Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is pretty common in cats, and when treating it, the diet you provide is essential. This article describes what FLUTD is before discussing what to look for in a cat food for urinary care.
We’ll then review our selection for the eight best cat foods for urinary tract health in 2021, which are:
- Farmina N&D Quinoa Urinary
- Hills Urinary Care c/d
- Hills Urinary Care c/d Wet
- Iams Proactive Health Urinary Tract Health
- Purina Pro Plan Urinary Tract Health
- Blue Buffalo Natural W+U
- Royal Canin Urinary s/o
- Wysong Uretic
What Is Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease?
Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is the collective name given to multiple causes of bladder and urethra issues in cats. These include urine infections, feline idiopathic cystitis, urolithiasis (urinary stones), and urethral obstruction.
Symptoms
During urination, urine travels from the bladder, where it is stored, and passes through the urethra before exiting the body.
If the bladder or urethra becomes obstructed or infected, urination can be difficult for your cat. Felines with FLUTD may exhibit some of the following symptoms:
- Frequent urination.
- Blood in the urine.
- Urinating where they shouldn’t.
- Straining when trying to urinate.
- Meowing in pain when urinating.
- Cleaning their urethral opening more frequently.
Call your veterinarian immediately if your cat displays any of these symptoms. If left untreated, FLUTD can progress to kidney failure—potentially fatal for your furry friend.
Risk Factors
FLUTD can present itself in cats of any age, although it’s more prominent in mature, overweight felines. Males also seem to be more predisposed than females. Other risk factors include lack of exercise, using a litter box, and no outdoor access. Environmental or emotional stressors can also pose a risk.
Diagnosis and Treatment
FLUTD can be difficult to diagnose because there are multiple reasons for it. Firstly your vet will assess your cat’s urine pH and carry out a physical examination. The assessment of your feline’s urine will show if there’s any bleeding, inflammation, infection, or urinary crystals. If they’re still unsure what’s causing the issue they may perform further urine tests along with blood tests, cultures, or x-rays.
How FLUTD is treated will depend on what the cause of it is. Increasing your cat’s water intake is always a good place to start. A vet may also advise you to place your feline on a specialized diet if they find crystals in the urine. These diets should help dissolve the crystals and prevent future stones and blockages.
Struvite crystals are the most common form of crystal found in cat urine. These form from the minerals magnesium, ammonium, and phosphate, and they thrive in alkaline urine. Calcium oxalate crystals aren’t as common as struvite; they form in more acidic urine.
What to Look For in a Urinary Care Cat Food
When looking for food to improve our feline’s urinary health, we want it to do several things.
- Increase water intake-A wet diet will contain high moisture levels. In contrast, a dry diet will sometimes contain added dietary sodium to encourage your cat to drink more. It is advisable to add water to dry kibble or supplement with wet food.
- Decrease mineral intake-Urinary crystals such as struvite and calcium oxalate form when minerals combine in urine. Limiting your cat’s mineral intake helps prevent crystals and blockages from forming.
- Control urine pH-A healthy urine pH level for a cat ranges between 6.3 and 6.6. Any pH lower than this range creates more acidic urine; anything above causes the urine to become more alkaline. Calcium oxalate crystals form in acidic conditions, and struvite crystals may develop in alkaline states. There are different foods available depending on which crystals are present in your cat’s urine.
- Decrease protein intake-Your feline’s kidneys work hard to get rid of the waste created by protein. Less protein means less strain on their kidneys which preserves kidney function.
- Added supplements-Supplements are things like vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants, fatty acids, and probiotics. Manufacturers add extra supplements to their urinary tract diets to alleviate anxiety symptoms and to support overall health.
Reviews of Best Cat Food for Urinary Tract Health in 2021
Farmina N&D Quinoa Urinary
Cats and their humans absolutely adore this cat food, with the only complaint being the price. One customer even said their cat chooses this over their wet food.
This particular food is to help combat struvite crystals which occur when urine pH is alkaline. It contains ammonium chloride and methionine, which help acidify the urine. Magnesium content is low, which prevents struvite crystals from forming.
This product contains lower levels of salt and protein to help maintain kidney function. Ninety-four percent of the protein comes from excellent quality animal sources. Farmina has also added chamomile, frequently used to reduce anxiety and as an anti-inflammatory.
