Unraveling the Mystery: How Gut Bacteria Could Be the Key to Preventing Kidney Stones in Cats

In a pioneering study, researchers have investigated the connection between gut and urinary microbiota and the formation of kidney stones in cats. This emerging disease, primarily caused by calcium oxalate stones, poses a significant health risk to our feline friends. By understanding the role of microbiota, this study opens new avenues for preventing and managing kidney stones in cats.

Upper urinary tract urolithiasis, characterized by the presence of kidney stones, is becoming increasingly common in cats. Remarkably, 98% of these stones are composed of calcium oxalate. Drawing parallels from human medicine, where disturbances in intestinal and urinary microbiota are suspected to contribute to stone formation, the researchers hypothesized that similar mechanisms could be at play in cats.

The study examined the intestinal and urinary microbiota of nine cats with kidney stones, compared to nine healthy cats, before, during, and after treatment with the antibiotic cefovecin, a cephalosporin. Initially, cats with kidney stones exhibited a less diverse intestinal microbiota. Antibiotic treatment further reduced microbiota diversity in both groups. The absence of specific intestinal bacteria, responsible for functions like oxalate degradation, may contribute to the formation of calcium oxalate stones.

Interestingly, the study confirmed the presence of a distinct urobiome in cats with kidney stones, characterized by greater richness and diversity compared to healthy cats. These findings suggest that modulating the microbiota could be a promising strategy to prevent renal lithiasis in cats.

For a detailed exploration of this groundbreaking research, you can access the full article here. This study underscores the critical role of microbiota in feline health and opens up new possibilities for preventing kidney stones in cats through targeted microbiota modulation.