Preventing Cat Bladder Problems

Cat bladder issues are among the most common and potentially dangerous a cat can face. Yet cat bladder problems are also among the easiest to prevent. By learning the causes of these problems you can structure your cat’s care to discourage the urinary crystals and the bacterial infections that are at the core of so many cat bladder problems.

The main methods of preventing cat bladder problems are through a managed diet, a high intake and output of fluids: water going in, urine coming out to flush the system, and through dietary supplements intended to serve as antibacterial agents, soothing and healing agents, ingredients to prevent bacterial from being able to establish colonies, and through diuretic action supporting the dietary and liquid management already listed.

Dietary management comes in the form of specially formulated foods recommended or prescribed by your veterinarian. These alter the chemical balance of your cat’s urine, making it a poor home for bacterial and ensuring minimal possible crystal growth. In nature cats draw most of their water from food, so also consider a switch from dry to canned foods, which contain 60%+ more water.

Fluids are more obvious: to deal with cat bladder issues the idea with fluids is to keep them flowing in and out of the cat quickly and at high volume, preventing crystals from forming, preventing them from collecting and forming larger lumps, preventing them from irritating tender tissues, and flushing any crystals and bacteria out of the bladder fast-fast-fast. If your cat will drink it, add some cranberry juice to your cat’s water. Berries have natural properties which keep bacteria from clinging to the walls of the bladder. Also, consider using more than one water dish in the house to encourage increased drinking.

Your veterinarian may suggest you lightly salt your cat’s food, again to encourage drinking, and they will also suggest you make sure the cat’s pan is clean all the time: cat’s will “hold their water” for hours rather than have to use a dirty, smelly pan frequently.

Once these elements are dealt with, you may look into supplements to help discourage cat bladder problems. The common, safe ingredients found in reliable formulas include berberis, cantharis and staphysagris. Uva ursi, cranberry, and blueberry are also often elements of safe formulas. These varied ingredients have been shown to be safe and effective, promoting urination, acidifying urine, blocking bacteria from establishing colonies.

These formulas can sooth and strengthen your cat’s urinary system, provide antibacterial benefits, and reduce many cat bladder problems before they can ever become severe — or help heal the problems after they are detected.

Using the three-way attack on cat bladder problems you can get a head start on preventing bladder blockages and more. Take good care of your cat: give him the best medical treatment before he’s sick instead of just after.

Jeff Grill is an editor of the Cat Health Guide and has written on many feline health problems. See this site for more information on cat bladder problems and related treatment options.

Start this treatment to heal your cat’s bladder problems or feline urinary tract infection today.