Post UTI maintenance

I have a cat that just had a urinary infection with crystals present, but luckily I was able to ward off a blockage by giving him a lot of water and getting him to a vet. My question is about food. He doesn’t like wet food much, and believe me, I’ve tried. I give him some every day mixed with some water. He’ll lick the gravy and drink some water and that’s it. The other problem is he only likes the less quality food, like fancy feast dry. It’s tough. And I have 3 other cats making it even more difficult, since they won’t eat the urinary tract food either. I saw some supplements sold by Wysong for uti health and was wondering if they help and if giving him those supplements would make up for his diet. Or, if you could suggest any other foods or ways to get him to eat them (I’ve tried all the common ways, like mixing in a little at a time, etc), and how to do it with 3 other cats around, it would be very appreciated. The last question would be, can I give him the uti food and give him as “treats” just a little of the food he likes, or will doing that negate the effect of the uti food. Please help! He stares at me for treats and I feel so bad! He does seem upset his routine is changed. Thank you so much for being here to help.

 

Answer from Dr. Gaylord Brown:
It would be useless to feed a special diet and then give treats of another food. Oral supplements, either over the counter or from your veterinarian, that act to acidify the urine may help to prevent recurrence. Some research shows these supplements lose their effectiveness over time. In a communal situation, it would be necessary to change all cats to the special diet. Gradual introduction by mixing into their other food seems to be the best method. Unfortunately, there is often a period of hunger required. Recent research indicates the need to also monitor and treat these cats for urinary tract infections.