Hill's Prescription Diet c/d Urinary Review (2026)

Name: Hill's Prescription Diet c/d Urinary Cat Food
Brand: Hill's

Hill's c/d Multicare is the most-prescribed therapeutic diet for cats with feline idiopathic cystitis, struvite crystals, or recurrent urinary tract infections. Controlled magnesium, phosphorus, and sodium in precise ratios dissolve existing struvite crystals and prevent recurrence.

Excellent

out of 10

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The full review

Struvite Dissolution Protocol

Struvite crystals (magnesium ammonium phosphate) form when urine pH is too alkaline and magnesium/phosphorus concentrations are elevated. c/d acidifies urine to pH 6.0-6.5 through precise mineral ratios and dissolves existing crystals within 3-7 weeks. It's the non-surgical first-line treatment for struvite uroliths.

FLUTD Management

Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) often accompanies crystal formation. The high moisture content of wet c/d (particularly the multicare stress formula) reduces crystal concentration in urine and provides the behavioral enrichment component through feeding engagement. For cats with stress-related FLUTD, the stress formula adds tryptophan and milk protein hydrolysate.

Quick verdict

What we love

✓Clinical evidence for struvite crystal dissolution
✓Controlled pH and mineral content at therapeutic levels
✓Available in dry and wet formulas for hydration management

Heads up

✕Requires veterinary prescription
✕More expensive than standard cat food
✕Not appropriate for healthy cats

✓ Buy it if…

Cats diagnosed with FLUTD, struvite urolithiasis, or recurrent UTI — prescribed by veterinarian.

✕ Skip it if…

Healthy cats without urinary issues — therapeutic diets are for diagnosed conditions, not prevention in healthy cats.

Tucker's bottom line

If your vet prescribed c/d, follow the prescription. Don't substitute with non-therapeutic food and don't add other foods without vet approval.

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Common questions

Can I use c/d without a vet prescription?

It's prescription-only for good reason — overuse in healthy cats can cause other imbalances. See a vet for diagnosis before purchasing.

How long before I see improvement?

Struvite dissolution: 3-7 weeks. Urinary symptom improvement: often within 2 weeks of starting the diet. Follow up with your vet for urinalysis confirmation.