Pros
- Added supplements for anxiety.
- Quality sourced protein.
- Lower levels of protein.
- Helps acidify urine.
- Reduced mineral content.
Cons
- Expensive
Hill’s c/d Multicare Urinary Care
Hills made this urinary care c/d™ to tackle multiple urinary tract issues. Good quality chicken proteins provide your cat with natural antioxidants, taurine, vitamins, and minerals needed for overall health.
It contains controlled magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus levels to reduce the chance of struvite and calcium oxalate crystals forming. It also includes potassium citrate to help prevent blockages. As well as low levels of protein and sodium to help maintain kidney function.
L-tryptophan and hydrolyzed casein are added to Hill’s c/d to reduce stress which can aid in alleviating FLUTD symptoms. Most consumers rate this food highly, their cats enjoy it, and it’s helped dissolve crystals in the urine. However, some pet owners have said it’s made their cat sick.
This diet requires a vet note to purchase.
Pros
- Low protein and sodium content.
- Controlled mineral content.
- Targets multiple urinary tract issues.
- Good quality proteins.
- Added stress relievers
Cons
- Expensive.
- Made some cats sick.
Hill’s c/d Multicare Urinary Care Wet
Hill’s urinary wet diet is a great way to increase your cat’s water intake, and it’s suitable for all life stages. Just like the dry option, it helps prevent multiple urinary tract problems.
Made from great protein sources, real tuna and chicken provide an excellent tasting meal for your feline. It contains controlled levels of magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium, and can dissolve crystals in as little as seven days. This recipe is rich in antioxidants, potassium citrate, and omega-3 fatty acids to prevent blockages and keep your pet in tip-top condition.
Pet owners found the price of this food expensive. However, they’ve rated it highly, confirming that it controls their cat’s urinary tract issues well.
This diet requires a vet note to purchase.
Pros
- High moisture content.
- Good sources of protein.
- Aims to prevents multiple urinary tract issues
- Controlled mineral content
- Helps prevent blockages.
Cons
- Expensive
Iams Proactive Health Urinary Tract Health
Iams proactive health is a complete and balanced food for adult cats that aims to relieve the symptoms of FLUTD. The first ingredient is chicken—full of natural antioxidants, taurine, vitamins, and minerals that support your cat’s overall health.
Containing low levels of magnesium, this diet can lower pH levels in your cat’s urine. Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids will keep your cat’s coat and skin looking great. It also contains the amino acid L-carnitine to help burn fat and support lean muscle mass.
The majority of consumers found that this food worked well and prevented urinary crystal buildup. However, it doesn’t seem to suit all, and a small minority of cats developed struvite crystals.
Pros
- Great protein source.
- Low magnesium content.
- Contains essential fatty acids.
- Contains essential amino acids.
Cons
- Failed to prevent crystals in a small minority of cats.
Purina Pro Plan Urinary Tract Health
This rich hydrating formula is made from real beef and poultry to tickle your cat’s taste buds. It comes in a multipack with three great flavors, so your cat won’t get bored. For adult cats suffering from urinary issues that involve struvite crystals.
This entrée is enriched with antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids to support the overall health of your four-legged friend. As well as optimal protein and fat content to keep your feline in fantastic condition. Its low magnesium content decreases your cat’s urine pH and reduces the risk of crystals forming.
Most cats love the taste of this high-quality protein chow. However, there’s a small minority that turn their noses up at it. Overall, Purina Pro Plan is a great affordable food that can be fed exclusively or accompany a dry diet.
Pros
- Excellent source of protein.
- Dissolves struvite crystals
- Reduced magnesium content.
- High moisture content.
- Contains antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids.
Cons
- Some cats don’t like the taste.
Blue Buffalo Natural W+U Weight Management + Urinary Care
Blue Buffalo Natural W+U is complete and balanced for all life stages; it supports urinary health and weight management.
This is a grain-free diet, great for those cats with intolerances as well as urinary issues. The controlled mineral levels aid in eliminating the formation of both struvite and calcium oxalate crystals.
