What kind of stones do cats have? - briefly
Cats typically pass small, hard, and round stones known as urinary crystals or calculi (stones) when they have urinary tract issues such as bladder stones. These stones are usually composed of minerals like calcium oxalate, struvite, or urate.
What kind of stones do cats have? - in detail
Cats, like many other animals, can develop stones in their urinary system, which is known as urolithiasis. These stones typically form in the bladder but can also occur in the kidneys or ureters. They are composed of various minerals and can significantly impact a cat's health if left untreated.
The most common types of stones found in cats include:
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Struvite Stones: These are made up of magnesium, ammonium, and phosphate. Struvite stones are often associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially those caused by certain bacteria that produce urease, an enzyme that breaks down urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide. The increased alkalinity of the urine promotes struvite stone formation.
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Calcium Oxalate Stones: These are composed of calcium and oxalate, which is a byproduct of metabolism. Calcium oxalate stones can form in cats with hypercalcemia (high blood calcium levels) or those on high-protein diets, as these conditions increase the excretion of calcium and oxalate in the urine.
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Urate Stones: Urate stones are made up of uric acid salts. They can form in cats with abnormal purine metabolism or those on high-purine diets, as these conditions lead to increased uric acid excretion in the urine.
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Cystine Stones: These are rare in cats but can occur in those with a genetic disorder called cystinuria, which causes excessive excretion of the amino acid cystine in the urine. Cystine stones can form due to the low solubility of cystine in urine.
The formation of these stones is influenced by several factors, including diet, hydration, pH of the urine, and individual cat physiology. Proper diagnosis through a veterinarian is crucial for determining the type of stone present and developing an appropriate treatment plan. Treatment options may include dietary changes, medication to dissolve or prevent stones, and in some cases, surgery.
Regular monitoring and early intervention are essential to manage urinary stones effectively and maintain a cat's overall health.