Need more advice from those with cats with crystal problems

[Moesha]

I don't know if Morgan has crystals or not. He is at the vet for the weekend. He is a diabetic kitty that is currently being controlled by diet, Purina DM dry. I've never tried giving him the DM canned. I do give him a teaspoon of usually Nine Lives Tuna Select in the morning and the afternoon as a treat. I don't want to have to give him insulin shots again. I think I remember someone here having a kitty or kitties on a grain free dry food for their crystal problems. Maybe I'm getting a couple of ailments confused. I'm going to do research this weekend to be prepared when I go back to the vet's office on Monday. I was just wondering if there was anyone with a cat with this condition. Morgan may have a bladder infection without crystals. The vet didn't do any tests while I was there other than to check and say that his bladder was not full at that time. While I wait for a definite diagnosis, I gather information about all possibilities. Thanks in advance for any additional insight or advice.

[kimlovescats]

Hi! I'm sorry to hear that Morgan isn't feeling well! Hoping for a good report soon!

Kim

[kb2yjx]

I posted on Cat General!!! However, I hope that all will be well for Morgan and you, too!!!

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm sorry to hear about Morgan. My cat Storm has had crystal problems and has even been blocked two times before so he had the PU surgery. He used to be on Royal Canin Urinary S/O formula but is now on the grain free Innova Evo dry and canned food. He's been doing great and hasn't had any more problems since being on this food.

I do make sure to give him plenty of canned food and I mix in some water with it too. I give him this mixture 2 times a day. His last blood test was even better than his previous last 2 have been and nothing had changed except for his diet. I hope that Morgan will feel better soon. I'll keep him in my thoughts and prayers.

[columbine]

It totally depends on which kind of crystals it is - the foods that will make one kind go away can make the other kind worse!

Smudge had struvite stones which were cleared up by Hill's c/d, but he's not diabetic, so it's definitely a question for the vet.

Please keep us posted!

Love, Columbine

[katladyd]

My Siamese boy, Ming, suffers from crystals and blockages from time to time. I feed him the Purina One for Urinary Tract Health and the Friskies Special Diet for Urinary Health. Both seem to do him very well and my other cat enjoys them also (always a plus) . My vet told me to avoid any kind of food that is fish flavored as that can aggravate the condition. So, I feed him the Friskies wet morning and night, 1/2 can at each feeding. He also gets a cup of the dry per day. On top of that, he gets 10 mg. of amitryptiline once a day. He has been on this regimen for awhile now and has not had any crystals or blockages so far (knock on wood!). Sometimes diet alone can control it, but my poor kitty has meds on top of it.

[AvaJoy]

It totally depends on which kind of crystals it is - the foods that will make one kind go away can make the other kind worse!

Smudge had struvite stones which were cleared up by Hill's c/d, but he's not diabetic, so it's definitely a question for the vet.

Please keep us posted!

Love, Columbine

I had the same experience as Columbine. Vet said my cat must be exclusively on Hill's CD, and the most common reason for recurrence is owner noncompliance. Hope Morgan is better soon.

[Jessika]

It totally depends on which kind of crystals it is - the foods that will make one kind go away can make the other kind worse!

Smudge had struvite stones which were cleared up by Hill's c/d, but he's not diabetic, so it's definitely a question for the vet.

Please keep us posted!

Love, Columbine

Exactly. My advice would be to take your vet's advice on what diet would be appropriate. Different stones form in different pH of urine, even a tenth of a change can be the difference between forming stones and not, so it is vital to stick to a diet that works. And sometimes it isn't cheap, but all too often clients will stick to it for a bit, think "oh they're better now", switch to a cheaper food, then BAM problems start all over again.

Especially because of the diabetes, I would definitely ask your vet's advice. Even if it means having to give insulin shots again unfortunately.