Description

Understanding Feline Urinary Sensitivities

Bladder stones and crystals are a primary factor in the development of feline health complications, often occurring when there is a dietary mineral excess. For many pet parents, seeing their cat struggle with painful urination is a distressing experience. These sensitivities usually manifest in two forms: Struvite stones (made of magnesium, ammonium, and phosphates) and Calcium Oxalate stones.

While Struvites tend to form in neutral to alkaline urine, Calcium Oxalate stones thrive in acid to neutral pH levels. Managing these conditions requires a precise, science-based approach to nutrition. Royal Canin Veterinary Health Nutrition Urinary S/O is specifically designed to create a bladder environment that is unfavorable to the formation of both types of crystals, providing a comprehensive safety net for your cat’s internal health.

The Science of Struvite Stone Dissolution

One of the most powerful features of the Royal Canin S/O formula is its ability to actively dissolve existing struvite stones. This eliminates the immediate need for invasive surgical procedures in many cases of uncomplicated crystal formation.

Controlled Mineral Levels for Urinary Safety

By maintaining strictly controlled levels of magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus, the formula starves the crystals of the building blocks they need to grow. Magnesium, a natural component of struvite, is kept at a significantly low level (0.05%). This nutritional restriction is an essential step in the dissolution process, allowing the stones to break down naturally within 5 to 12 weeks of exclusive feeding.

Relative Super Saturation (RSS) & Ion Concentration

The S/O Index found on Royal Canin products is a mark of advanced veterinary science. It refers to the methodology of Low RSS (Relative Super Saturation). RSS is a measurement that predicts the crystallization potential of urine.

Lowering Ion Concentration

When urine is supersaturated, crystals are highly likely to form. This formula helps lower the concentration of ions that contribute to this process. By creating an undersaturated or metastable environment, the diet makes it physically difficult for minerals to clump together and form stones. This is the urinary gold standard for long-term management, ensuring that once the stones are gone, they are much less likely to recur.

Urine Dilution: The Key to Prevention

Increasing the volume of urine is one of the most effective ways to protect the bladder. Diluted urine decreases the concentration of minerals and ensures that the bladder is flushed regularly.

Royal Canin S/O promotes urine dilution, making the environment less liable to form both struvite and calcium oxalate stones. This is achieved through a precise balance of minerals, including a controlled sodium content (1.3%), which encourages cats to maintain a healthy water intake.

Nutritional Composition & L.I.P. Technology

The effectiveness of this diet depends on its high digestibility. Royal Canin utilizes L.I.P. technology—Protein selected for its very high digestibility (over 90%). This ensures that your cat absorbs maximum nutrition with minimal metabolic waste.

Analytical Constituents

• Protein: 34.5%
• Fat Content: 15.0%
• Crude Ash: 8.9%
• Magnesium: 0.05% (Crucial for stone prevention)
• Total Taurine: 0.23% (For heart and vision health)

Composition: Rice, wheat gluten, dehydrated poultry protein, maize flour, animal fats, hydrolysed animal proteins, vegetable fibres, fish oil, and soya oil. The formula is also enriched with marigold extract, a natural source of lutein for cellular support.

Daily Feeding Guidelines & Veterinary Recommendations

Because this is a therapeutic diet, it is recommended that advice from a veterinarian be sought before use. The duration of feeding typically ranges from 5 to 12 weeks for stone dissolution, and up to 6 months for the prevention of recurrence. Ensure clean, fresh drinking water is available at all times to assist with urine dilution.

Daily Feeding Schedule