Evaluation of factors associated with development of calcium oxalate urolithiasis in cats

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate dietary and environmental factors as potential risk factors for calcium oxalate urolithiasis in cats.

Design: Case-control study.

Animals: 84 cats with uroliths composed of at least 90% calcium oxalate and 258 age- and gender-matched control cats.

Procedure: Owners of cats with calcium oxalate urolithiasis and control cats were surveyed between November 1990 and August 1992. Owners completed a standard questionnaire administered during a single telephone interview. Data collected included information regarding signalment, environment, urination and defecation, diet, and medical history.

Results: Calcium oxalate uroliths tended to develop in middle- to older-aged, domestic shorthair cats of typical weight. A gender predilection was not detected. Factors associated with an increase in the risk of calcium oxalate urolithiasis in cats were feeding urine-acidifying diets, feeding a single brand of cat food without providing additional foods or table scraps, maintaining cats in an indoor-only environment, and being of the Persian breed.

Clinical implications: Control of diet and environment may help prevent calcium oxalate urolithiasis.