Preventing UTI/Crystals in cats (xpost)
Find a Conversation
| Thu, 07-15-2004 - 10:49am |
I am looking for some advice on prevention of UTI and crystals in cats. I have 2 - 21 month old cats (M & F, siblings) and on the suggestion of our pet sitter, who also works in a veterinary hospital, I have been feeding the 'kids' Hills C/D dry food for about 9 months now. They get wet food as well with their dry food. I did this because I've heard how painful UTI's are and I wanted to do all I can to prevent them.
Anyway, today I did some surfing on the internet and read in a couple of places that feeding this highly acidic food to healthy cats can induce the creation of calcium oxalate crystals which are just as bad as the struvite crystals which the Hills C/D is made to prevent. My cats do not have UTIs and I'm wondering if I should continue with the Hills or go to a regular food and only use the Hill's if they get an infection.?
I am definitely an over-protective mommy when it comes to my furbabies and I just want to do all I can to prevent them from getting sick, however, I don't want to cause one problem when trying to prevent another. They are totally indoor cats who are fed twice per day with lots of fresh water bowls throughout the house and lots of litter boxes too.
CAn anyone offer any advice or suggestions?
Thanks bunches. Sol and Luna thank you as well!
Debbie

I've never heard that about Hill's c/d diet.
I see nothing wrong with keeping your kitties on a preventative diet. My Tasha will have to be on one for the rest of her life.
Powered by CGISpy.com
The articles I read did did not specifically mention Hills c/d but that is the dry food that I am currently feeding my cats which is supposed to help prevent the struvite crystals. I just figured since it was one of those types of foods it might cause these particular calcium oxalate crystals as well.
Deb
I don't think it's completely possible to prevent UTIs in cats. I have read where low ash and magnesium in the diet helps, but probably not 100%. I think the best way to prevent them is to make sure you always have fresh, good water out for your cats so they will drink as much as possible.