- Joined
- Oct 16, 2013
- Messages
- 2
- Purraise
- 10
Hello,
I have been reading through a number of threads on this forum in hopes of getting more of an understanding of diet changes with crystals. I have a rather unique situation. I have 2 cats; 1 is 9 years old and the other is 4. My 9 year old was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) a year ago. We were initially given a prescription (Royal Canaan) diet by the vet. I went to the pet store and asked for a leas expensive substitute (due to the expense), and we have been using a combination of Natural Balance's duck and green pea dry and wet food every since. For the most part, my cat's tummy problems have resolved. But about 3-4 weeks ago, my 4 year old came down with a UTI. We did all the antibiotics and meds and everything seemed fine, until this week when it reoccurred. My vet suggested I look for the special food they make for urinary tract health since it's likely he has crystals and these foods are designed to help. He did not offer any of the prescription foods; he just said to check with our local pet store. The pet store only had the 2 different Purina products (in both dry and wet foods), and the ingredients in these could not be further from what I currently have the cats on to address the IBS. I would really like to keep my cats on the same food, as they are used to being able to graze all day. I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions for any foods out there that could I could use to meet both cats' needs. Right now, I am giving them dry Natural Balance with the wet Purina, which so far (x2 days) doesn't seem to be impacting the cat with IBS at all, but I'm worried the cat with crystals isn't getting enough of the food he needs to keep his urinary tract clear (I have had cats my entire life and never had a cat with crystals, so I really don't know what I'm dealing with here). Any suggestions anyone has would be so appreciated!!! Thanks in advance!
I have been reading through a number of threads on this forum in hopes of getting more of an understanding of diet changes with crystals. I have a rather unique situation. I have 2 cats; 1 is 9 years old and the other is 4. My 9 year old was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) a year ago. We were initially given a prescription (Royal Canaan) diet by the vet. I went to the pet store and asked for a leas expensive substitute (due to the expense), and we have been using a combination of Natural Balance's duck and green pea dry and wet food every since. For the most part, my cat's tummy problems have resolved. But about 3-4 weeks ago, my 4 year old came down with a UTI. We did all the antibiotics and meds and everything seemed fine, until this week when it reoccurred. My vet suggested I look for the special food they make for urinary tract health since it's likely he has crystals and these foods are designed to help. He did not offer any of the prescription foods; he just said to check with our local pet store. The pet store only had the 2 different Purina products (in both dry and wet foods), and the ingredients in these could not be further from what I currently have the cats on to address the IBS. I would really like to keep my cats on the same food, as they are used to being able to graze all day. I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions for any foods out there that could I could use to meet both cats' needs. Right now, I am giving them dry Natural Balance with the wet Purina, which so far (x2 days) doesn't seem to be impacting the cat with IBS at all, but I'm worried the cat with crystals isn't getting enough of the food he needs to keep his urinary tract clear (I have had cats my entire life and never had a cat with crystals, so I really don't know what I'm dealing with here). Any suggestions anyone has would be so appreciated!!! Thanks in advance!