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Posted by PHDrTobin on January 27, 2003 at 10:15:05:

In Reply to: Cranberry Supplements posted by cyclopsgrl on January 26, 2003 at 10:23:50:

:I have a friend who's cat has severe kidney infection problems. I am not sure exactly the nature, but I'd suspect crystals or something of the like. He gets blocked often and they have to take him to the vet to unblock. They had a special surgery performed not too long ago that "turned him into a girl" (sorry, not much more info on that). He was fine for a while and then he started having problems. They went online and read about giving cranberry caplets and have had very good luck.

:My question is, I have two older males (11). I know kidney problems are common in males and older cats. One has recently gone thru an infection (fine now). Is there any merit/harm to giving cranberry supplements? I am thinking more so for the one that had the infection recently and might be more susceptible to a return infection.

:Does cranberry help promote better kidney health in cats? I know humans w/frequent kidney infections benefit by cranberry.

:What dosage (caplet size) and how often would you recommend giving as a preventive measure, if you do recommend it?

:I'd run anything by my vet, but am curious for more info before I see him in April.

:Thanks.
:Tammy
Cranberry keeps bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall. There is no down side to giving one capsule of cranberry concentrate twice a day.
Most bladder infections, crystals and blockages in cats are associated with dry food. Because of this, as well as for other problems, I recommend that no cat given dry food, ever. Canned food or fresh meat and bone is much better for them.

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