Male cat just diagnosed with urinary crystals. He is only 2 yrs old.

[ShazzieB]

7. I had a male cat with this problem who was diagnosed when he was still a kitten.

Nothing (diet, etc) seemed to help. (I think he probably had an extra severe case, considering how young he was when he started to have problems.) After several emergency trips to the vet for catheterization, we changed vets due to a move, and the new guy suggested surgery. We went for it, and it worked like a charm!

I know surgery of any kind is something most of us would rather avoid, but it was worth it for him. He didn't seem to be fazed by it, any more than when he was neutered. Even the cost was worth it, because those emergency catheterizations weren't cheap!

I hope your kitty does okay without surgery, but if he doesn't, I can attest that surgery is not the end of the world and can work really well. Hope this is helpful.