Cystitis in cats

Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) is a common cause of cystitis in cats. Though idiopathic means the exact cause is uncertain, the condition is strongly linked to stress. Symptoms include trying to urinate more often, overgrooming and blood in urine.

This guide will show you how to spot symptoms of FIC in cats, when it’s an emergency and what treatment your vet may advise.

Please note that the majority of cases of cystitis in cats are caused by FIC. Cystitis as a general condition can also be caused, for example, by a bacterial infection (UTI). But here we’ll be focusing on FIC.

Cystitis is a fairly common condition in cats. It happens when their bladder becomes inflamed, which can make passing urine uncomfortable, painful and even sometimes difficult. Both male and female cats can get cystitis. But tom cats have a long, narrow urethra, which is more likely to block completely as a result of swelling, blood clots or muscle spasms.

Cystitis can come back, but there are ways to manage it and reduce symptoms.

Cystitis can be caused by many things, including urinary crystals and infections. However, in feline idiopathic cystitis, the causes are thought to be:

• damaged, abnormal or missing lining of the bladder
• inflammation triggered by nerve signals (neurogenic inflammation)
• stress and/or an abnormal response to stress

Stress is an important trigger for cystitis, so managing any anxiety or behavioural issues in your cats can help.

There are a few symptoms of cystitis to watch out for, but cats can be good at hiding when they’re in pain. Keep a close eye for signs such as:

• going in and out of the litter tray and urinating more than usual
• urinating around the house
• overgrooming, especially around their genitals
• crying out when using the litter tray
• straining to use the litter tray
• losing their appetite
• lethargy

Male cats with cystitis can develop blockages and be unable to urinate at all. This is far less likely – though still possible – in females.

If your cat is straining to urinate but is only passing tiny drips or nothing at all, this is an emergency… Delaying treatment can lead to kidney damage.

If you spot symptoms of cystitis in your cat, your vet will be able to find the best treatment for them. Before diagnosing feline idiopathic cystitis, your vet will perform a physical exam and tests to exclude other types of cystitis, such as those caused by crystals or infections.

Cystitis often flares up when your cat gets stressed, so working out triggers and reducing these is the best way to prevent it coming back.

Anti-inflammatory medication

Pain relief is often prescribed for cats with cystitis. Cystitis inflammation and spasms can cause your cat’s urethra to narrow, which makes it more uncomfortable to pass urine. Anti-inflammatory medication can help to manage this pain and reduce any inflammation in the bladder and urinary tract.

Increase fluid intake

Reducing the concentration of your cat’s urine helps flush out irritants and debris that can trigger inflammation in the bladder. Increase their access to water by giving them multiple bowls and other sources such as a water fountain.

If they have a dry food diet, try adding water to it, or changing over to wet food. If they already have a wet food diet, add water to their food for extra hydration.

Reduce stress

Stress is a big trigger for feline idiopathic cystitis in cats. You can take the following steps to reduce stressful situations:

• keep their routine consistent
• give them an elevated sleep area and plenty of hiding places
• keep their food bowls away from their litter tray
• give them multiple litter trays in quiet, private areas
• if you have multiple cats, make sure there are enough resources so that cats don’t have to share
• try to avoid loud noises like the washing machine or vacuum when they’re around
• minimise interactions with strangers or people they don’t feel comfortable with
• ask your vet about supplements and other ways to reduce stress in cats

Cystitis symptoms typically last 3 to 10 days in cats, depending on the severity. There’s no definitive cure, and cases can recur frequently.

“As vets, we get to know cats with cystitis – and their owners – very well. Flare-ups are frustrating but expected.

“For females, cystitis is painful and disruptive. But in males, who are far more likely to block, it can become life-threatening. When urine can barely drip out, pressure builds up right back to the kidneys, causing damage. Without proper filtering, chemicals in the blood can quickly reach toxic levels. Never wait to see if cystitis ‘flushes itself out’. Male cats especially need to see a vet as soon as possible, and if their tummy feels painful, firm or like there’s a satsuma-sized lump – no matter the time of day or night – start the car and call the vet.

“I also encourage owners not to forget about cystitis between episodes. Small measures can help keep the bladder calm, reducing how often and even how severely it flares up. Diet changes, supplements, drinking fountains, anti-anxiety medication – and even experimenting with litter tray size, shape, location and litter type – can make a surprising difference.”

Dr Nicole Olewinski – BVSc MRCVS

Cystitis is often a recurring condition, so you’ll need to tell us about any symptoms or medication your cat has had in the last 2 years.

At Petgevity, we’re on a mission to help as many cats with pre-existing conditions as possible. If you tell us about any previous cases of cystitis when getting a quote for Lifetime Plus cover, you could get cover if your cat gets cystitis again*.