Cat has calcium oxalate bladder stones

[Bagpussmouse]

Just looking for some advice, our 4yr old rescue cat has just had 2 bladder stones removed and the tests have shown that they are 80% calcium oxalate and 20% phosphate. He also has high ironised calcium levels. I know we need to increase his water intake and keep acidity in his urine down, but I am overwhelmed in what is the best way. We had been originally told to feed him Royal Canin s/o but now the vet thinks we should try Hills z/d which isn't a urinary diet. Has anyone any experience on how to help prevent the stones forming and I have read so much conflicting advice, but can I use a normal wet food with the hills dry food and what about treats? I know if it had been struvite crystals it was a strict diet, but information on these stones seems more vague.

Cats don’t need treats. Wet/canned food is better than dry.

One of my Toms was bladder blocked due to stones earlier this year. I was advised to cut out dry food entirely and now only feed quality pouch wet food. He’s been fine since. I would never risk dry food either a cat with urinary problems.

Yes, you are right he doesn't need treats, it is just we had been advised to use licky lick treats with his metacam. Does it need to be special wet food though?

A vet can prescribe special wet food, but if yours hasn’t, just wet food is ok. In a pouch or can. However, read the ingredients, and buy quality food, not just “normal” cat food.
Dry food has so many fillers, preservatives and even blue and red food dyes to give it that nice brown colour.