Bladder stones can be painful and cause a wide range of problems for your cat. Fortunately, they are preventable and treatable.

Bladder stones start out as a collection of minerals and other materials in the bladder that can grow over time. A cat suffering with bladder stones may stop using the litter box, may go to the bathroom frequently but expel very little urine, and their urine may even be discolored.

Fortunately, bladder stones aren’t life threatening and can be diagnosed fairly easily. However, some bladder stones have to be surgically removed, so prevention really is the best method.

Choose a pet food that is low in phosphorus and magnesium. Dehydration can also be a problem when it comes to bladder stones, so make sure you provide your cat with plenty of water. You can even get dry food wet or feed your cat wet food.

To learn more about bladder stones, call your vet Cherry Hill.