Cat’s urine pH: value larger than 7 indicates abnormality!

22 Oct 2024 | Chin

Understanding the pH of Cat's Urine and Its Importance

The pH of a cat’s urine is a critical factor in maintaining their urinary health. The pH scale, which ranges from 0 to 14, indicates how acidic or alkaline a substance is. A neutral pH is 7, while values lower than 7 are acidic and higher values are alkaline. For cats, normal urine pH falls between 6.0 and 6.5, which is slightly acidic. However, many pet owners are unaware of the importance of their cat’s urine pH until urinary symptoms arise, often prompting a visit to the vet.

What Does the pH of Cat's Urine Indicate?

A feline’s urine pH offers insight into its overall health, particularly the urinary tract. Generally, acidic urine (pH below 7) helps to prevent the formation of certain types of crystals and stones, like struvite stones. If the urine becomes too alkaline (above pH 7), it could indicate underlying health issues.

Alkaline urine can be a sign of urinary tract infections (UTIs), accounting for a small percentage (1-5%) of feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), or conditions like feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC). It can also indicate the presence of urinary stones (urolithiasis) or crystals, particularly struvite crystals, which cannot dissolve in alkaline conditions, leading to stone formation.
Acidic urine can indicate other imbalances but is generally protective against many urinary tract issues.

When Should You Worry About the pH of Your Cat's Urine?

The ideal pH range for a healthy cat’s urine is between 6.0 and 6.5. You should be concerned if the pH rises above 7, as this suggests alkalinity, which can contribute to the formation of crystals and stones, particularly struvite crystals. Other signs that may accompany abnormal pH include frequent urination, difficulty urinating, or blood in the urine.

Foods high in grains and carbohydrates can cause an increase in urine pH, making diet another important factor to consider. Cats, as obligate carnivores, thrive on diets that promote a slightly acidic urine, which helps prevent urinary complications. Review your cat’s diet if the pH goes alkali.

Methods of Checking the Cat’s Urine pH

It is essential to monitor your cat’s urine pH regularly, especially if they have a history of urinary issues. Here are some effective ways to check:

Urine Test Strips

Easy-to-use at home, these strips can measure pH by dipping them into a fresh sample of your cat’s urine. They provide quick results, usually within seconds.

Veterinary Urinalysis

A more comprehensive method performed by a veterinarian. It not only checks the pH but also assesses crystals, bacteria, and other abnormalities in the urine sample.

pH Meters

For more accurate measurements, a digital pH meter can be used to test urine samples. These meters are more reliable than strips but require calibration and proper handling.

Cystocentesis

This is a veterinary technique where a sterile urine sample is taken directly from the bladder using a needle. This method is highly accurate for diagnosing urinary issues, including pH imbalances.

Home use checking sands

Some cat litter comes with colour changing ingredients which convenient the cat owner to monitor the health status of the cat’s urinary tract.

By keeping an eye on your cat’s urinary health and pH levels, you can help prevent conditions such as FLUTD, UTIs, and stone formation. Regular monitoring, combined with a suitable diet, will go a long way in ensuring your cat’s urinary system remains healthy.

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