Many cats are affected by urinary tract disease. Cats may be seen to have blood in their urine, or be squatting frequently and appear to be in pain when urinating.
The condition occurs when there is inflammation in the urinary tract. The urinary tract becomes irritated and inflammed most commonly from crystals forming in the urine. The crystals form because the urine is too alkaline. Once the crystals are formed and irritate the bladder wall, a secondary bacterial infection can occur.
This condition is 100% dietary related. The grain/starch content of commercially produced diets is too high for our cats and as a result they produce urine with an alkaline pH. The diet may also contain too much magnesium (a component of ash in the diet) and this will also contribute to stone formation. The majority of bladder stones and crystals in cats are "struvite" (97%). Struvite crystals occur when the urine pH is above 6.6.
A species specific raw food diet will maintain the cats urine at the ideal pH between 6 - 6.5 - naturally preventing the formation of crystals and stones.
Dry pet foods contain excessive amounts of fibre for cats which unnaturally increases water excretion in to the colon and decreases the the excretion of water through the urinary tract. This makes for very concentrated urine. The combination of concentrated urine at a pH above 6.6 makes for the easy formation of crystal and stones and a very uncomfortable cat.
A raw food diet contains 80% water and will keep the urinary tract healthy by ensuring the correct pH in the bladder and a good flow of urine.