What should I feed my cat with bladder stones at home during this time? - briefly
To manage your cat's bladder stones at home, ensure they consume a diet specifically formulated for urinary health, such as Hill's Prescription Diet c/d or Royal Canin Urinary SO, which can help dissolve struvite stones and prevent new ones from forming. Additionally, provide plenty of fresh water to promote hydration and support overall urinary tract health.
What should I feed my cat with bladder stones at home during this time? - in detail
When caring for a cat with bladder stones, it's crucial to provide a diet that supports urinary health and promotes the dissolution of the stones. Here are some key aspects to consider when feeding your cat during this period:
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Wet Food vs Dry Food: Wet food is generally preferred over dry food for cats with bladder stones. This is because wet food has a higher moisture content, which helps dilute the urine and reduce the concentration of minerals that can contribute to stone formation. Additionally, wet food often contains fewer calories, which can be beneficial if your cat needs to lose weight as part of their treatment plan.
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Specialized Urinary Diets: There are specialized diets formulated specifically for cats with urinary issues. These diets are designed to reduce the risk of stone formation and promote overall urinary health. They typically contain lower levels of magnesium, phosphorus, and protein, which can help minimize the factors contributing to stone development. Examples include Hill's Prescription Diet c/d Multicare, Royal Canin Urinary SO, and Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR Urinary Oxalate.
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Increased Water Intake: Ensuring your cat drinks plenty of water is essential for diluting the urine and preventing stone formation. You can achieve this by providing multiple water bowls around the house, using a water fountain designed for cats, or adding a small amount of low-sodium chicken broth to their food. Some cats may also benefit from ice cubes made from low-sodium chicken broth.
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Gradual Transition: If you need to switch your cat's diet, do so gradually over the course of 7-10 days to avoid digestive upset. Mix increasing amounts of the new food with decreasing amounts of the old food until the transition is complete.
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Avoid Certain Foods: It’s important to avoid foods that can exacerbate urinary issues. These include high-calcium treats, table scraps (especially those containing bones or high levels of salt), and any human foods not specifically approved for cats by a veterinarian.
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Regular Veterinary Check-ups: While managing your cat's diet at home is essential, regular check-ups with your veterinarian are crucial to monitor your cat’s progress and make adjustments as needed. Your vet may recommend additional treatments such as medications or supplements to support urinary health.
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Consistent Feeding Schedule: Maintaining a consistent feeding schedule can help regulate your cat's urination patterns, which is beneficial for managing bladder stones. Aim to feed your cat at the same times each day and provide access to fresh water throughout the day.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively manage your cat’s diet during this time, supporting their overall urinary health and promoting the dissolution of bladder stones.