Published Jul 29, 2022
Medically reviewed by
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
The best supplements for cat urinary health contain active ingredients proven to help resolve or prevent symptoms of urinary tract issues. Pet supplements are a dime a dozen, though, and it can be tricky to find one that actually works.
We recommend UroMAXX Urinary Tract, Kidney & Bladder Formula as the best supplement for cat urinary health. These chews are available without a prescription and contain four active ingredients designed to support your cat’s urinary tract health and kidney function.
But this urinary health supplement isn’t the only one on the market. Here we’ll delve into the subject of cat urinary health and explore some of the best supplements on the market in this category.
At a Glance: Best Rated Cat Supplements For Cat Urinary Health To Buy
Want a quick look at the products reviewed in this article? In the comparison table below, we’ve highlighted some of the most important features of each product. You’ll find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
UroMAXX Urinary Tract, Kidney & Bladder Formula
- Easy to administer with the included dropper
- Tasty chicken flavor
- Helps make the urinary tract less hospitable for bacteria
Solid Gold Cranberry Supplement for Urinary Tract Health
- Easy to administer powder form
- Made with antioxidant-rich cranberry and blueberry
- Beef liver flavor cats seem to like
Vet’s Best Cat Urinary Tract Support Chewables
- Affordably priced under $10
- Contains a variety of active ingredients
- Formula developed by a veterinarian
HomeoPet UTI Plus Urinary Tract Support Drops
- Supports urinary health and kidney function
- Safe for kittens weighing under 1 pound
- Easy to administer by mouth or in food/water
Vet’s Preferred Cat Urinary Tract Chews
- Made with four active ingredients
- Cranberry and astragalus support kidney function
- Appealing chicken flavor and chewy texture
Coco and Luna Urinary Tract Cranberry Supplement
- Easy to administer powder form
- Affordably priced, one container has over 100 servings
- Supports urinary wellness and immune system health
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Hydra Care Supplement
- Appealing liver flavor and gravy-like consistency
- Encourages cats to drink more water
- Contains natural osmolytes to help cells absorb water
Before going into detail about our top picks, let’s take a look at some of the most common urinary tract problems in cats to learn how the supplements we’ve recommended can help.
5 Common Cat Urinary Health Problems
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Urinary tract disorders are fairly common in cats and many of the symptoms overlap. Straining to urinate, increased frequency of urination, and peeing outside the litter box are often an indication of urinary health problems in cats. But there are numerous concerns in this category.
Some of the most common urinary health problems seen in cats include:
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that affects any part of the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, ureters (carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder), bladder, and urethra (carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body). The bladder and urethra make up the lower urinary tract.
Because UTIs most commonly affect the bladder, they’re also sometimes called bladder infections.
UTIs fall under the heading of feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD). They occur when bacteria enter the bladder through the urethra.
Common symptoms of UTIs in cats include peeing outside the litter box, frequent urination, and straining to urinate. Cats may also cry or vocalize during urination out of pain and you may notice increased odor or blood in your cat’s urine.
1. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)
The term FLUTD is used to describe a group of illnesses affecting the bladder and urethra in cats. These illnesses range in severity from mild to very serious and can be brought on by infections, inflammation, diet, or even behavioral problems.
FLUTD can affect cats of any age, but it’s most commonly seen in older and overweight cats. Diagnosing FLUTD generally involves a review of clinical symptoms, a physical exam, and a urinalysis. In some cases, other testing such as bloodwork or x-rays may be required.
2. Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC)
Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) is the name given to cases of FLUTD in which the cause is unknown. Though the exact cause is unknown, stress is often a key factor in the development of FIC.
Cats with FIC often have trouble urinating but, due to bladder discomfort, make frequent attempts to urinate. It’s common to find blood in the urine of cats with FIC as well.
Many cases of FIC resolve within a few weeks, with or without treatment. However, many veterinarians recommend treating the condition to help prevent a recurrence. Stress management is an important part of treating and preventing FIC. It’s also a good idea to keep your cat’s diet consistent.
3. Bladder Stones
Uroliths, or urinary stones, are other names for bladder stones. These are rock-like collections of minerals that form in the urinary tract, causing pain and discomfort. Urinary stones can even block the urethra, causing a dangerous urinary obstruction that requires emergency veterinary care.
