What Do Crystals In Cat Urine Look Like

Crystals in dog urine.

What do crystals in cat urine look like.

The detection of urinary crystals is not synonymous with kidney stones or the clinical signs associated with them nor is detection of urine crystals irrefutable evidence of a stone forming tendency but there is some association with an increased risk for kidney stones in animals that are. The difference lies in the kind of crystals that form in dogs or cats and how they can adversely affect these pets. Different types of crystals may develop if your cat isn t eating a proper complete and balanced diet. These tests will help identify any abnormalities in the bladder kidneys or urinary tract and look for the presence of any larger stones that could pose a medical emergency.

Crystals in cat urine vs. Struvite crystals are microscopic crystals that are found in the urine of some cats. Feed him a primarily meat diet. Struvite specifically is a material that is composed of magnesium ammonium and phosphate.

Crystalluria is a medical condition where crystals are expelled into the urine. The crystals themselves are nearly identical. Symptoms may include blood in the urine nausea and vomiting and pain in the groin or back. Some normal animals can have crystals in their urine although sometimes they are indicative of an underlying issue especially if present in large numbers or accompanied by urinary symptoms.

Crystals in cats also known as feline crystalluria is a medical condition which involves the formation of crystals in the cat s urine. Urinary crystals are microscopic structures that can be found in the urine of many animals including cats. Dogs and cats are different in many ways but both seem predisposed to urine crystal formation. The crystals themselves can be perfectly normal but become problematic when they combine to form grit or stones of varying shapes and sizes.

An ultrasound and x ray may also be performed. Also any condition that changes your cat s urine ph such as kidney disease or long term medication use can cause crystals. To prevent a recurrence of urine crystals or to keep them from forming in the first place look to kitty s diet. Younger cats can develop crystals in their urine just as easily as older cats so age isn t really a factor.

The crystals when found in urine are often shaped like hexagons and may be colorless. These crystals which are microscopic in size tend to appear like fine sand and often occur as part of or because of other conditions. Cats aren t designed to eat grains and vegetables they re carnivores through and through. Interestingly these crystals used to be extremely rare but now account for roughly half of feline urinary crystals.