New feline diet could help prevent bladder disorders

East Lansing, Mich.

-- Researchers from Michigan State University's Veterinary Teaching Hospital are testing a new diet they say could help cats dissolve and prevent future bladder stones. Researchers are also hopeful the diet can prevent feline idiopathic cystitis, which can lead to bladder inflammation.

Lead researcher Dr. John Kruger says the veterinary team will look for three outcomes: the effect on dissolving struvite bladder stones and preventing them in the future; the ability to prevent calcium oxalate bladder stones; and the ability to prevent feline idiopathic cystitis. The commercial diet will be funded by a unspecified leading pet food manufacturer, according to the study.

Half of the cats enrolled in the trial will receive the new diet, while half will receive a placebo diet representing premium cat foods on the market. Enrollment for the trial began last June and will continue through December 2010, the university reports.