Years ago, with my first cat, I had no idea about any of this. This was a female cat, and she didn't develop urinary problems, but had other ailments from eating the wrong foods.
At that point, the vet told me that she should be on better foods than the kind you buy at the grocery store. Loving that cat as much as I did, I was appalled that vets don't tell people about how awful that food is.
I asked her why she didn't instruct pet owners to feed their animals better food, rather than waiting till illness strikes, and her answer was completely unacceptable to me, that most people aren't going to spend the money anyway, so why bother telling them about it!
It was a long time ago, and I've learned now not to depend on others to educate me about such things, but I'll never forget how my poor old cat had to suffer because I didn't know about the right foods to feed her.
Change vets. Seriously.
If your veterinary doctor will not take the time to explain problems to your complete understanding, and offer to your the best care, regardless of their preconception of your ability to pay or afford therapy, change vets, today.
You would not tolerate it for your self or family, why would you tolerate it from your pets' dr?