Cystitis

Cystitis means inflammation of the bladder. In younger and middle-aged cats the most common form is feline idiopathic cystitis, or FIC. Idiopathic means that tests find no clear cause such as infection or stones. Researchers link it to stress and to how a cat's nervous system and bladder lining respond to it. Overweight indoor cats, cats on a diet of dry food and those living in multi-cat homes are overrepresented. It is one cause of FLUTD.

Signs are straining, frequent small urinations, blood in the urine, vocalizing in the litter box and peeing outside it. Episodes often settle within days to a couple of weeks, but they tend to come back. Bacterial bladder infections are uncommon in young cats and more common in older ones with kidney disease or diabetes.

Never assume the signs are mild. A male cat with these signs may have a urinary blockage, and the two look alike at first. A vet should see a first episode and any episode in a male cat. The vet tests the urine, and may advise pain relief, more water intake, a wet diet and changes to reduce stress, called environmental enrichment. Ask your vet for a plan covering the litter box, play, hiding places and routine.