Vet fees up to £15,000
To suit your pet’s needs, choose vet fee cover from £1,000 to £15,000. The limit resets every year you renew.
Design your own pet insurance
Policies as unique as your pet. Set your own limits, excess and optional extras, for cover as snug as a collar.
Switch with unbroken cover
If you switch to us from a like-for-like policy, there’ll be no gap in cover, with protection starting straight away**.
Content by Emma Chandley BVetMed PGCertSAS MRCVS
Urinary crystals are tiny mineral formations that develop in your cat’s urine. Under normal circumstances, urine contains dissolved minerals that pass out of the body without issue. When conditions change – for example, the urine becomes more concentrated or the pH of the urine changes – these minerals can begin to form crystals.
There are several types of crystals, but the most commonly seen in cats are struvite and calcium oxalate. In small numbers, they may not cause any noticeable problems. However, when they build up, they can irritate the lining of the bladder and urinary tract, leading to discomfort and inflammation.
In some cases, crystals can combine to form larger stones or contribute to blockages within the urinary tract. This is particularly significant in male cats, where the urethra is narrower. If the urethra becomes blocked, this is a medical emergency.
Urinary crystals tend to form when the balance within the urine changes. This can happen for several reasons, often overlapping with each other rather than acting in isolation.
Diet plays an important role. The mineral content of food, along with how it influences urine acidity, can affect crystal formation. Hydration is another key factor. Cats that drink very little water produce more concentrated urine, which increases the likelihood of crystals developing.
Stress can also contribute, particularly in indoor cats. It is closely linked with a condition known as feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), where inflammation of the bladder creates an environment in which crystals are more likely to form. Other contributing factors may include obesity, reduced activity levels, and underlying medical conditions that alter urine composition.
Urinary crystals can affect any breed of cat. That said, some patterns are seen more commonly in practice. Male cats are at higher risk of complications, particularly blockages, due to the narrower shape of their urethra. Certain pedigree breeds, such as Persians and Burmese, may also be more predisposed to urinary tract issues – although this is not exclusive.
Lifestyle factors often play a greater role than breed alone. Indoor cats, those with lower water intake, and cats with a more sedentary and less active routine are more frequently affected.
In the earlier stages, the signs first seen by owners are often related to bladder irritation.
You may notice your cat:
Some cats also become more withdrawn or unsettled, particularly if the irritation is ongoing.
Diagnosis usually starts with a full clinical examination and a detailed discussion about what has been noticed at home.
A urine sample is a very important part of the diagnosis. Testing the urine will allow your vet to assess the concentration of the urine – the pH – and the presence of crystals under a microscope.
In some cases, additional tests such as imaging may be recommended to assess the bladder wall, and look for stones or other abnormalities – plus check for any underlying issues.
The main aim of treatment is to correct the underlying conditions that are allowing crystals to form. Dietary management is often a key part of the treatment plan. Specially formulated urinary diets can help dissolve certain types of crystals – particularly struvite – and also reduce the risk of recurrence.
Encouraging increased water intake is also important, whether through wet food, multiple water sources, or water fountains.
Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication can also often be prescribed to improve comfort while the bladder settles. Where stress is a contributing factor, environmental changes and management of stressors (wherever possible) can make a significant difference.
With appropriate management, the outlook for mild to moderate cases of urinary crystals is generally very good. Many cats respond well to dietary changes and supportive care, particularly when the condition is identified early. Ongoing management and close monitoring is often needed to reduce the risk of recurrence.
More severe cases are usually associated with obstruction of the urinary tract, which is a medical emergency.
Signs may include:
This situation can deteriorate quickly and requires urgent veterinary attention.
Diagnosis is based on clinical examination, often alongside imaging and blood tests to assess the overall impact on the body. An obstructed bladder is usually apparent very quickly on examination, and further tests help determine the severity and then guide treatment.
The main aim of the treatment is to quickly and safely remove the obstruction and stabilise the patient. This typically involves passing a urinary catheter under sedation or anaesthesia to unblock the urethra. Intravenous fluids are given to correct dehydration and support kidney function.