Bladder stones in cats are divided into two types: struvite stones and calcium oxalate stones. Struvite stones form in alkaline (non-acidic) urine and are linked to diets high in magnesium and phosphorus. Calcium oxalate stones form in more acidic urine and most commonly affect cats over 7 years of age. These stones can develop when blood calcium levels are too high, often from excessive calcium supplementation.
4. Urinary Tract Obstruction
Male cats, compared to female cats, have a higher risk of developing urinary tract obstructions. While urinary stones are the most common cause, obstructions can also result from urethral plugs, tumors, physical abnormalities in the bladder or urethra, or lower urinary tract inflammation.
Urinary tract obstructions may be partial or complete. Unfortunately, the signs of partial obstruction can be easy to miss, which may allow the condition to progress into a life-threatening complete urinary obstruction. When the urethra becomes blocked, urine can’t flow normally. The blockage can damage the lower urinary tract and cause your cat to go into kidney failure.
Early signs of urinary tract obstruction may include frequent trips to the litter box, increased vocalization, and overgrooming around the anus and urethra. Treatment generally involves medication to dissolve the stones or placement of a urinary catheter to relieve the blockage.
Do Supplements Really Help?
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
There’s a supplement for everything. But just because a product claims to provide a certain benefit doesn’t necessarily mean that it actually does. It all comes down to the active ingredients and whether they’ve been scientifically shown to work for cats.
For example, drinking cranberry juice is a popular natural remedy for recurring UTIs in humans. Studies show that various compounds found in cranberries can help prevent bacteria from adhering to the lining of the urinary tract, kill bacteria in the bladder, and reduce inflammation. These results are not universal, however, and scientific study involving pets is limited.
Cranberry extract, a common ingredient in urinary care supplements, might provide some benefit, but it is unlikely to be more effective than antibiotics.
It’s also worth noting that many studies on the effects of cranberry juice for UTIs in humans involve a single strain of bacteria, E. coli. While E. coli can cause UTIs in pets, it isn’t the only type of bacteria that can. The efficacy of cranberry juice also depends on the dosage, and there is no standardized, scientifically-tested dose for cranberry juice in pets.
Whether it’s nutritional supplements, probiotics, or products to support urinary wellness, it’s important to take health claims with a grain of salt.
Do your research before purchasing a supplement to make sure that the product is formulated based on scientific evidence and recommended by veterinarians. Look for products made in the USA or certified by a national regulatory agency. Choose a supplement formulated for the specific problem your cat is experiencing, whether it’s high urinary pH, recurring UTIs, or bladder inflammation.
Most importantly, however, talk to your vet before starting a supplement to make sure it is safe to take with your cat’s current treatments. Your vet can also give you recommendations for urinary health supplements for your cat.
Best Supplements for Cat Urinary Health: Our Top 7 Picks
#1 Best Liquid Supplement: UroMAXX Urinary Tract, Kidney & Bladder Formula
Some cats simply aren’t interested in treats or chewable tablets, in which case a liquid urinary supplement might be more appropriate.
UroMAXX comes in a 6-ounce bottle with a dropper that makes it easy to administer directly into your cat’s mouth or dribbled over his food. As some cat owners have commented, however, the dropper isn’t as long as the bottle and it may not hold a full dose in one draw for larger cats.
The primary active ingredient is cranberry juice extract, which helps prevent microorganisms from adhering to the lining of the urinary tract. Glucosamine also supports the lining of the urinary tract. Vitamin C helps acidify the urine, making the bladder a less favorable environment for bacteria.
This urinary supplement is safe for both cats and dogs. It’s safe for everyday use and can be used in conjunction with medications and specialty diets for urinary tract disease.
Ingredients
Active Ingredients
Cranberry Juice Extract, Glucosamine (as HCL), Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid), Herbal Extract and Amino Acid Support.
Inactive Ingredients
Glycerin, Purified Water, Natural Chicken Flavor, Potassium Sorbate, Xanthan Gum, Natural Caramel Color.
Pros
- Easy to administer with the included dropper
- Tasty chicken flavor
- Helps make the urinary tract less hospitable to bacteria
- Safe for both cats and dogs
Cons
- Content of active ingredients isn’t listed
- Dropper is shorter than the length of the bottle
#2 Best Powder Supplement: Solid Gold Cranberry Supplement for Urinary Tract Health
Cranberry extract has a solid track record for helping prevent UTIs in humans, but data are limited for pets.
