Attention Cat Lovers: My sister has a cat with urinary problems. Could you recommend a cat food with a low PH?

Attention Cat Lovers: My sister has a cat with urinary problems. Could you recommend a cat food with a low PH? Please help me Cat lovers.

My sister's cat needs special food that has a low PH. Miss Kitty has Struvite crystals in her urine. I am certain her kitty isn't the only one.

What cat foods do you recommend? I would love a list of cat foods designed to help kitties with urinary problems. Right now the prescription cat food she is using is very pricey.

She will stick with it if it is the only/best option, but we would appreciate knowing of other brands. I am sorry, but I don't remember her brand's name. Thank you!

Asked by Lady_Wolf_is_Lost 51 months ago Similar Questions: Attention Cat Lovers sister cat urinary problems recommend food low PH Recent Questions About: Attention Cat Lovers sister cat urinary problems recommend food low PH Pets > Cats.

Similar Questions: Attention Cat Lovers sister cat urinary problems recommend food low PH Recent Questions About: Attention Cat Lovers sister cat urinary problems recommend food low PH.

It is good to know that... ...the problem is Struvite crystals rather than Oxalate crystals. The beneficial changes in urine pH are exactly the opposite for the two different crystals. I have put the names of suggested foods in bold type so they are easy to pick out from my discussion.

One food to check into is Waltham’s SO urinary or Waltham S/O Control pHormula for Cats, which helps prevent both oxalate and struvite crystals and helps dissolve struvite crystals. The canned form contains more water and so should increase urination. This is the best food for the condition.

It is expensive but may only be needed for a couple of months at a time. OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER: Dry diets are supposed to be the major culprits in promoting FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease) in cats so consider switching to wet or canned food if your cat will accept the change. Supposedly allowing free-feeding keeps the urine alkaline all the time which can encourage the development of Struvite crystals, so many vets suggest restrict feedings to twice a day.

Some folks advocate adding powdered DL-Methionine to your cat's food. This amino acid helps maintain your cat’s urine pH balance around 6.6, which is normal and does not encourage crystal formation. However, some cats need a lower pH of around 6.0.

Something else to consider is that this supplement is mostly made in China and recent experience makes that a negative. Obese cats are more prone to FLUTD than are their slimmer counterparts, so weight control is an important preventive measure to follow as well. Active cats drink more water so encourage exercise.

This will also help prevent (or treat) obesity. Because of its high calcium and mineral content, cow’s milk should never be offered to those individuals prone to FLUTD. Clean litter boxes and multiple litter boxes encourage more frequent urination.

Always allow easy access to clean fresh water. Filtered or distilled water is likely to have fewer minerals in it. Some brands of Spring water may still have unsafe levels of minerals in them.

Cold water is preferred to warm water. Some cats prefer the flowing water in fountains available at places like PetsMart. Lowering dietary magnesium has been thought to be important in lowering the risk of struvite formation in cats.

This is not true if the magnesium is in the form of magnesium chloride. The difference appears to be that magnesium oxide causes alkaline urine, and magnesium chloride results in the formation of acidic urine. It should be recognized that if a cat eats too much, he is also consuming more magnesium than is recommended.

The excess mineral will need to be excreted in the urine, and may increase the risk of stone formation. In addition, fish-based cat foods are higher in magnesium and so should be avoided. I have to say that all of my cats (some 20 or so over the years) have eaten dry food primarily and are allowed free feeding, but none have developed FLUTD.

I do feed a premium dry food: for many years I fed Hill's Science Diet Feline Maintenance Light and later Hill's Science Diet Senior and now I vary between Blue Buffalo (corn free) and Natural Choice Indoor Senior. I also do make sure to have multiple water sources available so my cats should have no barriers to drinking enough water. Increased water consumption helps increase the number of urinations each day, effectively keeping the bladder flushed out and the urine dilute so crystals don’t form.

However, since some cats seem to have a genetic predisposition to forming crystals it could just be sheer luck. FIVE THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN FOODS TO PREVENT FLUTD: 1. What’s the Most Common Ingredient?

The first and most common ingredient that should be listed is protein - meat or fish. Read the label carefully - here’s some variations you could see: Canned cat food: Beef Chicken Liver Deboned Chicken Beef Broth Dry cat food: Chicken Organic Chicken Herring Meal Chicken Meal Some other good ingredients that will help your kitty maintain good urinary tract health are blueberries and cranberries. Vegetables such as carrots are good, and rice is a good grain for your kitty to consume.

