Urinary tract issues are very serious for cats. The good news is that you can look to your pet’s diet to help.
Symptoms
Symptoms of lower urinary tract disease can include blood in urine and difficult or more frequent urination. These signs can however be difficult to detect in cats so keep an eye on their cat litter box. Your local Greencross Vets should be your first point of contact if you suspect your cat is unwell. Your vet will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the best treatment, and that might just be a change in diet.
Kibble vs. Wet Food
If your cat is having urinary tract issues, you may find that a diet of wet cat food is better for them. This is because wet cat foods have higher water content. Cats that mainly consume dry food will often drink more water throughout the day due to the lower water content, so it’s important to make sure that your cat always has access to fresh water to avoid dehydration. While wet food has higher water content, it’s still important to ensure your cat has access to plenty of fresh water. While you may choose dry or wet food based on your lifestyle or your cat’s preferences, a combination of both can promote urinary tract health. You’ll also find that it can be easier for your cat to maintain weight on wet cat food, due to the reduced calorie intake. Petbarn offers a range of super premium cat foods and your local team member can help find the right food for your pet.
Changing Diets
Please be aware that if you’re looking to change your cat’s diet, it’s best to do so gradually to avoid overwhelming them or creating gastrointestinal issues. We all know cats can be picky eaters so if you’re unsure on how to approach the transition, we’ve got a guide to help.