By Jennifer Reed

Hill’s has recently modified its Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Feline Urinary Tract Health to include ingredients to manage stress, which has been shown to greatly affect feline urinary health. In addition to addressing the multiple urinary health conditions under the umbrella of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD), new Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Feline Urinary Stress helps relieve the underlying tension and anxiety that often accompanies and exacerbates these issues.

How does stress affect my cat’s urinary health?

Believe it or not, your cat’s surroundings can have a direct effect on his/her urinary tract health. A typical home may contain several stressors for cats, including house guests, conflict with other pets and lack of exercise or suitable places to hide.

Other factors that can contribute to feline stress include litter box, food and water preferences. For example, a litter box that is not clean enough, large enough, shared with other cats or located in a high-traffic area may cause stress. These preferences may also encourage the cat to hold his/her urine, which in turn, increases the risk of urinary tract problems.

For more information on how to create a less stressful environment for your cat at home, please click here.

What does Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Feline Urinary Stress do?

Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Feline Urinary Stress is a complete and balanced diet that meets the specific nutrition needs for cats who suffer from FLUTD.

Cats need just the right balance of minerals to maintain good urinary tract health. Too much of certain minerals can encourage the formation of crystals in the urine, which can lead to the formation of urinary stones and other lower urinary tract conditions.

Developed by nutritionists and veterinarians, Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Feline Urinary Stress contains the right balance of vital nutrients to help control stress and improve most urinary tract problems without surgery.

These ingredients include L-tryptophan, a precursor of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain that balances mood, and hydrolyzed casein, a bioactive peptide that helps relieve anxiety. Antioxidants like vitamin E and beta-carotene also counteract stress and free radicals, while omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA help reduce and control inflammation.

Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Feline Urinary Stress can be fed long-term as a way to reduce the recurrence of urinary stones and is ideal for multiple cat households. It is now available as a dry diet at The Drake Center and will be available as a canned diet in June.

How will I know if my cat has FLUTD?

Symptoms of FLUTD include:

  • Blood in the urine
  • Urinating outside the litter box
  • Frequent attempts to urinate without producing much urine
  • Straining to urinate, urinating in a tense, hunched posture or crying during urination
  • Behavior changes, such as restlessness, lethargy or hiding
  • Refusing to eat
  • Increased grooming or licking of the urinary opening

 

If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian. For more information on FLUTD or Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Feline Urinary Stress, or to schedule an appointment, please call The Drake Center at (760) 456-9556.