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
Top
Crystals in the Urine Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Munchkin
Kiwi
1 Year
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Blood In Urine
Licking At Genitals
Urinating Outside Litterbox
My 1.5 year old male cat was diagnosed with struvite Crystal's about 1 month ago. We were given antibiotics, pain meds, and recommended a perscription diet. We gave Kiwi the meds, but not the perscription diet. Instead we switched him over to 90% wet food With water(Weruva) and 10% dry (Acana). We fed him foods containing beef, as it acidifies the urine, and we added 5ml of apple cider vinegar to each meal. We have a pH test kit and the urine dropped to 6-6.5 after a few days. All was good. About 2 1/2 weeks later we noticed blood in his urine again with more frequent visits to the box. We went back to the vet to get a second course of antibiotics. We also added a cranberry supplement to his food. After a few days his urine was back to normal again. Today, 2 weeks after the first recurrence, there was a small amount of blood in the urine again and the pH was about 6.5-7. So my question is, why does this keep coming back? Is it just the natural course of the crystals clear? He is getting plenty of water and the pH is generally good, however he does have a history of stress and anxiety.
Aug. 24, 2018
1 Recommendations
Infections may cause issues in these cases and may recur, if there is evidence of recurrent urinary tract infections you should think about a culture and sensitivity test to be on the safe side; however, even with dietary changes and medical management if can take a few weeks for overall improvement to be seen. There is a balance between diet (need to get pH below 6 ideally) and this is why a prescription diet would be more suitable during the treatment phase; also urinalysis to look for evidence of crystals or other issues would also be useful. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 24, 2018
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Barn cat
Minor
8 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Puking Blood, Stubbing, Drag His Be
Hi I’m Lorraine my cat is 8 years old and have been limping off and on for the past 3 years but it never cripple him from doing anything. Since January a few times a month I was picking up puke that was very dark with a little bit of blood but it use to pass and never stop him from eating or drinking. Since that time I have also notice that he was miaowlling differently when you touch his back - spinal cord. Now Tuesday I came back from work and the floor was covered with puke that was still bloody. Friday when I came home from work he hadn’t move and his litter box had nothing in it and his food was not touch. Saturday and today, his been dragging his behind and sleeping close to his water bowl but he looks at it more then he drinks. I had spent thousands of dollars on my pet to be sent home after his operation to have 3 months before she died of cancer. I just don’t want to make my pet suffer as I am seeing him decreasing. With your experience what could it be please be honest I have to face reality. Thank you for your time.
Aug. 19, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
I'm sorry that that is happening to Minor. I'm not sure what might be going on with him without actually seeing him, but he is not an elderly cat, and there may be something that can be done for him. It would be worth having an examination for him by a veterinarian to see what they think is wrong, and if it is treatable. It doesn't sound like he is having a very good quality of life right now, and they may be able to change that.
Aug. 19, 2018
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Unknown
Ms.rubs
5 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Urinating Outside Litterbox
My cat has been peeing all over the house and I noticed that there well be a medium size white patch where she peed at. I do feed her dry food all the time. Please help
Aug. 14, 2018
0 Recommendations
It is possible that Ms. Rubs has urinary stones, placing her on a urinary diet may help but it would be useful to check with your Veterinarian whether this is the cause and to also determine the types of stones and if there is also a urinary tract infection. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 14, 2018
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Himalayan
Thunder
Seven Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy
My cat was treated for urinary crystals 2 weeks ago. They used a catheter to flush out crystals. He was given 3 medicines and also prescribed Hill's SD as well as CD diet, which we have been following. He went back for a follow up after 10 days and they said all was well. However, they did not do urinalysis and I forgot to ask while I was there. But within the past two days he has not been eating much and has been lethargic. Should I take him back to the vet.
Aug. 7, 2018
0 Recommendations
Lethargy and a loss of appetite may be due to medication side effects (you didn’t mention which medications were prescribed), however you should check in with your Veterinarian to be on the safe side if symptoms are developing again. You may just need to take them in a urine sample or they may want to examine Thunder, call them to speak with your Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 7, 2018
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DOMESTIC
Jade
13 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Peeing Bright Red Urine Outside Of
My cat is peeing red urine. I am a Medical Technologist and looked at the urine. It was filled with RBC's with a few triple phosphate crystals. No WBC's and small bacteria, but I got the urine off the floor. About 5-6 months ago my husband changed the brand of food. We switched back to the old food brand. Will the problem reverse itself? She is going outside of the liter box. She is 13 years old
Aug. 1, 2018
0 Recommendations
I would still recommend that you pop into your Veterinarian to be on the safe side if there are severe symptoms as described; struvite crystals (triple phosphate) normally occur in cats due to an increase in urinary pH and feeding dry kibbles. Dietary changes and a check for any urinary stones would be a good course of action, but further treatment may be necessary. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 2, 2018
Do you think the problem will resolve itself with a change in Jade's diet? Is there a medication the vet would put Jade on to help the crystals to dissolve?
Aug. 2, 2018
Jade's Owner
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American Shorthair
Leonard
5 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Peeing A Lot, Irritable
My cat, Leonard, 5 was diagnosed with crystals in his urine. He was given a prescription for infection and put on Royal Canin S/O dry food. It's been over a month and his symptoms haven't improved. He's still lounging in the litter box and being irritable with his sister, and peeing often in small amounts. Otherwise, he seems fine - no indications of pain and no change in activities. He is eating and drinking normally. I know it takes time to get rid of crystals, but I'm worried. How can I tell if he's even making progress?
Crystals in the Urine Average Cost
From 345 quotes ranging from $200 - $800
Average Cost
$300
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Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