While calorie and fat content are low, this food also contains L-carnitine to help your cat maintain a healthy weight. It has increased dietary fibers to assist digestion and make your kitty feel fuller for longer. De-boned chicken is the first ingredient, a great source of protein, and no extra calcium from bone content.
Overall, most consumers found that this product works well with their cat; however, it hasn’t cleared up urinary issues on some occasions.
This diet requires a vet note to purchase.
Pros
- Helps maintain a healthy weight.
- Grain-free.
- Prevents struvite and calcium oxalate stones.
- Low calorie and fat content.
- Controlled mineral content.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Doesn’t suit all cats.
Royal Canin Urinary S/O
Royal Canin Urinary S/O is complete and balanced for adult cats suffering from urine crystals or stones.
Enriched in antioxidants, taurine, vitamin E, and C to help maintain overall health. A controlled mineral content keeps urinary pH in the optimum range, dissolves struvite crystals, and prevents struvite and calcium oxalate stones. It also contains restricted levels of protein, from chicken produce, to support kidney health.
Many consumers say that their cat loves Royal Canin S/O, but they feel it’s overpriced. Some reviewers have stated that their cat won’t eat it anymore and have suspicions that there may have been a recipe change.
This diet requires a vet note to purchase.
Pros
- Controlled mineral content.
- Contains antioxidants.
- Reduced protein.
- Helps prevent the recurrence of struvite and calcium oxalate crystals
Cons
- Expensive.
- Some cats have stopped eating it.
Wysong Uretic
Wysong Uretic Dry Cat Food is an affordable alternative to many brands. It’s complete and balanced nutrition for adult cats and
Chicken is the first ingredient, a fantastic source of protein that contains natural antioxidants to help maintain overall health. Low mineral content and added methionine help dissolve struvite stones and prevent their reoccurrence.
In this food, fruit and vegetable content mimics what your cat would consume if they were to eat prey. The low-fat content stops your kitty from gaining those extra pounds, and added prebiotics and probiotics maintain a healthy gut.
Most cats enjoy the taste of Wysong Uretic, but some reviewers have said it doesn’t agree with their cat’s stomach.
Pros
- Low fat content.
- Great protein source.
- Contains prebiotics and probiotics.
- Low mineral content.
- Contains essential amino acids for urinary health.
- Affordable.
Cons
- Some cats are sensitive to this food.
FAQs
Which food is best for a cat with urinary problems, dry or wet?
Either a wet or dry diet is fine, but consider this before deciding what’s best for your feline. When a cat suffers from urinary tract issues, it must be kept hydrated to flush out its bladder. Cats are not big drinkers, so increasing water intake is best done through their food.
The easiest way to do this is by feeding them a wet diet that consists of approximately 75 percent water. On the other hand, kibble contains between five and ten percent water. It’s advisable to supplement a dry diet with canned food or add water to the kibble.
How can I increase my cat’s water intake?
Besides feeding your cat with wet food or adding water to kibble, there are a few other things you could try. Cat’s adore flowing water, so installing a drinking fountain for pets is a great idea.
Another way is to try dishes that differ in size and shape then place them in different areas around the house. Cats can be fussy creatures, and you may find they prefer a specific dish or a particular location.
Can my cat still get FLUTD on a urinary care diet?
Yes, other risk factors contribute to FLUTD, such as lack of exercise and environmental stressors. When a cat is suffering from FLUTD, it is crucial to provide a holistic plan of action. Changing their diet won’t be sufficient if other factors are contributing to the problem.
Final Verdict
When trying to fight urinary issues, the best action is to make sure your cat is well hydrated. For this reason, wet food is an obvious choice when picking our winner.
Our top pick is Hill’s c/d Multicare Urinary Care Wet food. Enriched with vitamins and minerals, it helps prevent the buildup of the two most common urinary crystals in cats. It’s highly hydrating to encourage frequent urination and goes perfectly with Hill’s c/d if your cat’s a kibble lover. Unfortunately, you will need a prescription for this food.
If you’re looking for a prescription-free diet Purina Pro Plan Urinary Tract Health is a fantastic option. With reduced magnesium content, it reduces the risk of your cat developing struvite crystals—a tasty dish containing high-quality meat proteins that will leave your cat licking its lips.