Symptoms, Causes & Natural Remedies

Struvite crystals are a type of mineral crystal that can form in the urinary tract of cats. These crystals can cause significant discomfort and pain for cats and can sometimes lead to a urinary tract infection or even blockage, which can be life-threatening. In this guide, we will discuss the symptoms, causes, and natural treatments for struvite crystals in cats.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of struvite crystals in cats can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Frequent urination: Cats with struvite crystals may urinate more frequently than normal.
• Painful urination: Cats with struvite crystals may experience pain or discomfort while urinating.
• Blood in urine: The presence of blood in the urine can be a sign of struvite crystals.
• Straining to urinate: Cats with struvite crystals may strain to urinate or may have difficulty passing urine.
• Lethargy: Cats with struvite crystals may appear lethargic or may have a decreased appetite.

Causes:

The formation of struvite crystals in cats is typically caused by a combination of factors, including diet, dehydration, and bacterial infections. Some of the most common causes of struvite crystals in cats include:

• Diet: A diet that is high in magnesium, phosphorus, and alkalinity can increase the likelihood of struvite crystal formation.
• Dehydration: Dehydration can make urine more concentrated, which can increase the risk of crystal formation. Feeding a dry food diet will put cats at a higher risk. 
• Bacterial infections: Bacterial infections in the urinary tract can lead to the formation of struvite crystals.

Natural Treatments:

There are several natural treatments that can be effective in treating struvite crystals in cats. Some of the most common natural treatments include:

1. Increased Water Intake: Ensuring that your cat drinks plenty of water can help to flush out the urinary tract and prevent crystal formation.
2. Diet Modification: Feeding your cat a moisture rich diet that is low in magnesium & phosphorus can help to prevent crystal formation.
3. Ascorbic Acid (vitamin C): Pure vitamin C, in the form of ascorbic acid, helps to acidify the urine pH and dissolve struvite crystals in cats.
4. Cranberry Extract: Cranberry extract can help to prevent bacterial infections in the urinary tract.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can help to acidify the urine, which can prevent crystal formation.
6. D-Mannose: D-mannose is a type of sugar that can help to prevent bacterial infections in the urinary tract.

Conclusion:

Struvite crystals in cats can be a serious condition that requires prompt treatment. The symptoms of struvite crystals can include frequent urination, painful urination, blood in urine, straining to urinate, and lethargy. The causes of struvite crystals can include diet, dehydration, and bacterial infections. Natural treatments for struvite crystals in cats can include increased water intake, diet modification, vitamin C, cranberry extract, apple cider vinegar, and D-mannose. If you suspect that your cat may be suffering from struvite crystals, please contact your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis.