Many thanks to "Roxy's Mom" for the informative response to my previous blog....she obviously knows alot about this topic and I think she presented the following info better than I could have!! Thanks so much!! Remember, this is just one opinion, research all options in reference to you and your cat, you make the sole decision as to what is best for your cat but thank you "Roxy's Mom!" Any and all opinions/comments are welcome!
"I think the biggest thing I've learned from this bladder stone experience is that a diet change is essential. We pet owners need to be aware of the "junk food" we are unknowingly feeding our animals in the form of dry kibble. Our animals don't need corn or wheat or any other fillers. Cats are carnivores. They need protein. Small mammal prey is about 55% protein, with very less than 2% carbohydrates (ie. wheat/corn/rice..."fillers.") Look at your pet food labels. You might be surprised at the content. There are good nutritionallly sound canned food out there...you just have to start reading the labels. Also, you may be paying more up front for a high-end food, but if your cat eats less of it because it doesn't have any fillers in it you are cost-wise even.
We also need to be aware that the pH level in our cat's urine is affected by diet. A meat consuming cat should have a pH below 7.5 (acidic). A dry kibble diet causes the urine to have an alkaline pH (above 7.4). This alkaline environment can then cause inflammation of the bladder which can lead to Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) and then lead on to bladder stones. Also, dry kibble-fed cats are severely dehydrated and their urine is very concentrated. Combined with the pH level being off, the conditions in the bladder are prime for UTIs.
I personally chose to pursue a raw food diet for Roxy because my research convinced me that this was the proper combination of nutrition and moisture for her. To others who may be considering a vet recommended "special diet" to eliminate stones (as I was offered by Roxy's vet), please read the labels for these foods. I don't think we should have to sacrifice nutrition in order to eliminate urinary tract issues in our kitties.
Sorry it's a bit of a windy comment, but I'm really happy we are opening a discussion about this. Two months ago I was devastated by the news about bladder stones in my 3 yr old kitty. If I had her stones removed and didn't make the best decisions for her health to prevent them from re-occuring, then what sort of pet owner would I be?"
We also need to be aware that the pH level in our cat's urine is affected by diet. A meat consuming cat should have a pH below 7.5 (acidic). A dry kibble diet causes the urine to have an alkaline pH (above 7.4). This alkaline environment can then cause inflammation of the bladder which can lead to Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) and then lead on to bladder stones. Also, dry kibble-fed cats are severely dehydrated and their urine is very concentrated. Combined with the pH level being off, the conditions in the bladder are prime for UTIs.
I personally chose to pursue a raw food diet for Roxy because my research convinced me that this was the proper combination of nutrition and moisture for her. To others who may be considering a vet recommended "special diet" to eliminate stones (as I was offered by Roxy's vet), please read the labels for these foods. I don't think we should have to sacrifice nutrition in order to eliminate urinary tract issues in our kitties.
Sorry it's a bit of a windy comment, but I'm really happy we are opening a discussion about this. Two months ago I was devastated by the news about bladder stones in my 3 yr old kitty. If I had her stones removed and didn't make the best decisions for her health to prevent them from re-occuring, then what sort of pet owner would I be?"
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