Cosa fare quando il gatto ha problemi urinari

What to do when your cat has urinary problems

Practical guide to preventing cystitis and bladder stones with the right diet

Why urinary tract disorders are so common

In adult cats – especially spayed/neutered or inactive ones – lower urinary tract disorders (cystitis, crystals, and bladder stones) are quite common. The good news? With a few precautions and a targeted diet, you can reduce the risk of recurrence and improve your cat's daily well-being.

💡 Natar tip: Cats don't feel thirst much. Encouraging hydration is the first form of prevention.

 

Adult cat near the litter box, a sign of possible urinary discomfort

 

Signs to observe

  • Goes to the litter box frequently but only passes a few drops.
  • Meows or shows discomfort during urination.
  • You find traces of blood in the urine.
  • Licks the genital area frequently or urinates outside the litter box.

⚠️ If you suspect an obstruction (especially in males): it's a veterinary emergency.

 

Veterinarian examining a cat to check its urinary tract

 

The most common causes

  • Lack of water: dry food-only diet and poor hydration.
  • Unbalanced minerals: excess magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus promote struvite crystals.
  • Stress and inactivity: environments lacking stimulation or conflicts between cats.
  • Overweight: increases inflammation and the risk of recurrence.

 

Cat drinking from a fountain, a strategy to increase hydration

 

Daily prevention: what you can do today

More water, more often

  • Use fountains with running water and ceramic/stainless steel bowls.
  • Incorporate wet food into the routine or add warm water to dry food.
  • Offer multiple water stations in the house, away from the litter box.

Environment and routine

  • Enrich the environment with scratching posts, perches, and quiet areas.
  • Always provide one more litter box than the number of cats.
  • Reduce stress with predictable routines and short but frequent playtimes.

Cat playing indoors, movement helps reduce stress and urinary recurrences

The decisive role of diet

Diet directly affects urine pH and the presence of minerals that can form struvite crystals. A targeted diet can help to dissolve struvite stones and reduce recurrences.

What to avoid

  • Generic kibble rich in cereals and by-products.
  • Salty snacks or those with artificial flavors.
  • Improvised diets without mineral control.

 

The nutritional solution: Natar Urinary Cat

Natar Urinary Cat is a complete dietary food for cats, formulated for the dissolution of struvite stones and the reduction of recurrences. Also indicated for support in feline lower urinary tract diseases.

 

Natar Urinary Cat packaging on a wooden table, diet food for urinary health

 

Why it works (in simple terms)

  • Low magnesium (0.09%): limits struvite crystals.
  • Acidifying properties (e.g., calcium sulfate 0.50%): help maintain appropriate urinary pH.
  • Selected and digestible proteins: dehydrated chicken and turkey, herring, eggs; with soy/gluten support for a balanced amino acid profile.
  • DL-methionine (1,000 mg/kg): an amino acid useful in controlling urinary pH.
  • Functional fibers (beet pulp, MOS/FOS, carob): support intestinal health and stool quality.
  • Natural antioxidants (polyphenols) and omegas from fish oil and flaxseed.

 

Serene and healthy cat after a specific diet for the urinary system

How to use it best

  • Gradually transition to Natar Urinary over 5–7 days (mix with current food).
  • Follow the dosages based on the cat's ideal weight and activity level.
  • Schedule a veterinary check-up (visit + urinalysis) after 4–6 weeks.
  • Always combine with good hydration and stress management.
Discover Natar Urinary

In summary

  • Feline urinary tract disorders are prevented with hydration, a calm environment, and a specific diet.
  • Natar Urinary Cat helps to dissolve struvite stones and reduce recurrences thanks to controlled magnesium and acidifying properties.
  • For acute or suspected obstruction situations, contact your veterinarian immediately.

✍️ Provided by the Natar Pet Nutrition team — Specialists in feline nutrition and urinary well-being.

Back to blog