2. Are There Any By-Products? Are by-products listed as one of the ingredients?

If so, put that food back on the shelf and keep looking. By-products are filler material, and have limited nutritional value for your kitty. By-products are typically carbohydrates, and since cats are carnivores, they need protein, not carbs, for proper nutrition.

Here are some examples of by-products: Canned cat food: Corn gluten meal Ground yellow corn Soybean meal Beef By-Products Meat By-Products Dry cat food: Ground Yellow Corn Chicken By-Product Meal Corn Gluten Meal Wheat flour Corn Meal Soy flour 3. How Much Moisture Is In the Cat Food? What’s the percentage of moisture in the cat food you’re evaluating?

The higher the number, the better for your kitty. More moisture means your cat will urinate more. Increased urination will flush out any crystals that may be trying to form in your cat’s urinary tract.

Canned cat food has a higher moisture content than dry. 4. How Much Magnesium Does the Cat Food Contain?

An excess of magnesium will contribute to struvite crystal formation (FLUTD). Some magnesium is necessary, but generally look for cat food that has a maximum of 0.025% magnesium to prevent struvite crystals. 5.

Does the Cat Food Contain DL-Methionine? DL-Methionine is an amino acid with sulfur, which helps regulate ammonia formation in urine. This amino acid helps maintain your cat’s urine pH balance around 6.6, which is normal and does not encourage crystal formation.

BEST FOODS TO PREVENT FLUTD: Hill’s Science and Prescription Diets S/D Diet: (*Canned or Dry. *) S/D is used most commonly in male cats during an episode. Usually give this diet for 4 - 8 weeks before switching to C/D diet for long term therapy.

S/D is so low in magnesium that it is deficient, but can be given safely for up to 18 months. S/D is the stone dissolving diet. It actually acts to slowly dissolve pre-existing Crystals and small stones in the bladder and kidney areas.

For it to work properly, no other foods, or treats or milk should be given. Restricting your cat to just S/D and water is crucial. Hill’s Science and Prescription Diets C/D Diet: (*Canned or Dry.

*) C/D is a perfect long-term diet for the cat prone to FLUTD. It is very restricted in magnesium but is completely balanced. Use this Diet for long-term maintenance of cats with this problem.

There are multiple flavors now of the canned C/D, making it easier to feed to your finicky cat. Hill’s Science and Prescription Diets Feline Maintenance Light, W/D and R/D Diets: (*Canned or Dry. *) Since S/D and C/D are fattening, these are low calorie forms of these diets.

Iams & Eukanuba Urinary Low pH formula: (*Canned or Dry*) For cats that have struvite crystals, that don’t like C/D. This food has been proven effective in preventing crystals. Iams & Eukanuba Multi-Stage Renal & Low Residue Feline: Although these are for different disorders, they are safe for cats that have this problem.

Waltham S/O Control pHormula for Cats: (*Canned & Dry*) S/O is a special food designed to control the formation of Struvite crystals as well as the formation of Oxalate crystals, a second type of crystal made of calcium. It’s safe for either condition, and for cats that won’t eat C/D or S/D a good substitute. Purina Pro-Plan, Purina CNM: (*Canned or Dry*) are very safe.

CNM is an analog of C/D. DO NOT confuse these foods with kitten chow or cat chow which are not considered to be safe for cats with this problem. FOODS TO AVOID Foods that can be counted on to cause this condition, and which come up time and time again in cats that first show signs of this problem include CRAVE, MEOW MIX, CHEF’S BLEND and all Generic cat foods.

Second in frequency are foods like 9 Lives, Cat Chow and Friskies. Sources: http://maxshouse.com/feline_urological_syndrome_fus.htm AND http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=1&cat=1402&articleid=2729 AND http://quikonnex.com/channel/item/11843 AND http://www.swancorner.com/feilineurologicsyndrome.html darwin™'s Recommendations The Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, Disorders of the Feline Lower Urinary Tract Used from: $0.17 Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice: Disorders of the Feline Lower Urinary Tract II: Diagnosis and Therapy (Veterinary Clinics of North America, Volume 26, Number 3) Used from: $10.01 .

Poor Kitty..... Cats can form several different types of crystals. Longterm control to prevent crystal formation is usually dietary, with the type of diet being determined by the type of crystal present. The most common crystal is the struvite crystal, also known as the triple phosphate crystal or the magnesium ammonium phosphate crystal.

