Introduction
Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a common and often painful condition that affects many cats. It can manifest in various ways, including inflammation of the bladder (cystitis), urinary stones, and urethral blockages. These issues can cause significant distress to your feline companion, leading to symptoms like painful urination, frequent attempts to urinate, blood in the urine, and inappropriate urination outside the litter box. Recognizing these signs is crucial for timely intervention and ensuring your cat receives the appropriate care. Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare with Chicken Wet Cat Food is a specialized therapeutic diet designed by Hill’s nutritionists and veterinarians to manage and support cats with urinary health concerns. This scientifically formulated food aims to create a urinary environment that reduces the risk of developing struvite and calcium oxalate crystals, the precursors to painful urinary stones.
Understanding Feline Urinary Health
A healthy urinary system is vital for your cat’s overall well-being. The kidneys filter waste products from the blood, and the bladder stores urine before excretion. When this system is compromised, it can lead to a range of health problems. One of the primary concerns is the formation of urinary crystals and stones. These can form when the urine becomes too concentrated, or when there is an imbalance in the urine’s mineral content and pH. Struvite and calcium oxalate stones are the most common types found in cats. Struvite stones form in alkaline urine, while calcium oxalate stones tend to form in acidic urine. Both can cause significant pain, inflammation, and potentially life-threatening blockages, especially in male cats.
How c/d Multicare Supports Urinary Health
Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare with Chicken Wet Cat Food is meticulously formulated to address the complexities of feline urinary health. Its therapeutic approach is multifaceted:
- Promotes Desirable Urine pH Levels: The food helps maintain urine pH within a specific range that is less conducive to the formation of both struvite and calcium oxalate crystals. This is a critical step in preventing stone recurrence.
- Controlled Mineral Content: It features controlled levels of essential minerals, including magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium. By carefully balancing these minerals, the food reduces the building blocks available for crystal formation.
- Added Potassium Citrate: Potassium citrate is an alkalizing agent that helps to increase urine citrate levels. Citrate binds with calcium in the urine, forming a soluble compound that is less likely to crystallize and form stones.
- Enriched with Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These fatty acids, often sourced from fish oil, have anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe inflammation within the urinary tract, reducing discomfort associated with conditions like cystitis.
- Antioxidant Support: A blend of antioxidants helps to combat oxidative stress, which can play a role in inflammatory processes within the body, including the urinary tract.
- Low Sodium Content: Managing sodium intake is important for overall kidney and cardiovascular health, and a balanced sodium level contributes to the overall health of the urinary system.
Clinical Evidence and Benefits
The effectiveness of Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare has been demonstrated through clinical studies. It has been clinically tested to lower the recurrence rate of the most common urinary signs by 89%. This means that cats fed this diet are significantly less likely to experience repeat episodes of urinary tract issues. Furthermore, the diet is formulated to dissolve existing struvite stones, with results observed in as little as 7 days (average 27 days). For cats prone to urinary stones, lifelong feeding of c/d Multicare is recommended to provide ongoing benefits and minimize the risk of recurrence.
Ingredients and Nutritional Profile
Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare with Chicken Wet Cat Food is made with high-quality ingredients, including pork by-products, water, pork liver, and chicken, providing a palatable and nutritious meal for cats. The key ingredients are carefully selected to support urinary health. The food has a ground texture in a light gravy with a chicken flavor, designed to be highly appealing to cats.
Average Nutrient and Caloric Content:
- Caloric Content: 174 kcal per 5.5 oz (156 g) can
- Protein: 41.4% (Dry Matter)
- Fat: 21.9% (Dry Matter)
- Carbohydrate / NFE: 29.8% (Dry Matter)
- Crude Fiber: 0.9% (Dry Matter)
- Calcium: 0.78% (Dry Matter)
- Phosphorus: 0.74% (Dry Matter)
- Potassium: 0.78% (Dry Matter)
- Sodium: 0.38% (Dry Matter)
- Magnesium: 0.067% (Dry Matter)
- Taurine: 0.36% (Dry Matter)
- Vitamin E: 1010 IU/kg
- Total Omega-3 FA: 0.73%
This nutritional profile is balanced to meet the specific needs of adult cats requiring urinary support.
Feeding Guidelines and Transitioning
It is essential to consult with your veterinarian for specific feeding instructions tailored to your cat’s individual needs. The daily feeding recommendations provided are a starting point and should be adjusted based on your cat’s condition and response to the diet.
Daily Feeding Recommendations (Adult Maintenance):
| Weight of Cat – lbs (kgs) | Amount per Day – 5.5 oz (156 g) cans |
|---|---|
| 6 (2.7) | 1 |
| 8 (3.6) | 1 1/4 |
| 10 (4.5) | 1 1/2 |
| 12 (5.4) | 1 3/4 |
| 14 (6.4) | 2 |
| 16 (7.3) | 2 1/4 |
| 18 (8.2) | 2 1/3 |
Transitioning to Hill’s c/d Multicare:
To ensure a smooth transition and minimize digestive upset, gradually introduce the new food over a period of 7 days or more. Mix increasing amounts of Hill’s c/d Multicare with decreasing amounts of your cat’s old food.
Important Considerations:
- Exclusively feed the recommended Prescription Diet: To achieve the best results, feed only the prescribed Hill’s Prescription Diet dry and wet foods.
- Fresh water: Ensure fresh water is always available for your cat.
- Veterinary monitoring: Regular check-ups with your veterinarian are crucial to monitor your cat’s condition and the effectiveness of the diet.
- Long-term feeding: Continue feeding the food long-term as recommended by your veterinarian to maintain the benefits and prevent recurrence.
Conclusion
Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare with Chicken Wet Cat Food offers a vital nutritional solution for cats suffering from or prone to lower urinary tract issues. Its scientifically formulated blend of ingredients works to manage urine pH, control mineral content, and reduce inflammation, thereby preventing the recurrence of painful urinary stones. By providing a palatable and complete diet, c/d Multicare not only supports your cat’s physical health but also contributes to their overall comfort and quality of life. Always work closely with your veterinarian to determine if this therapeutic diet is the right choice for your feline companion and to establish an appropriate long-term feeding plan. Remember, consistent and appropriate nutrition is key to managing feline urinary health and ensuring your cat enjoys a happy, active life.
