Urinary issues are very common in cats, and they can be uncomfortable, painful, and stressful for both cats and their people. A recent urinalysis for a patient named Tux provides a helpful example of what we commonly see and how we approach these cases at Balanced Pet NW.
Tux’s urinalysis showed very concentrated urine, an elevated pH, red and white blood cells, bacteria, and a moderate number of struvite crystals. Crystals form most easily in concentrated urine, so our primary goal is to dilute the urine while gently reducing inflammation in a way that supports long-term health.
Prescription urinary diets can be effective, and they do help in many cases. However, they are not always necessary, and are not ideal for cats when fed long-term due to higher starch content and heavy processing. Cats are obligate carnivores, and nutrition that is less processed and lower in starch is often more appropriate for their biology, which in many cases can help resolve urinary issues without relying on highly processed diets.
Our general approach to supporting feline urinary health is as follows:
Increase hydration and dilute the urine.
Crystals form in a very concentrated solution, so we make the urine more dilute by feeding primarily frozen commercial raw, homemade raw or gently cooked, and canned diets. Dry food is minimized as much as possible. There is research in cats showing that feeding canned food alone, regardless of brand, was equivalent to prescription urinary diets in terms of urinary outcomes.
Reduce inflammation through diet.
Lowering starch intake and reducing processing help calm inflammation in the urinary tract. This means avoiding kibble and instead feeding raw, cooked, canned, or freeze-dried diets made from meat, bone, and organs.
Add omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-3 fats help reduce inflammation throughout the body, including the urinary tract. We commonly recommend fish oil, such as Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet and Standard Process VF Omegas (available in-clinic and online) or Grizzly brand fish oil (available at many high-end pet stores).
Address stress and anxiety.
Stress plays a significant role in urinary issues for many cats. Changes in routine, travel, or even family vacations can trigger symptoms in sensitive cats. CBD products made specifically for pets and containing low or no THC can be helpful. We often use ThorneVet Hemp Oil or Standard Process VF Hemp Oil to support relaxation and emotional balance.
Recheck and reassess.
To ensure these changes are working, we will recheck a urinalysis in 6 to 8 weeks. This allows us to confirm that the urine is more dilute and that inflammation and crystals are improving.
In some cases, additional support may be needed. We have many tools available, including Chinese herbal formulas such as Crystal Stone, Three Seeds, or Urinary Formula tinctures, as well as Standard Process Renal tablets. That said, diet change alone is often enough to resolve the issue.
We also now offer an ordering link for Steve’s Real Food on the Resources page of our website. Their frozen raw or freeze-dried pork formula is often a favorite among cats, and there is also an online ordering option that allows for home delivery.
Every cat is an individual, and urinary health is best supported by addressing hydration, nutrition, stress, and the whole body rather than focusing on symptoms alone. If your cat is experiencing urinary issues, we are always happy to help create a plan tailored to their specific needs.
