What ingredient in cat food causes crystals in urine?

What is the most common crystal found in cats?

Calcium oxalate is presently the most common crystal and stone found in cats. Their findings were mixed with regards to struvite crystal prevention. Experience with my homemade diets in dogs has shown great success for those suffering from struvite and oxalate crystal formation.

Why does my cat have crystals in his food?

Certain foods are linked to the formation of crystals, and those fed diets that are not nutritionally balanced or too high in certain minerals may suffer. Similarly, owners who supplement their cats with un-needed minerals such as Calcium, may be inadvertently causing issues.

How to prevent calcium oxalate crystals in cats?

The findings suggested that wet and homemade diets were more effective for preventing calcium oxalate crystal formation. Calcium oxalate is presently the most common crystal and stone found in cats. Their findings were mixed with regards to struvite crystal prevention.

Do cats have crystals in their food?

We didn’t used to have large issues with crystals in cats because guess what, if your cat eats a diet that cats were meant to eat, meaning mostly meat, they almost never have crystal issues. But as the foods have gotten more filled with grains and fillers over the years and as more cats are put on dry food these issues have come up more and more.

Why is my cat’s Crystal calamity?

The good news is that the problem may be caused by your cat’s diet, which is easy to control. And since dehydration can contribute to kitty’s crystal calamity, always make sure clean, fresh water is available. Also, keep in mind that canned food is generally moister than dry cat food.

What kind of crystals do cats have?

The most common types of crystals we see in our feline friends are: 1 Struvite 2 Calcium oxalate More

What kind of cat has calcium oxalate crystals in urine?

Breeds that are prone to calcium oxalate crystals in the urine are Burmese, Himalayan, and Persian cats. The sole symptom of crystalluria is the presence of detectable crystals in freshly expelled urine.

What kind of kidney stones can a cat have?

Urinary Stones (Uroliths, Calculi) in Cats. In cats, the most common stones are generally composed of either magnesium ammonium phosphate (known as struvite) or calcium oxalate. Calcium oxalate stones are now the most common stone found in the urinary tract and kidney, although their cause is unknown.

What are calcium oxalate stones (CaOx)?

Calcium oxalate (CaOx) stones (uroliths) are rock-like formations composed of crystalloids and a small amount of organic matrix, which stick together and form stones that increase in size and number over time. The most common location is the bladder, and kidneys (less often).

What to do if your cat has calcium oxalate stones?

If Kitty has crystals, not stones, your vet may prescribe a diet to reduce the amount of acid in the urine, to prevent stone formation. If Kitty already suffers from calcium oxalate stones, surgical removal is the primary treatment, especially in the male cat.

What happens if you leave a stone in a cat’s urine?

Stones that go untreated may lodge in the urethra, causing a blockage-especially in males, who have narrower urethras-that may prevent your cat from urinating. Some signs of a urinary blockage are vomiting, nausea, appetite loss and a hard, distended abdomen.

Why does my cat’s urine have crystals?

When you feed a cat a diet of dry food they still don’t drink a lot and they are in a steady state of mild dehydration all the time. That leads to concentrated urine and makes it easier for crystals to form. So we made two mistakes, we took away the moisture cats need from their food and we started feeding them like they were omnivores.

How do you get rid of calcium oxalate crystals in cats?

The right diet can go a long way in the prevention of calcium oxalate crystals and stones. Ask your vet for recommendations. Generally, feed Kitty wet, canned food rather than dry. Look for a high-fiber, low-protein food. Make sure he always has plenty of fresh, clean water available and add a pet fountain to entice him to drink more often.

Why does my cat keep getting oxalate stones?

Oxalate stones are more likely to form in males, obese cats, and in middle-aged to older cats. Cats are more likely to develop oxalate stones when their urine contains high levels of calcium and oxalate. In some cases, this is also associated with high blood calcium levels.

Can cats eat canned food with calcium oxalate?

Feed canned cat food only. The high water content of canned foods promotes the formation of dilute urine. Calcium oxalate crystals are less likely to come out of solution and form stones in dilute urine. If necessary, you can even add a little extra water to canned food.

What happens if a cat eats a crystal?

Worryingly, crystals can actually cause a blockage in some cats. This is more of an issue in male cats as their ‘plumbing’ is a lot narrower! When a cat is unable to pass urine due to a blockage, they can become very sick in a short amount of time.

What should I do if my cat has calcium oxalate crystals?

Prevention Cats who have had calcium oxalate crystals are at increased risk of a recurrence; protocols must be put in place to decrease the incidence after initial treatment. The cornerstone of treatment is to increase water consumption to dilute the urine and promote urine specific gravity of less than 1.020 and urine pH of 6.8-7.5.

What causes calcium oxalate uroliths in cats?

As with struvite uroliths, diet can also influence the development of calcium oxalate uroliths. Cats fed low-sodium or low-potassium diets or diets formulated to maximize urine acidity are at increased risk. 2,6

Can a low magnesium diet cause calcium oxalate stones in cats?

Although this diet did benefit many pets, several cats started developing calcium oxalate stones due to the dietary change. Cats that are fed low magnesium diets generally have acidic urine and this makes it conducive for the development of calcium oxalate crystals.

What crystals are good for cats?

Rose quartz is the crystal of unconditional love, and my favorite. It’s great for abused, abandoned, rescued and grieving cats, helps with fear and brings forth confidence and love. It’s good for nervousness, anger, aggression and muscle tension.

Can a cat die from a kidney stone?

There are various forms of kidney disease in cats, but kidney stones (known as a calculus) will not necessarily cause permanent damage. They are, however, incredibly painful and can lead to complications if they are accompanied by a bacterial infection which can lead to sepsis [2].

Why does my male cat keep getting kidney stones?

Male cats are also more likely to develop problematic kidney stones due to having a narrower ureter, especially those which have been neutered. Symptoms of kidney stones in cats include: If any of these symptoms present, it is reason enough to take the cat to the vet.

What are the most common kidney stones in cats?

They will depend on the diet of the individual cat, but the two most common are: Struvite stones: the most common type of feline kidney calculi, they are formed by ammonium phosphate and magnesium in urine with high alkalinity. This occurs most commonly after a urinary tract infection, since crystals can form around the bacteria.

What are calcium oxalate crystals in cats urine?

Calcium Oxalate Crystals. Today, the struvite crystal is much less common in felines, but more acidic urine means formation of calcium oxalate crystals and stones. Unlike the struvite variety, these crystals and stones can’t be dissolved through dietary changes.

Can crystals in urine be a sign of kidney stones in cats?

Urinalysis and sediment exam: Crystals are uncommon in the urine of cats with oxalate stones, but a urinalysis may reveal high calcium and acid levels. Radiographs: To look for the presence of radiopaque calcium oxalate stones in the kidneys, bladder or urethra.

What are calcium deposits in the urinary tract in cats?

Calcium Deposits in the Urinary Tract in Cats. 2 min read. Urolithiasis is described as the presence of stones in the urinary tract. When these stones are made of calcium oxalate, they are referred to as calcium deposits.