This urinary supplement from Solid Gold comes in powder form. It’s designed to be sprinkled on your cat’s food in a dosage of 1/8 teaspoon for cats up to 15 pounds. The 100-gram container should last for about 160 servings.
This supplement features antioxidant-rich cranberry and blueberry as the primary active ingredients. These ingredients help maintain a healthy urine pH, which may reduce the risk of urinary stones.
Ingredients
Active Ingredients
Cranberry Powder, Ascorbic Acid, Blueberry Powder.
Inactive Ingredients
Beef Liver Powder, Natural Flavoring, Rice Flour, Silica Aerogel.
Pros
- Easy to administer powder form
- Made with antioxidant-rich cranberry and blueberry
- Beef liver flavor that cats seem to like
- Affordable (approximately $15 for over 150 servings)
Cons
- Contains starchy rice
#3 Best Budget: Vet’s Best Cat Urinary Tract Support Chewables
Treatment for UTIs and other urinary concerns can be expensive. If your cat has been treated for these issues before, spending a few dollars on a urinary tract support supplement to help prevent a recurrence may be well worth it.
These chewable tablets from Vet’s Best are veterinarian-formulated with natural, plant-based ingredients for urinary health, including cranberry and parsley leaf. Herbal ingredients like couch grass root and butcher’s broom root also help by flushing wastes from the body.
Note: Several of the ingredients in this formula are diuretics, which could be a problem for cats with kidney disease and those taking other medications. Consult with your vet before use, especially before long-term use over 7 days.
Vet’s Best recommends breaking the tablets into smaller pieces to “release the ingredients and activate the natural flavorings.” Unfortunately, the tablets are fairly hard and can be difficult to break up – it may be easier to simply crush them and sprinkle them over your cat’s food.
Ingredients
Active Ingredients
Cranberry Fruit, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Butcher’s Broom Root, Cornsilk, Couch Grass Root, Horsetail Leaf, Marshmallow Root, Parsley Leaf, Slippery Elm Bark Extract, Uva Ursi Leaf.
Inactive Ingredients
Brewer’s Yeast, Cellulose, Dicalcium Phosphate, Magnesium Stearate, Natural Flavors, Silica
Pros
- Affordable (under $10)
- Contains a variety of active ingredients
- Formula developed by a veterinarian
Cons
- Not recommended for long-term use
- Flavor may not be appealing on its own
#4 Best For UTI: HomeoPet UTI Plus Urinary Tract Support Drops
UTIs can be painful. Once your cat experiences one, he’s likely to have more unless you address the underlying cause. In the meantime, a urinary tract supplement like HomeoPet could help.
This liquid cat UTI supplement is designed to be added to your cat’s food or water, though you can also drop it directly into his mouth. It’s an easy 5-drop dose for cats up to 20 pounds and the formula is safe for kittens in doses up to 2 drops at a time.
HomePet contains herbal active ingredients designed to support normal urinary tract function. It may also help relieve stress-related urination and strong-smelling urine.
Ingredients
Active Ingredients
Aconitum Nap, Apis Mel, Arg Nit, Arnica, Arsenicum Alb, Avena, Belladonna, Benzoicum Ac, Berber Vulg, Calcium Phosphate, Calendula, Cantharis, Causticum, Chimaphila Umb, Copaiva, Echinacea angustifolia, Epigaea, Equisetum hyem, Ferrum Phosphate, Gelsemium, Graphites, Hydrangea, Hydrastis, Ignatia, Kali mur, Lachesis, Lycopodium, Merc Solub, Nat Mur, Nux Vom, Pareira, Passiflora, Petroselinum, Phos, Plumb Acet, Pulsatilla Nigricans, Saba, Sarsaparilla, Scutellaria, Sepia, Solidago, Staphysag, Stramonium, Sulphur, Terebinthina, Thlaspi, Thuja, Uva-ursi, Valeriana.
Inactive Ingredients
20% USP Alcohol, Purified Water.
Pros
- Supports urinary health and kidney function
- Safe for kittens weighing under 1 pound
- Easy to administer by mouth or in food/water
Cons
- Customers report very mixed results
#5 Best Soft Chew: Vet’s Preferred Cat Urinary Tract Chews
These soft chews are made with four active ingredients—cranberry fruit, astragalus root, nettle leaf, and licorice root— designed to support a healthy urinary tract. Each tub contains 60 soft chews, which is a 30-day supply for cats weighing between 5 and 10 pounds.
