range promotes the growth of struvites (magnesium ammonium phosphate crystals). When the pH drops below this range, calcium oxalate crystals can develop.
Additional Factors Affecting the Urinary Tract Health of Cats
- Excessive mineral concentration in urine: For many years, many feline urinary problems were thought to be caused by the general “ash” level of cat food. Ash, on the other hand, is only the mineral-rich residue left over after a food is completely burned, and it doesn’t actually show the types of minerals present, nor does it specify the amounts and varieties of each. However, some minerals can increase the likelihood of crystallization if they are present in excess. Extremely high magnesium and phosphorus meals should be avoided by cats who are prone to struvite crystals, whereas high calcium feeds may be harmful if calcium oxalate stones are a worry.
- Consumption of water Enough liquids must flow through the urinary system to keep minerals in solution and prevent them from crystallizing. A cat will urinate more frequently and with less concentration when it consumes enough water. For these reasons, many veterinarians suggest ensuring that cats who are prone to urinary crystals only consume wet food and always have access to fresh water.
Diet and your cat’s urinary system health
Given the significance of the link between diet and urinary tract health, many of the leading cat food manufacturers now provide foods that are specifically designed to enhance urinary health. Prescription diets are available for cats who are particularly prone to the formation of crystals and stones. With your veterinarian, go over a few good dietary options based on your cat’s specific needs.
If you suspect your pet is sick, contact your veterinarian straight away. When in doubt about your family pet’s health, always see your veterinarian. They have examined your pet, are aware of its medical history, and may be able to offer the best guidance for your pet.
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