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My cat has urinary crystals. Can I switch his prescription food?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 6 years and 4 months old | 9.9 lbs

Hi my cat speedy 6yrs old had really bad crystals earlier this year and pdsa put him on on specific crystal management food. Is there any other food brands I can use? His last weighing weight was 4.5kg.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 24th, 2019

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Speedy. If his veterinarian has recommended a prescription diet, then he should stay on one. Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Urinary SO, Hills Veterinary Diet C/D or Purina ProPlan Veterinary Diets U/R are all great choices to help prevent crystals in his urine. I hope this information helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on April 22nd, 2017
I'm sorry Paws has been having urinary trouble! You can do the best of both worlds! Hill's c/d has a canned food version, so you can feed him that. He will get the wet food recommend by the vet, but will also have the special c/d formulation to help prevent further crystals from forming. I hope this helps :-)
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian
Published on August 6th, 2017
Honestly, if she is prone to structure crystals and has often cystitis or uronsry tract infections then I would consider keeping her on the food long term. I would get the low calorie s/o food as the original one can cause pets to become infected over weight. If she is doing well and you plan to keep her on the food long term then I would only take her in one to ensure the crystals are clear. Then after that and she stays on the food and shows no symptoms then I wouldn't have her Irvine checked all the time. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Can I switch my overweight cat with crystals off prescription food?

I would strongly advise against this. I would keep him on some form of food labelled for urinary crystal prevention. Urinary blockages can be a fatal emergency. Royal Canin, Hills, and Purina ProPlan are the three foods that use the most science in their nutrition. I have never heard of young again. Any of their foods that are labelled "S/O" are meant to prevent the formation of urinary crystals. Many urinary diets do have an increased caloric amount, and I sympathize that can be a struggle, but it is related to what keeps their urinary tracts healthy. You can try feeding canned food that is watered down to lower some calories. The extra water and hydration is great for the urinary tract as well. Feeding the food out of toys and feeders, instead of bowls in meals, to encourage their working for food and hunting behaviors can also help with their food intake.

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