Our cat has high pH... What does it mean, and how can we address it? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Jimellow · 03-31-2007, 01:18 PM

We've recently been told one of our cats has high PH levels, and are curious what this means, specifically?

Her PH level is apparently 7. How much higher than normal is that?

In regards to addressing the issue, what can be done to lower the PH level in a cat?

And lastly, what are the long term consequences or risks for cat with a high PH level?

Jinn · 03-31-2007, 01:35 PM

Just so we're clear on what that means;

pH is just the measure how acidic/basic something is, and pH less than 7 is acidic, whereas higher than 7 is basic.

7 is the pH of pure water (at STP) and is typically not a bad thing.

Most cats are 5.5 - 7, but that can really vary from cat to cat and environment to environment. I'm curious how this measurement was taken and who told you that it was a problem. I'm assuming it was a urine sample?

If they advised you that the pH was too high, they should have been qualified to tell you about what that means - protein, ketone, glucose, urobilinogen levels?

Jimellow · 03-31-2007, 01:40 PM

The doctor told us it was very high (7), as a result of a urine sample test, and that the cat has to eat a special brand of cat food to lower it to normal levels.

Beyond that, I know very little; thus the creation of this post.

*Nikki* · 03-31-2007, 07:39 PM

The thing is there has to be an underlying cause that is elevating the pH. Once you find that out then you can better determine how the issue is to be treated. I would call your vet and ask what is causing it, they should be able to tell you this by doing the urine culture they did or running some basic bloodwork. If diet is the issue then your pet will need a different kind of food as indicated.

03-31-2007, 01:18 PM	#1 (permalink)
Jimellow Junkie	Our cat has high pH... What does it mean, and how can we address it? We've recently been told one of our cats has high PH levels, and are curious what this means, specifically? Her PH level is apparently 7. How much higher than normal is that? In regards to addressing the issue, what can be done to lower the PH level in a cat? And lastly, what are the long term consequences or risks for cat with a high PH level? __________________ Desperation is no excuse for lowering one's standards.

03-31-2007, 01:35 PM	#2 (permalink)
Jinn Lover - Protector - Teacher Location: Seattle, WA	Just so we're clear on what that means; pH is just the measure how acidic/basic something is, and pH less than 7 is acidic, whereas higher than 7 is basic. 7 is the pH of pure water (at STP) and is typically not a bad thing. Most cats are 5.5 - 7, but that can really vary from cat to cat and environment to environment. I'm curious how this measurement was taken and who told you that it was a problem. I'm assuming it was a urine sample? If they advised you that the pH was too high, they should have been qualified to tell you about what that means - protein, ketone, glucose, urobilinogen levels? __________________ "I'm typing on a computer of science, which is being sent by science wires to a little science server where you can access it. I'm not typing on a computer of philosophy or religion or whatever other thing you think can be used to understand the universe because they're a poor substitute in the role of understanding the universe which exists independent from ourselves." - Willravel

03-31-2007, 01:40 PM	#3 (permalink)
Jimellow Junkie	The doctor told us it was very high (7), as a result of a urine sample test, and that the cat has to eat a special brand of cat food to lower it to normal levels. Beyond that, I know very little; thus the creation of this post. __________________ Desperation is no excuse for lowering one's standards.

03-31-2007, 07:39 PM	#4 (permalink)
Nikki ~~~~~~~ Location: Charleston, SC	The thing is there has to be an underlying cause that is elevating the pH. Once you find that out then you can better determine how the issue is to be treated. I would call your vet and ask what is causing it, they should be able to tell you this by doing the urine culture they did or running some basic bloodwork. If diet is the issue then your pet will need a different kind of food as indicated.