Urinary tract problems in cats are the most common cause seen in pet clinics. The pH value of urine directly affects the health of the urinary tract, which has been well known to more and more people. Is your cat at risk of urethral crystals? How does the cat’s diet affect the PH value of the urethra? Today, I will reveal these issues for you one by one!

How does urine pH affect cats’ health?

Crystals form primarily in cats’ bladders and urethras, where they can cause inflammation, bleeding, infection, and/or blockage. These symptoms are collectively known as feline lower urinary tract disease. Severe obstruction of the urethra will cause the cat to die within 3 days if not treated.

What is the healthy pH range of cat urine?

Acidic urine is healthy for your cat’s urinary tract. Although the pH range will vary in specific situations, the consensus among experts is between 6.0 and 6.5 (the lower the pH, the more acidic the urine). If the pH of your cat's urine is higher than this range, it can lead to the growth of struvite stones. A pH value below 6.0 will lead to the formation of calcium oxalate crystals.

What factors affect the health of cats’ urinary tract?

1. The concentration of minerals in urine exceeds the standard

Generally speaking, the "ash" substance in cat food is the main factor causing urinary syndrome in cats. "Ash" is the product of mineral combustion, and its incorporation can indicate the specific type and amount of minerals.

Magnesium and phosphorus have also been recently listed as potential contributors to feline urinary syndrome. Some very reputable veterinarians also believe that magnesium oxide may cause alkaline urine and magnesium chloride may cause the formation of acidic urine.

2. Water intake

The kidneys need water to function, and the urinary tract system needs enough fluid to remove extra minerals from the body. A cat that drinks enough water will urinate more frequently, which will help prevent crystals from forming.

How does a cat’s diet affect urinary tract health?

The two are closely linked, so many high-quality cat food manufacturers publish target urine pH ranges for different formulations of cat food. This is much more specific and sincere than those products claiming to be "low gray". For example, the target pH range marked on Revart EVO dry cat food is 6.2-6.4.

Therefore, poop scrapers have information to refer to when purchasing cat food. If the pH value range is not marked on the cat food, you can call the manufacturer for consultation.Or choose other brands with marked pH value.