Vet’s Preferred urinary cat treats support numerous aspects of urinary health, including healthy kidney function. Cranberry fruit may help prevent UTIs by killing certain strains of bacteria, and nettle leaf helps flush wastes from the body. Astragalus root boosts kidney circulation and supports healthy heart function, while licorice root soothes allergy symptoms and digestive issues.
These chews are safe for adult cats aged 12 months or older. They can be used for cats of any breed or size, though the recommended dosage varies by the cat’s weight.
Ingredients
Active Ingredients
Cranberry Fruit, Astragalus Root, Nettle Leaf, Licorice Root.
Inactive Ingredients
Carob Powder, Catnip, Chicken Liver, Chicken Meat, Garbanzo Flour, Glycerin, Palm Fruit Oil, Sorbic Acid, Sunflower Lecithin, Yellow Pea Flour.
Pros
- Four active ingredients to support normal urinary health
- Mix of cranberry and astragalus to support kidney function
- Appealing chicken flavor and chewy texture
Cons
- Fairly pricey, around $0.66 per day
- Contains starchy plant ingredients
#6 Best For Kidney Health: Coco and Luna Urinary Tract Cranberry Supplement
This supplement is designed for kidney support, with cranberry, blueberry, and echinacea as the primary active ingredients. It comes in powder form and is completely free from gluten, egg, synthetic color, and artificial preservatives.
With its tasty salmon flavor, this formula seems to be appealing to cats and it’s easy to sprinkle over your pet’s food. The recommended serving size is 1 scoop (about 1 gram) for cats up to 25 pounds. Each 4-ounce container contains over 100 servings.
Cranberry extract is the main ingredient, included for bladder support and to help resolve and prevent UTIs. Blueberry is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, while echinacea helps boost the immune system to help your cat fight off infections.
Ingredients
Active Ingredients
Cranberry, Blueberry, Echinacea, Vitamin C, Oregon Grape Fruit.
Inactive Ingredients
Magnesium Stearate, Maltodextrin, Natural/Artificial Salmon Flavor, Silicon Dioxide.
Pros
- Easy to administer powder form
- Affordable
- One container has over 100 servings
- Supports urinary wellness and immune system health
Cons
- Contains artificial flavor
#7 Best For Hydration Support: Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Hydra Care Supplement
The urinary tract is designed to help remove waste from your cat’s body in the form of urine. Proper hydration is essential for healthy urinary function, but many cats don’t care much for drinking water. This supplement promotes hydration by encouraging your cat to drink more.
Packaged in 85-gram (3-ounce) pouches, this hydration care supplement looks and smells similar to a thick gravy. The liver flavor entices cats to consume the supplement and, in doing so, they take in more moisture. The formula also contains nutritional osmolytes that help the cells absorb more water.
Customers report positive results with this product and cats seem to enjoy the flavor. The cost could, however, be prohibitive for some pet parents. It’s unclear whether your cat would gain the same benefits eating a moisture-rich wet food or consuming bone broth.
Ingredients
Active Ingredients
None
Inactive Ingredients
Water, Whey Protein Isolate, Glycerin, Guar Gum, Liver Flavor, Potassium Chloride.
Pros
- Appealing liver flavor and gravy-like consistency
- Encourages cats to drink more water
- Contains natural osmolytes to help cells absorb water
Cons
- Contains artificial flavor
- Expensive, some cats need 2 pouches per day
Supplements Can Help Support Urinary Health, but They Aren’t a Substitute for Treatment
There’s no replacement for sound veterinary advice. Whatever problems your cat is experiencing, it’s important to address the issue with your vet instead of trying to diagnose and treat it yourself.
While most urinary health problems are not life-threatening for cats, they can be extremely uncomfortable – even painful – and lack of treatment could cause the issue to progress into something more serious. Untreated urinary problems also frequently contribute to behavioral issues like peeing outside the litter box and increased irritability.
Treatment for urinary health concerns varies depending on the specific issue. In addition to treatment, your veterinarian may recommend giving your cat a supplement. Urinary health supplements are intended to support your cat’s ongoing urinary health and to help remedy or prevent issues that contribute to urinary issues.
Before purchasing a supplement, talk to your vet about what active ingredients to look for so you can be sure you’re supporting the critical aspect of your cat’s urinary health.
