Your cat may develop microscopic crystals in her bladder which, left untreated, could attach to other crystals to become bladder stones. Because the condition may lead to an obstruction of the urethra, especially in male cats, it can be fatal if not addressed promptly.
Struvite Crystals
If your cat's urine is extremely alkaline and contains an excess of magnesium, ammonium and phosphate, he may develop struvite crystals--the most common cause of urethral blockages. Treatment for struvite crystals includes surgical removal of the crystals if they are causing a blockage or a diet plan that includes the proper balance of magnesium and phosphorus. Rather than forcing your cat to eat two or three large meals a day, allow your cat to graze whenever he is hungry. This will help to inhibit alkalinity that is the result of eating a large meal. Speak to your veterinarian for suggestions of cat food brands that carry specialized foods that help to prevent or break up crystals and stones. Always provide your cat with fresh water throughout the day, as the consumption of water will help to break up forming crystals and allow the bladder to be emptied frequently of its contents.
Oxalate Crystals
If your cat's urine is very acidic, and if his diet is heavy in calcium, proteins, sodium or Vitamin D. he may be at risk of developing oxalate crystals in his bladder. Other possible causes of oxalate crystals are cancer, hyperparathyroidism or Cushing's disease. There is no dietary cure for oxalate crystals, and they must be removed surgically or through the process of urohydropropulsion (an outpatient surgical procedure involving saline solution and manual manipulation until the crystals are expelled from the bladder) if they are inhibiting your cat's urinary function. Cats with oxalate crystals will also benefit from having access to fresh, clean water throughout the day, as this will help to reduce the size and incidence of the crystals.
Urate Crystals
Although more common in dogs than cats, urate crystals can occur if your cat's urine is extremely acidic or if she suffers from a liver or metabolic disorder. Treatment involves surgical removal of crystals if they are causing a blockage or urohydropropulsion. Lower the protein consumption in your cat's diet to help discourage the formation of future urate crystals. As always, allow your cat to have regular access to clean, fresh drinking water.
Symptoms
Symptoms that your cat may be suffering from bladder crystals include an exorbitant amount of time spent in the litter box or urinating outside of the box. There may also be blood in the cat's urine or a white substance on its genitals, and your cat may lick himself frequently. He may also start to vocalize while using the cat box or may excessively paw at the edge of the box.
Prevention
Feed your cat a pH-balanced diet from a reputable pet food company. Offer your cat several small meals throughout the day, rather than forcing him to eat two or three large meals at once, which can lead to extreme alkalinity. Encourage frequent elimination by keeping your cat's litter box clean and in a convenient place.
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