Comments on: PetMeds®: Are Urinary Tract Infections Common in Cats?

By: Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian

Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 02:43:52 +0000

excellent question. While C/D acidifies cat’s urine to dissolve crystals in many cats, in general, wet food is much better for cats who are obligate meat eaters or carnivores. Meat is mostly protein and fat and water with little carbs. When we feed the feline dry food diets, we are giving them mostly processed carbohydrates which is as far removed from what they evolved to eat as possible. Also feeding carbohydrates(if anything) can accelerate dental disease because of sugar production by salivary enzymes in the mouth.

By: Diane

Diane — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 04:21:36 +0000

Question: Why do so many “experts” recommend wet food over dry food for cats? My long-haired cat developed a urinary tract infection several years ago and my vet put her on Hill’s Science Diet C/D. My cat has not had any more problems of that nature but when I tried to give other food, she throws it up. My vet says I’ll probably have to keep her on the RX diet forever. The Rx diet is a dry food. Also, doesn’t the dry food help with keeping the teeth clean?

By: PetMeds® Illness in Cats Linked to Environmental Changes | 1800PetMeds Blog

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 13:43:39 +0000

[...] refusing food, and avoidance behaviors. Feline urinary tract inflammation flare-ups known as FUS (Feline Urologic Syndrome) also may be affected by environmental factors. Older cats seemed to be more at risk for some of [...]

By: Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian

Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 03:25:28 +0000

You are very welcome. This common frustrating problem for feline guardians is still difficult to cure, however reducing some of the risk factors as gone over in this article can help. If urine culture negative and problem persists, I would certainly suggest x rays or ultrasound of bladder. Many cats will need intermittent medication like buprenex, or phenoxybenzamine or amitryptylline to help control symptoms in chronic recurring cases if no underlying causes can be found.

By: Judy

Judy — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 02:55:24 +0000

Thank you for this helpful article. I wanted to put my Trixie on antibiotics right away because I assumed she had an infection. The emergency hospital vet said not to until we got the test results back first. She did give her a general antibiotic shot but that was all. I gave her oral injections of Buprenex which helped calm her down and relieve what looked like pain when she urinated. She urinated straight out on the wall and outside of the box. Because she couldn’t squat down she couldn’t help but urinate outside the box. She had Buprenex for 4 days twice a day then skipped for a week and back on for 3 days once a day. She urinates in very very small amounts now but doesn’t drink much either. It’s very scary and frustrating. I can’t wait to find out what the culture reveals. I hope she will be ok and doesn’t have any kidney/liver problems or disease. I will stop feeding her and her brother dry food all day long. I leave it out for whenever they want it but that’s going to stop now. I will leave some out at night but not nearly as much anymore. Then slowly cut back at night too.

By: Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian

Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 20:09:32 +0000

You are very welcome

By: Jenny

Jenny — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 20:02:21 +0000

Really great article! I so appreciate you pointing out that UTI’s (urinary tract infections) are rare in cats! I often see on feline health forums people immediately assume “UTI” when urinary concerns are discussed. Inappropriate use of antibiotics with this issue and bacterial resisitance is a concern. This a big veterinary “myth” that needs to change. I guess a lot of vets also believe that UTIs are common. I also appreciate your emphasis and a quality wet, meat-based diet as important to help prevent urinary issues. I think the exercise component is also important. Thank you!!