Cystitis

• Cystitis is a bacterial infection of the urinary bladder. Your veterinarian will prescribe a suitable antibiotic that will eliminate the bacteria from the urinary tract.
  
  

Struvite-Crystal Formation

• Struvite crystals are the most common type of crystals that are formed, caused by a number of factors including pH of urine, amount of magnesium in the diet and length of time the urine stays in the bladder. It is treated with dietary change.
  
  

Calcium-Oxylate Crystal Formation

• This kind of crystal formation is less common than struvite-crystal formation. Some breeds are predisposed to oxylate-crystal formation. Treatment for oxylate-crystal formation is exactly the opposite of struvite-crystal treatment, so it is important that your vet diagnose the problem correctly. It is also treated by dietary means.
  
  

Bladder Stones

• When these crystals collect in the bladder, they may grow into stones that create even more difficulty. The cat may strain, vocalize, have blood in its urine, vomit or become weak. Your veterinarian will be able to detect stones by feeling the bladder or by X-ray and ultrasound. She may prescribe a special stone-dissolving diet or medication, or may choose to do surgery.
  
  

Kidney Disease

• If your cat seems to drink a great deal of water and need to use its litter box frequently, you may begin to suspect kidney disease. Acute Renal Failure can occur because of ingestion of a toxic chemical such as antifreeze. Intravenous fluids and medication can restore the kidneys to full function. Chronic Renal Failure is more serious and has no cure. It usually occurs in older cats, and the goal of treatment is to sustain the life of the cat for as long as is reasonable.
  
  

Urinary Behavioral Problems

• When your cat suddenly won't use the litter box, it may be because of behavioral issues. Some cats are extremely sensitive to the condition and location of their litter box, so make sure you haven't changed the type of litter or neglected to clean the box frequently. Senior dementia may make an older cat forget its training. Any litter-box problems should be mentioned to your veterinarian so that medical problems can be ruled out.