The effect of consumption of cranberry on adherence to feline uroepithelial cells in a blind randomised cross-over trial in cats.

INTRODUCTION

is the most common uropathogen in humans, dogs and cats. Dietary consumption of cranberry () is known to be associated with a reduction in uropathogenic (UPEC) adhesion to human and canine urinary epithelial cell lines, but this has not been shown in cats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Six neutered domestic cats, one male and five females, were randomly fed three diets successively, one containing 0.1% cranberry powder, one containing 0.3% cranberry powder, and one being the control without cranberry. Naturally emitted urine was collected on the last two days of each period of two weeks and used for bacterial growth. Adherence to Crandell-Rees feline kidney (CRFK) uroepithelial cells of the feline UPEC C571 strain (positive for the C gene marker for P-fimbriae and the A marker for type 1 pili and negative for the gene of the alpha haemolysin cytotoxin A, and additionally non-haemolytic on blood agar) was quantified after growth in urine samples.

RESULTS

Significant reductions in bacterial adherence to CRFK cells were observed for 60% of cats receiving 0.1% cranberry powder supplementation and for all cats receiving 0.3% cranberry powder supplementation, compared to the same animals consuming the control diet.

CONCLUSION

Dietary supplementation with cranberry may provide some degree of protection to cats against adhesion of UPEC to feline uroepithelial cells.