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Crystals in the Urine in Cats
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 08/24/2016Updated: 11/16/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Michele K.
What is Crystals in the Urine?
Cats who present with crystalluria need to be seen by a veterinarian in order to properly identify the crystals and diagnose any underlying conditions that may be causing them to form.
The development of crystals in the urine, or crystalluria, occurs when normal minerals that float in the urine bind to each other. Crystalluria often occurs as part of another condition. The microscopic crystals have the appearance of fine sand. Though crystalluria isn't always indicative of an accompanying condition or illness, such as a urinary tract infection or kidney stones, the formation of crystals puts the cat at an increased risk of these problems. A urinary blockage due to crystals in the urine is an emergency, and the cat needs to see a veterinarian immediately.
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Symptoms of Crystals in the Urine in Cats
Though the main symptom of crystalluria is the appearance of fine crystals in freshly-expelled urine, other symptoms from accompanying conditions may also occur. Because crystals in the urine that are passed in the litter box may be missed by pet owners, other symptoms may help pet owners discover something is wrong with their cat. These symptoms may include:
- Blood in the urine
- Straining to urinate
- Passing only small amounts of urine
- Frequent licking of the genitalia
- Urinating outside of the litter box, such as on the bed or carpet
- Depression
- Irritation
- Passing no urine, which is a medical emergency.
Since many of these signs can indicate a problem, it is best to have your cat seen right away if they are displaying any of them.
Causes of Crystals in the Urine in Cats
Crystalluria may be caused by the following:
- Oversaturation of minerals in the urine
- High concentration of crystallogenic substances in urine
- Dehydration
- Off-balance urine pH that is too acidic or alkaline
- Urinary tract infection
- Breed disposition, such as Persian, Burmese or Himalayan
- Medications
- Radiology diagnostic agents, such as radiopaque contrast agents
- Improper diet
Diagnosis of Crystals in the Urine in Cats
The veterinarian will ask for the cat's health history, which will include any recent symptoms of urinary problems. The veterinarian will examine the cat and look for any irritation in the genital area. Because crystalluria may indicate the presence of bladder or kidney stones, the veterinarian will also gently feel the cat's abdomen, feeling for the presence of any large stones.
A urinalysis is the best test in order to identify crystalluria. The four most common types of crystals, calcium oxalate, uric acid, struvite, and cystine, can be isolated and identified with a urinalysis. The urinalysis will also test the urine pH, look for the presence of any white blood cells, bacteria, and protein in the urine.
If the veterinarian wants to take a sterile urine sample, this is done with a procedure called cystocentesis. During cystocentesis, a needle will be inserted through the cat's skin into the bladder. The veterinarian will take a sample of the urine before withdrawing the needle. A sterile urine sample allows the veterinarian to look at the urine without any contamination from the cat's urethra or genitals.
An ultrasound and x-ray may also be performed. 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.
Treatment of Crystals in the Urine in Cats
Fluid Therapy
If the cat is severely dehydrated, it may be necessary for the veterinarian to give the cat fluids intravenously. If the cat is just mildly dehydrated, increasing fluids orally is essential. These extra fluids will help flush out the cat's bladder, improving its concentration. It's important that the cat is given fresh water several times a day as cats may reject water that is too old or has debris in it.
Modified Diet
Cats should be fed a diet that consists of both wet and dry food. The veterinarian may also place the cat on a prescription diet aimed at correcting the cat's pH levels. It is important to keep the cat well-hydrated to prevent additional crystals from forming.
Medications
Because crystals can irritate the cat's bladder and cause an infection, the cat may be prescribed an antibiotic in order to prevent an infection from occurring. Pain relievers may also be prescribed if the crystals are causing the cat significant pain.
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Recovery of Crystals in the Urine in Cats
The veterinarian will want to see the cat every three to six months in order to perform a urinalysis to ensure that crystals are no longer present in the urine and that the urine pH has returned to normal. Any other accompanying conditions, such as a urinary tract infection or bladder stones, will also need to be monitored. If symptoms don't improve or worsen, the cat should immediately be seen by a veterinarian in order to determine if stones have formed that may be stopping the flow of urine.
Crystals in the Urine Average Cost
From 345 quotes ranging from $200 - $800
Average Cost
$300
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Crystals in the Urine Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Feline
Five Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Full Bladder, Can'T Jump, Not Eating
We noticed last Tuesday night (10 days ago) our cat was not active like normal. Wednesday morning he had been laying in the bathroom sink all night. Wasn't active again, we took him to the vet. They kept him for bladder crystals. Did a catheter and gave him antibiotics. They kept him until Saturday morning in which we took him home. He still wasn't walking, eyes not focusing, urine slowly dripping, and not eating. He went back to the vet Tuesday and has been there since. They are ready to put him down. Say his bladder is paralysed. When they put pressure on his full bladder, urine will leak.
Sept. 26, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay in my reply, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
I am sorry that that has happened to your cat. Unfortunately, some cats do metabolize dry food differently, and can have significant urinary problems.
Oct. 19, 2020
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Cat
Bean
5 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Hair Pulling
I adopted a five-year-old spayed cat who had some issues with pulling her hair out on her legs, belly, and tail. The vet did treat with a steroid shot and a two-week antibiotic because she had some scabs on her belly. She still pulls hair out and she doesn’t seem all right to me. I noticed chunks in the litter box that were the size and shape of dice. They didn’t seem like dissolved litter. My vet suggested $360 of allergy testing. I’m looking for a second opinion. Thank you.
Sept. 20, 2018
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Crystals in the Urine Average Cost
From 345 quotes ranging from $200 - $800
Average Cost
$300
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