Struvite stones, which consist of magnesium ammonium phosphate, often lead to disease in cats.
There are a number of reasons for the formation of struvite stones. One factor is urination at very long intervals. Some cats only urinate once a day, for example, as they are originally desert animals and are able to concentrate their urine very well. The mineral content of the food is also of crucial importance, as it influences the pH value of the cat's urine. Values above 7.0 provide favorable conditions for stone formation. The frequently cited magnesium content in the food or urine is not solely responsible for the formation of struvite stones.
Therapy for struvite stones
Struvite stones can be dissolved with a special diet. To do this, the urine pH is lowered to values of 6.2-6.5. In addition, the urine volume must be increased by increasing water intake. If the special diet is not eaten by cats, the acidification of the urine can also be achieved with methionine or ammonium chloride, although the urine pH must be consistently monitored. However, if the struvite stones are too large, surgical removal is advisable.
Special diet
Once the stones have disappeared, dietary foods should be used to prevent them from forming again. These special foods - such as INTEGRA PROTECT urinary stones - ensure that the urine pH is between 6.5-6.8. This means that you and your cat are ideally equipped to fight struvite stones.