Can I switch my overweight cat with crystals off prescription food?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | American Longhair | Male | neutered | 6 years old | 20 lbs
I have a seven year old cat that was diagnosed with crystals when he was a kitten. He’s been on prescription food for his crystals all his life. He weights 20 pounds because of the high carb in the food is making him sick.I want to know if I can take him off the prescription food and feed him a high premium food Young Again that controls his urine ph level?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on October 14th, 2021
I would strongly advise against this. I would keep him on some form of food labelled for urinary crystal prevention. Urinary blockages can be a fatal emergency. Royal Canin, Hills, and Purina ProPlan are the three foods that use the most science in their nutrition. I have never heard of young again. Any of their foods that are labelled "S/O" are meant to prevent the formation of urinary crystals. Many urinary diets do have an increased caloric amount, and I sympathize that can be a struggle, but it is related to what keeps their urinary tracts healthy. You can try feeding canned food that is watered down to lower some calories. The extra water and hydration is great for the urinary tract as well. Feeding the food out of toys and feeders, instead of bowls in meals, to encourage their working for food and hunting behaviors can also help with their food intake.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on January 31st, 2019
Unfortunately there is no over the counter diet that is comparable to a prescription urinary diet. I often recommend feeding a quality canned prescription diet only to try to dilute the urine as much as possible but sometimes crystals will still form. It is probably best to check in with your vet for their opinion since they know all the details about your cat's condition. In the long run it may be less expensive to continue feeding the prescription diet rather than going through another hospitalization for urethral obstruction.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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