Spontaneous Feline Cystitis: Understanding and Managing

Indeed, feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is intricately connected to the nervous system, adrenaline, and the bladder itself. To simplify, an overabundance of certain hormones can increase the permeability of the bladder and weaken the bladder's and urethra's defense mechanisms. Common stressors for cats, often leading to urinary inflammation, include conflicts among cats in a multicat household and recent changes in their living environment, such as the arrival of a new cat or guest, moving homes, renovations, or even a change in the litter box.

What to Do About Feline Idiopathic Cystitis?

First and foremost, address the stress. Consider purchasing a felinespecific pheromone collar. The collar emits calming pheromones that can help soothe your cat's nerves, ensuring they feel relaxed no matter where they go.

Cats and Their Facial Pheromones

Pheromones are chemical messengers that all animals, including humans, possess. They serve as a means of communication among individuals of the same species. Cats have pheromone glands distributed from their cheeks to their ears, known as facial pheromones. These pheromones can make cats feel friendly and secure, which is why they may rub their faces against their owners or other objects, signifying they feel safe and unthreatened.

Next, increase your cat's water intake. Assuming no urinary stones are present after a veterinary examination, it's generally considered idiopathic cystitis due to stress. Sufficient hydration can help reduce the risk of kidney stones and urinary tract infections. Cats need a certain amount of water daily, typically around 60 milliliters per kilogram of body weight, even when they're not active.

However, enticing cats to drink can be challenging. Here are four clever strategies to encourage your feline friend to stay hydrated:

1. Electric Water Fountains: These devices provide a constant supply of fresh, flowing water, which cats often prefer.

2. Multiple Water Bowls: Placing water bowls in various locations increases the chances of your cat encountering and drinking from them, especially in their resting areas.

3. Cats' Curiosity: Change the water containers regularly to pique your cat's interest in drinking, and take advantage of their preference for drinking from human cups.

4. Treats in Water: Add treats to the water to entice your cat to drink, or simply add water to their canned food.

Minimize Environmental Changes

Parents should pay close attention to daily details to prevent FLUTD. Understanding your cat's personality is crucial, especially for more sensitive cats. First, ensure the litter box is kept clean, and if you have multiple cats, provide enough boxes—one more than the number of cats in the home—to avoid territorial disputes. Secondly, try to maintain a consistent routine and avoid moving the home or litter box. Also, feed your cat at regular times, interact with them, and play with them consistently. The litter box is a source of security for cats, so avoid moving it and keep an eye out for blood in their feces.

Although urinary tract diseases are common in cats, this does not mean they are not dangerous. Symptoms include frequent urination, difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, pain during urination, or even an inability to urinate. In some severe cases, male cats may experience lifethreatening urinary blockages, requiring immediate emergency treatment. If urinary stones are caused by diet, switch to a prescription cat food as soon as possible to mitigate the risk.

The treatment for FLUTD depends on the cause. If it's a bacterial infection, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics. If idiopathic cystitis is suspected, the vet may prescribe pain medication and advise you to make changes to your cat's diet and environment to prevent recurrence. In more severe cases, such as urinary stones or an inability to urinate, the vet may need to insert a catheter to keep the urethra open, and your cat may require hospitalization and additional treatments, including surgery to remove the stones.