Spontaneous Feline Cystitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Trea

Spontaneous cystitis in cats is not related to bladder stones or urinary tract infections. Often, veterinarians mistakenly categorize a cat's inability to urinate as "bladder stones" and any blood in the urine as "urinary tract infection." The truth is, cats are more likely suffering from "FIC" (Feline Idiopathic Cystitis), which is neither a stone nor an infection.

Common Questions About Spontaneous Cystitis

1. Should cats with urinary issues eat prescription food?

Prescription urinary food is designed for cases where the urine's pH level is abnormal, leading to clear alkaline stones (which are ineffective for acidic stones). The purpose of the prescription food is to dissolve these alkaline stones using added acidifiers. However, for cats with spontaneous cystitis, prescription food holds no benefit; water is the key to resolving urinary issues.

2. Are crystals in the urine a concern?

Crystals are naturally present in urine, and the mere presence of crystals does not necessarily indicate a problem. In cats with spontaneous cystitis, the inner mucosal cells can shed, "wrapping" around these crystals to form blockages. The issue may not be the crystals at all; the main component of these blockages is cellular debris. Eating prescription dry food and using the acidifiers within it will not have the expected effect.

Is cat blood in urine a sign of a urinary tract infection?

In feline urinary system diseases, only issues caused by bacteria or fungi are considered infections. Over 50% of cats suffering from spontaneous cystitis are not infected but rather have this condition. Only by taking a bladder biopsy and checking for bacteria can we determine if a cat has a urinary tract infection.

Is it effective to treat cystitis with antiinflammatory medication?

Antiinflammatory medication, also known as antibiotics or杀菌药, is only effective when there is a confirmed bacterial infection in the cat's bladder. Preventive use often leads to increased antibiotic resistance and the destruction of beneficial gut bacteria, causing more strain on the body. For cats with spontaneous cystitis, whether using overthecounter antibiotics or actual antiinflammatory medications (hormonal), there is little benefit to be gained.