May 21, 2025 |7 min read
Can Cats Get Kidney Stones?
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As a devoted cat parent, noticing subtle changes in your kitty’s behavior can feel a bit like solving a puzzle. Maybe you've noticed your feline friend taking extra trips to the litter box, or perhaps they seem a bit uncomfortable lately. Naturally, you're wondering, “Can cats get kidney stones?” The short answer is yes, they certainly can. But before you worry yourself into a frenzy, let’s break down what kidney stones are, how to spot the symptoms, and the steps you can take to support your cat's health.
Kidney stones in cats, also known as renal stones or nephroliths, are solid mineral deposits that form in the kidneys.1 These tiny troublemakers can cause discomfort and, if not addressed promptly, potentially lead to serious health complications. Recognizing early signs and seeking prompt veterinary care can make a big difference in your cat’s overall well-being.
Can Cats Get Kidney Stones?
Yes, cats definitely can get kidney stones, though they’re often overshadowed by the more commonly discussed bladder stones (or uroliths). Kidney stones form when certain minerals like calcium oxalate or struvite accumulate in your cat’s kidneys. Over time, these minerals harden into crystals, eventually forming small, pebble-like stones.
Kidney stones might remain in place, causing minimal issues, but if they move and block the flow of urine, they can cause significant pain and serious urinary complications. While some cats may only develop a few stones, others can experience multiple stones simultaneously.
Common Symptoms to Watch For
Understanding what symptoms to watch out for can help you act quickly and provide relief to your furry friend. Common signs of kidney stones in cats include:
- Frequent attempts to urinate with minimal success
- Noticeable discomfort or pain when urinating
- Blood present in urine
- Increased thirst or changes in water intake
- Decreased appetite and lethargy
- Vomiting or general signs of distress
- Sudden behavioral changes indicating pain or discomfort
If you observe these or if your cat is urinating a lot or showing signs of feline incontinence, it’s important to contact your veterinarian promptly.
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What Causes Kidney Stones in Cats?
Kidney stones don't appear out of thin air. Several factors can contribute to their formation. Understanding these factors is essential in preventing future occurrences and supporting your pet’s overall urinary health.
Dietary and Hydration Factors
Your cat’s diet plays a significant role in kidney stone formation. Foods that are high in certain minerals, especially calcium and phosphorus, can increase the risk of developing calcium oxalate stones or struvite crystals.
Additionally, cats who don't drink enough water are at a greater risk. Adequate hydration helps dilute the urine, making it less likely for minerals to crystallize into stones.
Genetic Predisposition
Certain feline breeds, such as Persian and Himalayan cats, are genetically predisposed to kidney stones. These breeds often have metabolic differences that make stone formation more likely. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian are key if your cat belongs to one of these breeds.
Underlying Health Conditions
Underlying health conditions like chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs), bacterial infections, or metabolic issues like blood in a cat's stool can increase the likelihood of kidney stones. Identifying and addressing these conditions early with your vet can significantly reduce your cat’s risk.
How Kidney Stones Are Diagnosed and Treated
Diagnosing kidney stones typically involves a combination of physical exams, urine analysis, and imaging techniques.
When to See Your Vet and What to Expect
If you notice symptoms like blood in your cat’s urine, signs of pain while urinating, or sudden changes in behavior, it’s important to contact your veterinarian. Tools like health-monitoring litter can help you spot changes in your cat’s litter box early on, making it easier to catch potential issues before they progress. But while these tools offer helpful insights at home, a veterinary visit is still the best way to get a clear diagnosis and treatment plan.
Your vet will likely perform a physical exam, review your cat’s medical history, and run urine tests to check for crystals, bacteria, or blood. Imaging, such as X-rays or ultrasound, may also be recommended to identify any stones and determine their size and location.
Supporting Your Cat’s Urinary Health at Home
Prevention is the best medicine, and supporting your cat’s urinary health at home is easier than you might think. Small, manageable changes can significantly reduce the likelihood of future kidney stones forming.
1. Encourage Hydration
Keeping your cat hydrated is crucial. Provide multiple water bowls around your home, and consider investing in a cat water fountain. Many cats love the sound of flowing water and will drink more frequently.
2. Balanced Diet
Discuss with your vet about switching to a balanced, vet-approved diet specifically formulated to support urinary health.2 These diets manage mineral intake, promote optimal urinary pH, and lower stone formation risk.
3. Regular Litter Box Habits
Monitoring your cat’s litter box habits can help you catch urinary issues early. PrettyLitter, for instance, offers a color-changing formula that can help detect changes in your cat's urine pH and show blood, helping you notice early signs of trouble. Pairing that with a clean, inviting litter box encourages regular urination and helps lower the risk of infections or mineral buildup.
4. Stress Reduction
Stress can contribute to urinary problems in cats.3 Creating a calm, stable environment with plenty of playtime, enrichment, and cozy spaces to relax can significantly improve urinary health and general well-being.
5. Regular Veterinary Check-ups
Scheduling routine visits with your veterinarian can help detect potential urinary tract issues or early-stage kidney stones before they become serious. Regular examinations, urine analysis, and professional veterinary advice can proactively address minor issues and help prevent the formation of new stones.
Keeping Your Cat’s Kidneys Healthy
With the right knowledge and proactive measures, kidney stones can be managed effectively or even prevented. Paying close attention to your cat’s urinary habits, diet, and hydration can make a tremendous difference.
And remember, tools like PrettyLitter offer convenience and are a valuable asset for staying one step ahead of urinary health issues. Ready to help your kitty stay happy and healthy? Get started with PrettyLitter today and gain peace of mind knowing you're supporting your feline companion's health every step of the way.
Sources:
- Kingsdale Animal Hospital. Kidney Stones in Cats: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options. https://www.kingsdale.com/kidney-stones-in-cats-symptoms-causes-and-treatment-options
- The Spruce Pets. The 8 Best Cat Foods for Urinary Health to Prevent Stones and Crystals. https://www.thesprucepets.com/best-cat-foods-for-urinary-tract-health-4692666
- Forth Valley Veterinary Clinic. Stress Related UTI in Cats. https://www.forthvet.com.au/blog/stress-related-uti-in-cats