We used to think that this type of crystal formed as the result of high ash content in the food. We now know that multiple factors lead to struvite crystal formation including the pH of the urine, the amount of magnesium and phosphorus excreted in the urine, the length of time urine stays in the bladder before the cat urinates, and the concentration of the urine. Foods formulated to prevent struvite crystal formation produce an acid urine, have lower levels of magnesium and ash, have higher salt content to encourage more drinking which leads to more dilute urine and more frequent urination.

The bladder is emptied more quickly so crystals have less time to form. Many over-the-counter cat foods are formulated to prevent struvite crystal formation, but some severely affected cats need a more restricted prescription diet. Some cats will continue to form crystal despite our best efforts.

Struvite crystalluria is diagnosed via a urinalysis. You can buy some good OTC low PH cat foods. However, you shouldn't change foods until the problem is under control.

My vet, after diagnosing my older cat with crystals, told me that the OTC brands are not good for active problems, but that it's okay once you have the problem under control (no blood). I feed my cat Flint River Ranch Kitten and Adult Cat Food Formula it has 0.08% magnesium. It costs about 17.00 for a 6 lb bag.

I get it from the local pet store. But you can order it online at: aplus-flint-river-ranch.com/flint-river-... Try this site for a few other brands with low PH: http://www.nextag.com/low-ph-cat-food/search-html Once your sister's cat is well she should see that he/she gets more water in her/his diet that means some canned food (also with a low ph) as well as dry. Try getting a drinking fountain.

In nature moving water is much fresher than stagnant water. The movement constantly breaks the surface tension of the water and draws oxygen from the air into the water. Cats seem to like them and drink more water In nature moving water is much fresher than stagnant water.

The movement constantly breaks the surface tension of the water and draws oxygen from the air into the water. Information about Struvite Crystals *Carla*'s Recommendations Drinkwell the Original Pet Fountain .

Urinary problems I would highly suggest that your sister stick with the prescription food that the vet has recommended. I know it's not cheap, but it's probably the best for the cat. We use Science Diet.

Our cat has gone through this, and it's not fun! After a urinary blockage, we got him on the prescription food, which is a pain due to the price and that we can only get it at the vet's office. And one weekend we ran out (poor planning on our part).

Well, the local store sells a Purina version of food for cats with urinary problems-the crystals, specifically. Well, he was only on it a day or so and ended up having to go back to the vet for another blockage. Any savings on the cheaper food was quickly eaten up by a hefty vet bill, plus discomfort for the cat.

We've never since let that happen. We have since, due to the cats diabetes, had to go to a diabetic food and now a kidney food. His diabetic food was one of the recalled ones, and he had some kidney damage, although that has pretty much healed itself, the vet said.

All the prescription foods seem to be fine with his urinary situation; but we don't dare give him any other dry cat food. He is also fine with any canned cat food, but isn't a good eater of it and prefers dry. I would encourage your sister to use the prescription food from the vet to prevent further problems; I have a friend who ended up having to have her cat in surgery to open up the blockage and who since then the cat can only use certain cat litters that are dust free.

*Poppet*'s Recommendations The Curse of Miss Kitty Amazon List Price: $14.99 Used from: $0.01 Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (based on 4 reviews) .

When a cat has urinary problems, his food needs to not only have a low pH, but to be low in Magnesium and Ash also. Unfortunately, it is hard to find a cat food that states the pH level, sometimes if they do it is incorrect. Premium brands are what you need to look for.

They don’t contain harmful fillers such as ash. Magnesium in the food should also be avoided! Therefore, rather than try to find a label that has a low pH level, it is better to look for a premium cat food, such as Wellness, Nature's Variety, Innova Evo, Merrick, Newman's.

Complete list is shown below. Some other things that will help his urnary problem are: Never leave food out for your cat to eat all day. It causes weight gain and many other problems.

You should feed him only twice a day. Feeding a meat based canned food is best. Canned food has a higher water content, which is beneficial to your cat's condition.

Wellness is an excellent canned food and has few preservatives and all human-grade meat. A good plan is to feed canned in the morning and dry in the evening. As soon as they eat the dry, remove what is left.

Keep the water bowl fresh and filled to encourage him to drink more. Here is my "Bible" of cat and dog foods that are all excellent. You can look through it and check the ingredients, but any of these should be good for your cat’s problem.

I have confidence that if you follow these suggestions, your cat's urinary problems should subside! Best of luck to you and your kitty! :-) Free Email Newsletter Request a Catalog Natural Cat Food Natural dry, canned and raw cat food available from Wellness, Innova, Honest Kitchen, Nature’s Variety, Nature’s Logic, Merrick, Natural Balance and more.

