Reviewed by Hazel, BVSc | April 2026
Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is one of the most common health issues affecting Australian cats. It encompasses conditions including struvite crystals, calcium oxalate stones, feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC), and urethral blockages. Diet plays a critical role in both preventing and managing these conditions, particularly through controlled mineral levels, urinary pH management, and — most importantly — hydration.
If your male cat is straining to urinate, crying in the litter box, producing only small drops of urine, or not urinating at all, this is a life-threatening emergency. Male cats can develop complete urethral blockages that are fatal within 24–48 hours without treatment. Go to your nearest emergency vet immediately — do not wait.
The Critical Role of Hydration
- Cat water fountain: Many cats prefer running water — a fountain can double water intake
- Increase wet food: Wet food is 75–85% moisture and is the single most effective way to boost hydration
- Multiple water bowls: Place bowls in different locations, away from food and litter
- Add broth: Low-sodium chicken or fish broth can encourage drinking
- Clean daily: Cats are sensitive to stale water — refresh bowls at least once daily
Quick Picks: Best Cat Food for Urinary Health 2026
Best Urinary Health Cat Food Reviewed
Royal Canin Urinary SO
8.5/10Royal Canin Urinary SO is the most widely prescribed urinary diet in Australia. It’s clinically proven to dissolve struvite crystals within 5–12 weeks and creates an environment unfavourable to both struvite and calcium oxalate crystal formation. The formula encourages increased water intake through its Relative Super Saturation (RSS) methodology.
Pros
- Clinically proven to dissolve struvite crystals
- Effective against both struvite and calcium oxalate
- Available in dry, wet, and treat formats
- Most vet-recommended urinary diet in Australia
Cons
- Requires veterinary prescription
- Expensive compared to regular cat food
- Contains grains and by-products
Hill’s c/d Multicare Stress
8.3/10Hill’s c/d Multicare Stress uniquely addresses both the nutritional and stress components of FLUTD. It includes L-tryptophan and hydrolysed casein (milk protein) to help manage stress-related cystitis, which accounts for a significant portion of FLUTD cases. Clinically proven to reduce recurrence by 89%.
Pros
- Addresses both crystals and stress-related FIC
- 89% reduction in FLUTD recurrence (clinically proven)
- Good palatability and acceptance rate
Cons
- Veterinary prescription required
- Premium pricing
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary UR
7.8/10Purina UR St/Ox promotes a urinary environment unfavourable to struvite and calcium oxalate crystal formation. It features higher protein than some competitors and includes antioxidants for immune support.
Pros
- Higher protein level at 36%
- More affordable Rx option
Cons
- Less widely stocked at Australian vet clinics
- Some cats reject the taste
Royal Canin Urinary Care (OTC)
7.5/10Royal Canin Urinary Care is an over-the-counter option for cats at risk of urinary issues but without an active diagnosis. It helps maintain urinary tract health through controlled mineral levels and promotes dilute urine. Not a substitute for prescription diets in cats with diagnosed FLUTD.
Pros
- No prescription needed — available at pet stores
- Good preventive option for at-risk cats
- Much more affordable than Rx urinary diets
Cons
- Not suitable for dissolving existing crystals/stones
- Not a replacement for Rx diets in diagnosed cases
Preventing Urinary Issue Recurrence
Once a cat has experienced FLUTD, recurrence is common. Key prevention strategies include:
- Maintaining a prescription urinary diet as directed by your vet
- Maximising water intake through wet food, water fountains, and multiple bowls
- Reducing stress with environmental enrichment, Feliway, and routine consistency
- Keeping litter boxes clean (scoop daily, one box per cat plus one extra)
- Regular vet checkups with urinalysis to monitor pH and crystal formation
