Cat Urinary Crystals: Prevention Guide

Understanding Feline Urinary Crystals

Urinary crystals form when minerals in cat urine concentrate and precipitate. The two main types are struvite and calcium oxalate.

Risk Factors

• Low water intake (dry-food-only diets)
• Obesity
• Stress and environmental changes
• Indoor-only lifestyle with limited activity
• Male sex (narrower urethra)

Prevention Through Hydration

The single most effective prevention is increasing water intake. Feed wet food (75% moisture) as the primary diet.

Dietary Management

Prescription urinary diets control urine pH and mineral content. These dissolve existing crystals and prevent new formation.

Warning Signs

Frequent trips to the litter box, straining, crying during urination, or blood in urine require immediate veterinary attention.