Facts and Fallacies Concerning Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease

Of great concern to cat owners is the problem of feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) in cats. Misinformation about urinary tract disease persists. Identifying what is fact and what is fallacy should provide cat owners a deeper understanding of FLUTD. A recent study indicates that five percent of cats presented to veterinary clinics were diagnosed with FLUTD.

FALLACY: Feline Urologic Syndrome (FUS) describes lower urinary tract disease.

FACT: This term is too limiting. Too often it becomes associated with a specific disease. The affected cat could be suffering from one of several urinary diseases that have common symptoms.

Factors associated with lower urinary tract disease include stress, obesity, viral and bacterial infections, anatomic abnormalities, genetics or differences among breeds (Persians have a higher incidence and Siamese a lower incidence). Other forms of FLUTD involve the formation of struvite crystals or stones which can cause obstruction of the urinary tract. This may be a life threatening condition and requires prompt veterinary care.

FALLACY: Some people believe dietary ash is associated with lower urinary tract disease.

FACT: The ash content of pet foods does not cause or contribute to urinary tract disease. Ash is the measure of the total mineral content found in a particular cat food. Ash refers to the inorganic portion of a measured pet food sample following a laboratory analysis in which the sample is burned at 600 degrees centigrade for two hours. Ash is a necessary part of any nutritionally complete and balanced cat food because it contains essential minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium and manganese. A diet low in ash could be low in calcium or any other of these nutrients and be detrimental to a cat.

FALLACY: Magnesium plays a pivotal role in the dietary management of FLUTD.

FACT: Current research shows that magnesium has little importance in the management of FLUTD.

Research in the 1970’s showed that high magnesium diets could cause an obstruction in cats, if the magnesium was in the form of magnesium oxide (not used in commercial cat foods). When diets were fed using magnesium in the form of magnesium chloride at high levels, no blockage occurred. This form of magnesium also acidified the urine.

Studies determined that what is important is the acidity of pH of the urine of a cat. Acidity interferes with the formation of struvite crystals and an alkaline urine can contribute to their formation.

FACT: At high pH, above 6.6 or higher, struvite crystals tend to form and blockage may occur. If the pH is below 6.5, crystals are less likely to develop and urinary blockage is less likely to occur. A cat’s urine normally ranges form around 5.5 to 8.0. Diets that result in a pH below 6.5 decrease the likelihood of struvite crystal and stone formation.

The feeding schedule also influences the acidity of a cat’s urine. After eating, cats tend to have what is known as an alkaline tide. The pH of the urine increases after a meal and several hours later returns to the acidic range.

When cats are fed free-choice, this alkaline tide is minimized. They experience little peaks and valleys because they are doing what most cats do – nibbling at their food over a period of several hours. The result is a lower, consistent acidic urine pH, especially if the diet is formulated to produce lower urine pH in adult cats. Diets such as Purina Special Care Formula brand cat food produce a lower urine pH in adult cats and provide lower dietary magnesium. They are formulated for adult cats and should not be fed to kittens or pregnant or nursing females.

FALLACY: Diet will prevent FLUTD

FACT: FLUTD can have several contributing causes so no diet alone can claim to prevent FLUTD.

Based on current knowledge, here are steps to be taken in addition to diet to help reduce FLUTD:
Fresh drinking water should be available at all times in a clean, nontippable bowl.
Feed free choice.
Minimize stress factors such as sudden changes in environment or diet, exposure to harsh weather conditions and emotional upsets.
Cats should be kept at a proper weight. If you have questions about your cat’s body condition, consult your veterinarian.
To help ensure your cat’s overall good health, always schedule regular veterinary checkups.