If your male cat is forming crystals in his urine, he needs to be on a prescription food specially formulated to prevent the formation of crystals in his urine.
In addition giving him cosequin for cats daily helps keep the bladder walls smooth and elastic so things are less likely to stick (that is not exact, but my imperfect understanding of how the cosequin works)
He also needs to be drinking a lot, and getting plenty of exercise.
This can be a very serious condition in males, as they have very narrow urethras and can block easily, and suddenly. Once blocked a cat will die in 24 hours without emergency treatment.
What has your vet recommended?
<I have a female cat with FLUTD-Mazy cat. I have tried other diets for her, including premium quality all canned diets, but the crystals always come back, except when she eats Hills Prescription c/d multicare. There are other brands who make prescription foods if you don't like Hills>
me too - my boy was diagnosed with struvite crystals. Vet immediately recommended Hills CD, with a follow-up urine check a month later. Had the Hills not proven popular, or if the follow-up test not been too great, there were a few other prescription choices available to try.
Knock wood, all has been well. But, from what I've read since then, the normal protocol is definitely a trial with prescription food, with follow-up testing, and possibly other treatments, depending on the severity of the case. I'm not sure why your vet seems to differ from that?
One other thought - if by chance you're resisting a vet's recommendation of prescription food since the ingredients, to a layperson, look not so great, I'd honestly really think again and talk to the vet. There's a reason for prescription foods, and only your vet has actually seen and treated your cat. Treating crystals is a long-term deal - if you don't like or trust this vet, you must get another one you can work with, for your cat's sake.
Good luck - I know you're anxious and want your baby healthy.
My suggestion, again, and I have a cat who had struvite crystals, is to talk with your vet - bring print outs, if you'd like, of possible foods, but while the internet is nice, it's not a vet and it's certainly not a vet who's examined your cat. I cannot stress how important it is to keep your vet in the loop - if you don't trust your vet, find another one, but please, for your pets' sake, don't diagnose or treat on your own or just with the help of an internet site, no matter how well-intentioned.
Also, just me, for medical sites I'm a little happier with it has a .edu or .org suffix - or at least is linked to a well known site such as, let's say, the Mayo Clinic for humans, or Cornell for vet schools.
I had two cats eating prescription food with urinary issues. Another thing I do is give them only filtered water. Since I bought a filter for the kitchen sink and only give them that water, they have not had any problems.