It’s important to know that cats are obligate carnivores and actually have no physiological requirement for carbohydrates. Thus, we see inflammation and the pH of the urine is off which predisposes to bacterial infections. These crystals occur because the diets may be too high in ammonium, phosphate, and magnesium or other minerals that lead to the formation of these bladder irritating crystals. If your cat is being fed an inappropriate diet, this will cause the urine pH to be off, predisposing your cat to forming struvite or calcium oxalate crystals.Ĭommonly this occurs when your cat is on a high-carbohydrate ultra-processed kibble diet. The ideal pH of the urine should be neutral, around 6.0-7.0. Urinary bladder crystals are the number one cause of irritation in the bladder, and if not treated can lead to your cat being blocked (or not being able to urinate, especially in male cats) or having cat urine problems.Ĭrystals can form in the urine when the pH of the urine is either too alkaline (high) or too acidic (too low). Common Causes of Cat UTIs Bladder crystals These urinary conditions can occur at any age, but are usually seen in middle-aged, overweight cats that don’t have a lot of environmental enrichment, are in multi-cat households, are prone to stress, and eat a dry kibble diet. There are numerous causes for cat UTIs, whether bacterial or inflammatory. There are a variety of conditions that cats can get that affect the urinary tract that is labeled a feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD).Ī bacterial UTI occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract, usually by ascending up the urethra and entering the bladder. How does a cat get a urinary tract infection (bladder infection)? Your cat may have inflammation in their bladder without an infection which is called cat cystitis or sterile urinary tract inflammation. This can include the bladder, the urethra (where urine comes out of the body), or even the kidneys.Īn important fact to know about cat UTIs is that it’s not always a bacterial infection. What is a cat urinary tract infection?Ī urinary tract infection can affect any part of the cat’s urinary system. However, there are many natural home remedies for cat UTIs (urinary tract infections) that you can use to prevent and even help treat your cat’s urine problems. Cats with urinary tract infections are no fun and can even turn into an emergency.

Uti treatment at home