Feline idiopathic cystitis is the most common cause of repeated urinary problems in cats. It can affect any cat but tends to become less frequent with age. Symptoms usually come and go but it can cause a life-threatening urine blockage.

Feline idiopathic cystitis is a condition exclusive of cats and has an unknown cause. The current understanding points to a chronic stress problem that disrupts the bladder function and leads to changes in behaviour when urinating, such as difficulty in passing wee, blood in urine and inability to pass wee. If a urinary blockage is suspected, an emergency vet visit is essential as this is life-threatening.

 

Overview

What is feline idiopathic cystitis in cats?

This condition has had several different names over the years (Idiopathic feline lower urinary tract disease, Feline urologic syndrome, Feline interstitial cystitis) that have changed as our understanding of the problem progresses. There is still a lot that we don’t know about this condition.

• Stress will change multiple processes in the brain and also affect hormone levels in the body.
• This will cause normal body functions to not work as well as normal.
• In feline idiopathic cystitis, the normal bladder wall structure will change and protective mechanisms will be disrupted.
• This causes bouts of inflammation and pain in the bladder or urethra, the tube that bring urine from the bladder to the outside.
• Most cats will have several episodes during their life, which can be very frequent.
• In severe episodes, secretions and swelling may physically block the passage of urine and lead to a life-threatening emergency.

 

Symptoms

Symptoms of feline idiopathic cystitis in cats

• Straining to pee
• Blood in the urine
• Peeing small amounts very frequently
• Urinating outside of the litter tray or in abnormal places, like the shower
• Being in a rush to pee
• Being unable to pass any urine
• Tummy pain

 

Risk

Cats at higher risk of feline idiopathic cystitis

This condition can affect any cat, but it’s more common in cats that are:

• Middle-aged
• Male
• Overweight
• Housed indoors
• Housed with other cats

 

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of feline idiopathic cystitis in cats

There is no specific test for feline idiopathic cystitis. Recent changes in the cat’s environment or other causes of stress may be an important clue. This diagnosis is reached by making sure there are no other conditions causing the symptoms, such as infections, bladder stones or urine crystals. Tests commonly recommended to achieve this are:

• Urine analysis, including culture to check for infections
• X-rays
• Ultrasound scans

Chronic pain can be a significant cause of stress, and further investigations may be needed to rule this out, especially in older cats or those with other health problems.

 

Vet treatment

Vet treatment of feline idiopathic cystitis in cats

• Cystitis is a painful condition, and this adds to the stress and the changes happening in the bladder. Treating the pain is fundamental.
• Medication to reduce anxiety or antidepressants may be used to help manage stress and introduce a long-term management plan.
• Other medications, such as smooth muscle relaxants, may also be recommended in specific situations.

 

Home treatment

Home treatment of feline idiopathic cystitis

Reducing stress and anxiety

• This is the most important part of the treatment
• Reducing stress and anxiety  is the only way for the brain and the bladder to fully heal.
• Adjustments in your cat’s environment should be done gradually and any changes offered alongside what was previously available until it becomes clear what an individual cat prefers.
• This can be a complex process and it is best to seek guidance from a vet, nurse or licensed behaviourist.
• Common strategies that help many cats:
  • Try to identify and manage any possible causes of stress, such as competition with other cats, frustration, boredom, lack of socialisation, lack of control or lack of a feeling of safety.
  • Pheromone products are often helpful in creating the feeling of safety and control.
  • Pay extra attention to the litter box. Always make sure there is one more litter box than there are cats, try offering different types of litter, boxes and locations. The litter boxes should be scooped at least once per day.
  • Environmental enrichment activities, such as puzzle feeding, hunting-like play and opportunities to climb and explore can be particularly helpful for indoor cats

Increasing water intake and urine production

• This helps reduce symptoms and prevent complications.
• Increasing water intake can be achieved by making sure they have their preferred drinking methods available.
• Many urinary diets are designed to encourage greater water intake. Offering more wet food may also help.

Supplements

Supplements may be helpful, although there isn’t a lot of scientific evidence to confirm this at this stage. Recommended products contain:

• Glycosaminoglycans: building blocks for the protective layer that lines the inside of the bladder. They seem to be deficient in cats with this disease. These are available in capsules and are also added to many urinary diets.
• Tryptophan: an amino acid used to produce relaxing neurotransmitters in the brain.
• Casein: a protein that is thought to help reduce short-term stress in cats and is available as a supplement.

Stress and diet management in cats is often complex and very specific to each cat. Please don’t hesitate to ask your vet for further advice. The vets and nurses at the Joii app are also always available to discuss any concerns and provide further information.

 

Prevention

Can feline idiopathic cystitis be prevented?

• The stress reduction strategies discussed above for home treatment can also be effective at preventing the development of feline idiopathic cystitis.
• Being overweight is a significant risk factor. Maintaining a healthy weight and a balanced diet may help prevent this condition.

Is feline idiopathic cystitis contagious? Can people catch it from cats?

This is not a contagious disease and it cannot be passed to other cats or people.

 

When to worry

When to worry about feline idiopathic cystitis in cats

Speak to a vet as soon as possible if your cat:

• Is constantly straining to pee
• Hasn’t passed any urine in 12-24 hours
• Is hiding and refusing to move
• Has no energy or appetite
• Has a painful tummy
• Has vomited multiple times

Speak to a Joii vet for advice if you notice:

• Your cat is urinating outside of his tray or in unusual places
• A change in your cat’s routine or interactions with other animals or people
• A change in the volume or appearance of your cat’s urine

The vets and nurses at the Joii app are always available to give you advice and answer any questions.