How to Help Your Cat Avoid UTIs:

Hydration, Stress Support & Smart Product Choices

Urinary tract issues are one of the most common — and most frustrating — health problems in cats. The good news is that with the right nutrition, hydration strategy, and targeted supplements, many cats can stay comfortable and UTI‑free.

Please note: Always consult your veterinarian with suspected urinary tract infections. Blockages are a serious matter and should be ruled out, especially if urine output is small and/or bloody. Antibiotics and other procedures or medication may be needed to manage the infection. This blog discussed ways to prevent a UTI from occurring, not treatment of an existing UTI.

1. The Big Picture: Cats Don’t Drink Water Like Dogs

Cats evolved as desert animals.
That means they don’t have a strong thirst drive and are designed to get most of their hydration from food.

• Dry kibble is only 6–10% moisture

• Canned food is 70–80% moisture

Why it matters:
Low moisture intake → concentrated urine → irritation → inflammation → higher UTI risk.

What helps:

• Make canned food the main diet

• Add moisture boosters (broth, water toppers)

• Choose foods with natural urinary‑friendly ingredients like berries

2. Foods That Support Urinary Health

Some cat foods naturally help keep the urinary tract healthy — especially those that include cranberries, blueberries, and other berries known for supporting bladder health.

Two standout options:
WE HAVE FREE SAMPLES OF THEIR DRY FORUMULAS

Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Cat Diet

• Includes berries to help maintain a healthy urinary environment, PH balancing

• Includes DL-Methionine, an essential amino acid that helps acidify urine

• Balanced, lower levels of minerals such as magnesium and phosphorus

FirstMate Cat Formulas

• Includes berries to help maintain a healthy urinary environment, PH balancing

• High protein, high-quality, easily digestible proteins, low carb content

• Lower levels of magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium to prevent the formation of struvite and calcium oxalate crystals.

EVX Evanger’s Phosphorus & Kidney Formulas (canned)

• Low in phosphorus, magnesium, ash, starch, and carbs

• Supports gut health, digestive health, and immune health

• Formulated with reduced phosphorus to manage kidney function and aid with oxalate crystals

Why berries matter:
They contain antioxidants which acidify urine so crystals can’t form and compounds that help prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall.

3. Supplements That Make a Real Difference
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NaturVet Cranberry Powder

A go‑to urinary support supplement.

• Helps acidify urine

• Supports bladder lining health

• Easy to sprinkle on food - we have FREE SAMPLES so you can be sure your cat will eat it

Pet Releaf CBD Stress Oil (satisfaction guarantee at Friendly Paws)

Stress is a major trigger for feline urinary flare‑ups.
CBD can help:

• Reduce stress‑linked inflammation

• Promote relaxation

• Support overall comfort during recovery

Composure Treats

Perfect for cats who get stressed easily or have recurring urinary issues.

• Fast‑acting calming support

• Ideal for multi‑cat homes, travel, or environmental changes

4. Hydration Boosters That Work

Even with canned food, some cats need extra help staying hydrated.
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Simple add‑ins:

• Bone broth - we have Smallbatch!

• Goat Milk - powder formulas are in stock, make it as you need it

• Extra water mixed into canned food

These small changes help dilute urine and reduce irritation.

5. Add a Fountain: The Easiest Way to Encourage Drinking

Many cats prefer moving water — it feels fresher, tastes better, and taps into their natural instincts.
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Why fountains help:

• Running water encourages more frequent drinking

• Filters keep water clean and appealing

• Great for cats who ignore their water bowl

• Supports urinary health by increasing daily moisture intake

What to look for:

• Quiet motor

• Water level gauge

• Stainless steel options are preferred

Catit Fountains in stock, features:

• Triple-Action Filtration: Removes debris, odors, impurities, and reduces magnesium/calcium levels to help prevent urinary tract diseases

• Ergonomic & Whisper-Quiet: Designed to reduce whisker stress with a wide, shallow basin. They feature quiet, low-voltage pumps

• Made from BPA-free plastics with options for premium stainless steel tops for better hygiene

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Why it matters:
A fountain can turn a “barely drinks” cat into a “hydration hero,” which is a huge win for urinary health.

6. Calming Tools That Reduce UTI Triggers

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Stress and urinary problems go hand‑in‑hand. Creating a calm environment is one of the most underrated ways to prevent flare‑ups.

Sentry Calming Collars

• Releases pheromones that mimic a mother cat’s scent

• Helps reduce anxiety‑driven urinary behaviors

Sentry Calming Plug‑Ins

• Ideal for multi‑cat homes or high‑traffic areas

• Provides continuous calming support

• Helps reduce stress‑related inflammation and inappropriate urination

7. What Cat Parents Should Do Next

Start with hydration.
Switch to canned food, add moisture, and consider a fountain.

Layer in urinary support.
NaturVet cranberry powder + calming tools = a powerful prevention combo.

Address stress early.
CBD oil, Composure treats, and pheromone products help break the stress–UTI cycle.

The Bottom Line
Cats thrive when their urinary system is supported from all angles — hydration, nutrition, stress reduction, and targeted supplements. With the right products and a proactive plan, most cats can stay comfortable, confident, and UTI‑free.