Struvite crystals used to be the most common urinary crystal by far. Diets were developed to minimize the risk of developing struvite crystals; this did decrease the number of cases of struvite crystals, but increased the incidence of oxalate crystals. Struvite crystals are still the most common type, but calcium oxalate has closed the gap in the last twenty years. If your cat has oxalate crystals, treatment can include: Balancing urine pH. Calcium oxalate stones are more likely to form in urine that is acidic. The recommended pH level for feline urine is between 6 and 6.5. A more acidic … Continue reading →

The development of urinary crystals in cats depends on several factors, including: Acidity of the urine (pH level) Concentration of certain minerals in the urine How frequently the cat empties his bladder Genetics (especially in the development of oxalate crystals) Depending on what type of crystals your cat has, your veterinarian will develop a treatment plan. If your cat has struvite crystals, treatment can include: Balancing urine pH. The recommended pH level for feline urine is between 6 and 6.5. A more acidic urine can discourage the formation of struvite crystals. Food that has the label “reduces the urine pH … Continue reading →