1. Concentrated urine
Cats naturally tend to produce relatively concentrated urine. If a cat isn’t drinking enough water, the urine can become even more concentrated, increasing the likelihood that minerals will crystallize.
2. Not drinking enough water
Cats that primarily eat dry food and don’t drink much may consume less total moisture than cats eating wet food. Increasing water intake can help produce more dilute urine.
3. Urine pH
Different crystals form under different urine conditions. For example:
This is one reason deliberately changing a cat’s urine pH without veterinary guidance isn’t recommended.
4. Mineral levels in the diet
The balance and concentration of minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus and calcium can influence crystal formation. Properly formulated commercial cat foods are designed to provide appropriate nutrient levels.
5. Urinary tract infections
Certain bacterial infections can alter urine chemistry and increase the likelihood of struvite crystal formation. UTIs aren’t the cause of every case of urinary crystals, however, particularly in otherwise healthy adult cats.
6. Stress
Stress can contribute to feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), including conditions that cause bladder inflammation and urinary symptoms. Environmental stress can therefore play a role in some cats with urinary problems.
7. Obesity and inactivity
Overweight or less-active cats can have an increased risk of lower urinary tract problems, particularly when combined with other risk factors.
8. Individual and genetic factors
Some cats are simply more prone to developing particular types of urinary crystals or stones.
If your cat is repeatedly going to the litter box, straining to urinate, crying while urinating, urinating outside the litter box, licking the genital area excessively, or producing only tiny amounts of urine, contact a veterinarian.
A male cat that is straining but unable to produce urine is an emergency. A urethral blockage can become life-threatening very quickly and requires immediate veterinary treatment.
Yes, depending on the type of crystal. Veterinary urinary diets can be specifically formulated to influence urine dilution, mineral levels, and urine pH. Increasing water intake—such as by providing fresh water, using a fountain, or incorporating appropriate wet food—may also help promote more dilute urine.
The important point is that the correct treatment depends on what type of crystals are present and why they’re forming. A veterinarian can identify crystals through a urinalysis and determine whether additional testing or a therapeutic diet is appropriate.