UTIs can be either bacterial or inflammatory. These urinary conditions are often seen in middle age, over weight or stressed cats and most often those that eat a dry kibble diet. The main causes are diet and stress. When a cat experiences stress, the brain is affected. In the bladder the natural defence mechanism of the bladder wall is weakened making the mucosal lining of the bladder more susceptible to inflammation.
Bladder crystals are a great cause of irritation in the bladder and if not treated can lead to infection and blockages. Crystals can form when the PH of the urine is either too high or low. This can commonly occur when feeding a processed diet. The ideal PH is between 6.0-7.0 ie slightly acidic. High carbohydrate diets lead to a more alkaline urine which can therefore predipose your cat to urinary issues.
The best thing you can do for your cat to prevent UTIs is to feed a diet high in moisture. Cats do not have a strong thirst drive and many cat owners do not realise their cat is dehydrated. Cats have evolved to get their moisture from fresh meat which has a moisture content of around 70%. It is very important for cat health that your cat has enough moisture to dilute their urine and flush out the kidneys and bladder.
A raw, fresh diet will give your cat the moisture content they need. Moggi cat food replicates a natural diet for your cat with a high meat content which in turn gives your cat the moisture it needs for the best health.
UTIs are incredibly common in cats but there is much you can do to prevent them. Feeding a natural, moisture rich diet and giving your cat a stress free environment can make a world of difference.