Does Cat Pee Crystallize When It Drys?
If you’ve noticed that your cat’s urine has a tendency to crystallize when it dries out, you may be wondering if this is a sign of chronic cystitis or urinary tract infection. If so, you’re not alone. Several factors can contribute to the development of these crystals, including your cat’s diet. Dry cat food, for example, can cause your pet to pee more often than normal.
Symptoms of crystalluria
If you have seen crystals in your cat’s pee, it might be a sign of urinary tract infection. However, crystals in the urine may also indicate something else. Super-saturated minerals in the urine may precipitate out as tiny sand-like particles. The underlying cause of crystalluria may be triggered by certain factors, such as genetics and urine pH changes. If your cat is showing signs of crystalluria, consult your vet to determine if this condition is a cause.
Diagnosis of crystalluria requires a urine examination. A sample of the urine is collected from the litter box, a urinary catheter, or a cystocentesis. The sample is then centrifuged to allow crystals to sink to the bottom of the test tube. Your veterinarian can then examine the sample to determine if it contains these crystals. Usually, these crystals can be seen under a microscope.
Treatment options
A veterinarian should be consulted as soon as you notice crystallization in your cat’s urine. While crystalluria is a relatively harmless condition, it can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. A urine analysis can determine the presence of crystals, as well as the underlying medical condition causing them. Treatment options are discussed below. Read on to learn more about cat pee crystallization and its treatment options.
Some treatments include dietary modifications and medications, which can change the chemical composition of your cat’s urine and discourage crystal formation. Your veterinarian may also recommend increasing the amount of water your cat drinks. Using water fountains or flavored water can help encourage your cat to drink more water and therefore pass more diluted urine. By doing so, you will reduce your cat’s risk of developing urinary stones. Listed below are some of the most effective options for treating crystalluria in cats.
Prevention
Preventing cat pee crystallization when it s dries is critical to prevent bladder problems, chronic cystitis, and urinary tract infections. Whether you can avoid your pet from drinking water or not, it is important to keep its water levels balanced. While your cat may not be thirsty, it needs water to stay hydrated, and dry food may be causing the crystals. Regardless of your cat’s lifestyle, it is important to prevent this from happening by feeding your pet a high-quality wet food.
Dry food and too little water can cause struvite crystals to form in your cat’s urine. This highly concentrated urine has a pH of seven, which creates the perfect environment for crystals. While struvite crystals may dissolve on their own, the problem is more serious in cats. If left untreated, they can block the cat’s urethra and result in bladder stones that may lead to serious health problems, including kidney failure and even death. Male cats are particularly susceptible to this condition due to their narrow urethras and length.