Questions about natural pet food? Please read our Quick Guide to Natural Pet Food and What You Need to Know About Your Pet’s Food written by our holistic veterinarian. Search Results - We found 88 products for "Natural Cat Food" Sort by : Relevancy Price Ascending Price Descending Name A-Z Name Z-A list | grid Items Per Page: 12 20 28 1 to 12 (of 88 ) Wellness Canned Cat Food From $1.09 Features all human grade ingredients of nutritious proteins and fresh, whole cranberries and blueberries to help maintain proper urinary tract health.

Nature’s Variety Raw Food Diets From $5.99 Raw diet containing 95% freshly ground USDA meat and certified organic fruits, vegetables, and cold processed Norwegian Virgin Salmon Oil. Nature’s Variety Freeze Dried Diets From $25.99 95% ground USDA meat, organs, and bones. Organic sprouts, fruits, vegetables, and cold processed Norwegian Virgin Salmon Oil.

Tiki Cat Premium Wild Caught Canned Cat Food From $0.79 Premium wild caught seafood for cats! Made with the highest quality, human grade, whole seafood ingredients. 9 delicious flavors.

Innova EVO Dry Cat Food From $19.59 High in protein and low in carbs, this grain-free formula supplies the key nutritional benefits of a raw food diet. By supplying a high level of quali ... Merrick Gourmet Canned Cat Food From $1.09 Meals that combine human grade meat, seafood, fresh vegetables and fruits. Nature’s Variety Instinct Canned Cat Food From $1.79 Give your cat a hearty and nutritious diet, free of grains and fillers.

Instinct is made with 95% real meat or single-source animal protein meals. Innova EVO Canned Cat Food From $1.59 High in protein and low in carbs, this grain-free formula supplies the key nutritional benefits of a raw food diet. Newman’s Own Organics Canned Cat Food From $1.29 Healthy cat food produced without using herbicides, pesticides, artificial fertilizers, irradiation, chemical additives, or preservatives.

Castor & Pollux Organix Feline Formula Organic Cat Food From $1.093 An excellent source of complete protein and amino acids essential for adult maintenance. All natural with added vitamins and minerals. Natural Balance Ultra Premium Canned Cat Food From $0.79 A complete and balanced premium cat food with meat from USDA approved plants and no by-products, plus cranberry powder.

Wellness Complete Health Adult Dry Cat Food From $1.093 Wellness features human grade deboned chicken and chicken liver as the first ingredients, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy grains, and ... 1 to 12 (of 88 ) Sources: http://en.allexperts.com/q/Cat-Food-3490/Proper-PH-Cat-Food.htm Doglover928's Recommendations Natural Balance Chicken & Liver Pat Formula Ultra Premium Canned Cat Food (24/6-oz cans) Average Customer Rating: 4.0 out of 5 (based on 1 reviews) Natural Balance Salmon Formula Ultra Premium Canned Cat Food (24/6-oz cans) Natural Balance Ultra Premium Formula for Cats (16.5-lb bag) Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (based on 2 reviews) Wellness Salmon Dry Cat Food 3 lbs. #1 Natural Life Naturally Premium Entrees Variety Pack for Cats (24/5.5-oz cans) Natural Balance Green Pea and Duck Formula Ultra Premium Cat Food .

You might give this a try We have an older Tom who gets stopped up on occasion. First time, vet had gave him a anti-biotic injection then we followed up for 10 days with oral anti-biotic. Did some Googling and decided that Iams Original Chicken seems to be the lowest in ash of the over-the-counter brands.

It's not cheap, but cheaper than the Science Diet, etc., that the vets sell. Another thing you might try is giving the problem cat a daily 250mg dose of vitamin C. A vet told my wife that the vitamin C helps prevent crystals from forming in the bladder which is what causes the problem.

Cats tolerate it well, and it's inexpensive. Our old Tom's pretty docile about taking, hope your sister's cat is similarly cooperative.

" "why is my cat getting my other cats sick" "CAT FOOD" "Cats! It seems like everyone around me is getting or already has a cat, and I don't know what to do. I am allergic.

" "Why do (most at least) cats like canned cat food better than real meat (e.g. Canned tuna, chicken)? " "what the best cat food? " "Has anyone heard about the cat/dog food problems lately?

I think it killed my cat who died recently..." "Does anyone else spend more on cat litter than they do on cat food? " "Who else has naughty cats that try to wake their owners up in the very wee hours for their packets of wet cat food?

Cats! It seems like everyone around me is getting or already has a cat, and I don't know what to do. I am allergic.

I think it killed my cat who died recently...

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.