There are several types of feline kidney stones that can affect cats. Although they can occur at any age, they are typically found in middle-aged male cats. It is important to know everything you can about this common condition that may cause problems for your cat. This article will tell you everything you need to know about feline kidney stones.
Causes
There can be many different causes of feline kidney stones. They are commonly caused by an infection of the urinary tract or an infection within the kidney. Feline kidney stones can also be the result of medications or genetic defects. Your cat’s diet can also play a role in the occurrence of kidney stones.
Symptoms
The symptoms of feline kidney stones depend on the size, shape, and location of the stones. Common symptoms include pain in the abdominal area and bloody urination. Some cats also experience vomiting as a result of feline kidney stones. Other cats will get very sick if they also have a severe infection or kidney failure.
Treatment
There are various treatments of feline kidney stones. If the stones aren’t troublesome, the veterinarian may elect just to change the cat’s diet and monitor the situation. If the feline kidney stones cause serious symptoms or kidney failure, they will need to be removed. This is done by surgery or by use of shock waves to break up the stones so they can be passed out in the cat’s urine.
Prevention
There are certain things you can do to prevent feline kidney stones. The most common is putting your cat on a strict stone dissolving diet. If urinary tract infections are the cause of the feline kidney stones, curing them will usually solve the problem. It is also a good idea to make sure your cat has convenient access to water at all times. If you add a little salt to the water, your cat will drink more frequently which will dilute the urine and prevent feline kidney stones.
Feline kidney stones are usually caused by kidney or urinary tract infections. Some of the symptoms your cat will show include abdominal pain, bloody urination, and occasional vomiting. Treatment of feline kidney stones usually involves a dietary change and increased fluid consumption. If they cause serious symptoms, surgery or shock wave treatment may be necessary. The best way to prevent kidney stones is a strict diet and convenient access to water.