Once the immediate crisis has been managed, further steps are taken to reduce the risk of recurrence. This may include dietary changes, ongoing monitoring, and in some cases surgical options if blockages keep happening.
When treated promptly, many cats recover well from an episode of obstruction. Unfortunately recurrence is common, this is especially true if there is no long-term management in place. Early intervention tends to result in a better outcome.
“Urinary issues in cats are something we see very regularly in practice, and they can range from mild irritation through to genuine emergencies. One of the more challenging aspects is that the early signs can be quite subtle. There may just be a few extra visits to the litter tray, or a slight change in behaviour, and it can be easy for owners to miss.
“Crystals themselves are only part of the picture. They often develop alongside inflammation within the bladder, and it’s that combination that leads to the clinical signs owners notice at home.
“What makes the biggest difference in my experience is picking things up early. When cats are seen at the stage where signs are still mild, treatment is usually straightforward and very effective. Once a blockage develops, the situation becomes far more serious, so recognising those early changes is key.”
Emma Chandley BVetMed PGCertSAS MRCVS
If you’re thinking about getting a Petgevity Lifetime Plus policy, we’ll consider all pre-existing conditions when offering cover for your cat*.
When you apply for cat insurance, you need to let us know:
Find out more about Petgevity’s cat insurance for pre-existing conditions.
Choosing Petgevity to protect your pets gives you more than just vet fee cover. Here's what you get from our policy.
Dental accident
Covers your pet up to the chosen vet fee limit if they have a dental accident or injury. Always be sure to take your pet for annual dental check-ups, and follow your vet’s advice.
Behavioural treatment
Get expert help with your pet’s mental and emotional wellbeing, as advised by your vet. Cover up to your chosen vet fee amount or the cost of up to 12 sessions, whichever is lower (Lifetime Plus); or up to £1,000 (Lifetime).
Complementary therapy
As advised by your vet, this covers alternative treatments like acupuncture or hydrotherapy. Cover up to your chosen vet fee amount (Lifetime Plus); or up to chosen vet fee amount or £1,500, whichever is lower (Lifetime).
Emergency care
If you can’t look after your pet due to an emergency, such as an unplanned hospital visit, this covers you for up to £1,500 (Lifetime Plus) in minding costs.
Third-party liability for dogs
Covers you for legal costs if your dog causes injury to somebody or their pet, or causes loss or damage to someone’s property. Protects you for up to £2 million in a legal action.
Choice of optional extras
Need extra protection? Choose from several optional extras to cover your pet’s needs, including dental illness, or cover if your pet is stolen or lost.
Defaqto 5 star rating when you choose vet fees over £4,000 with all optional add-ons included.
Basic cover alone has 3 star rating
Three-time winner National Insurance Awards Pet Insurance Award 2022, 2023 & 2024.
Awarded Best Pet Insurance Provider at The Money Mentor Awards 2024
†For Lifetime Plus policies only – details correct as of 10 September 2024 via competitor websites. Competitor products are subject to their own T&Cs and can have different limits and requirements for cats versus dogs at different ages. For full details, please check the relevant policy wording. For full details of Petgevity pet insurance, please read our policy wording.
Urinary crystals form when minerals in the urine crystallise, often due to concentrated urine, dietary factors, or changes in urine pH. Stress and hydration levels can also play a role.
They can be uncomfortable, particularly when they irritate the bladder lining. Cats may show signs such as straining or vocalising when urinating.
Yes, particularly in male cats. Crystals can contribute to urethral blockages, which are a medical emergency.
In many cases, yes. Specially formulated diets help dissolve certain crystals and reduce the risk of them returning.
They can recur, especially if underlying factors are not managed. Long-term dietary and lifestyle adjustments are often recommended.
†Lifetime Plus policies only
*Cover for pre-existing medical conditions is subject to acceptance. They will not be covered unless you have declared them and they are shown on your Confirmation of Cover.
**Illnesses and symptoms won’t be covered in the first 14 days and accidents won’t be covered in the first 2 days of the policy. This is unless you are switching from another lifetime pet insurance product with no break in cover and the claim you want to make would have been covered by your previous policy. Other exclusions may apply to other sections.