What is Feline Cystitis? Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention Explained

"Cystitis" in cats is not a rare condition. Frequent trips to the litter box, having accidents outside the box, or urinating in small amounts... these could be signs of cystitis.

Left untreated, cystitis can sometimes even be fatal. In this article, we will explain the symptoms, causes, and effective ways to prevent cystitis in cats.

What kind of disease is cystitis in cats?

Cystitis refers to a condition where inflammation occurs in the bladder, the organ responsible for storing urine.

There are two types of cystitis in cats: "bacterial cystitis" and "idiopathic cystitis."

What is bacterial cystitis?

This is a condition where bacteria enter through the urethra, multiply in the bladder, and cause inflammation.It is commonly seen in senior cats, and it is said that female cats are more susceptible than males.

In addition to bacteria like E. coli and staphylococci, cats are also more prone to bacterial cystitis if they hold their urine or have urinary stones.

What is idiopathic cystitis?

Cats frequently suffer from urinary troubles. Diseases of the urinary tract, from the bladder to the urethra, are collectively called F.L.U.T.D. (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease).

Among F.L.U.T.D. cases, idiopathic cystitis is particularly common. Unlike bacterial cystitis, it is characterized by the fact that the cause is not clearly defined. It is common in younger cats under 10 years old and is said to be caused by stress.

Symptoms of cystitis in cats

Even if a cat has cystitis, there are very few symptoms that are obvious at a glance... Owners must pay close attention to their cat's behavior to notice the signs.

Beyond just looking at their urination, it is important to know the symptoms and behaviors that suggest cystitis.

Crying in pain in the litter box

Cats may cry out in pain when urinating. They may also spend a long time in the litter box due to symptoms like difficulty finishing urination, a feeling of incomplete emptying, or trouble passing any urine at all.

Blood in the urine

If bleeding occurs in the bladder or urethra, blood will mix with the urine, causing hematuria. Depending on the amount of blood, the urine may turn pink or orange. Using white cat litter makes it easier to notice the color of the urine.

Urine color is different than usual

If the urine appears cloudy or white, it may be due to pus caused by bacterial cystitis. It can sometimes appear thick or viscous.

Also, if there are urinary stones, fine crystals may mix into the urine. Be careful if the urine looks sparkly after your cat has finished.

Urine smells stronger than usual

In cases of bacterial cystitis, large amounts of ammonia are produced, resulting in urine with a sharper, more pungent odor than usual.

Increased frequency of urination

With cystitis, the bladder becomes irritated and cannot hold much urine. If you notice your cat visiting the litter box repeatedly, it may be a sign of frequent urination caused by cystitis. The amount of urine per trip will also be small.

Having accidents

Due to the urge to urinate frequently, cats may not make it to the litter box in time and might urinate in other places. You may also notice urine dripping.

Licking the genital area excessively

Cystitis can cause pain, discomfort, and a feeling of incomplete emptying, which may cause cats to lick their genital area excessively. They may also appear restless or agitated.

Lack of energy

In male cats, cystitis can trigger a "urethral obstruction." This not only prevents normal urination but also places a heavy burden on the kidneys, leading to symptoms like loss of appetite and vomiting.

What causes cystitis in cats?

The causes of cystitis in cats can be broadly divided into three categories: "bacteria," "stones," and "stress."

Bacterial infection-induced cystitis

This occurs when bacteria enter the bladder from the genital area. If a urine test confirms the presence of bacteria, it is diagnosed as bacterial cystitis. Treatment involves injections or oral antibiotics.

Stone-induced cystitis

Stones and crystals can be caused by diet, genetics, and various other factors. These stones or crystals damage the lining of the bladder, causing inflammation.

"Struvite stones" are well-known and are said to form more easily when the pH level of the urine tilts toward alkaline. Insufficient water intake is also considered a contributing factor.

If stones block the urethra, it leads to urethral obstruction, which can cause kidney failure or uremia as the cat becomes unable to pass urine. This is a condition that may require emergency surgery and, in the worst cases, can be life-threatening.

Stress-induced cystitis

As mentioned earlier, "idiopathic cystitis" has no clear cause, but it is believed to be triggered by stress.

Cats are very sensitive to stress and struggle with changes in their environment. Moving houses, rearranging furniture, nearby construction, or the addition of new family members can all be sources of stress.

Additionally, in households with multiple cats, if the litter boxes are constantly dirty or if the cat cannot use the toilet in peace, this can also be a source of stress, so caution is advised.

Are there ways to prevent cystitis in cats?

Once a cat gets cystitis, the chance of recurrence is very high. To keep your cat healthy for years to come, proactive prevention is key.

There are preventive measures you can start today, so consider reviewing your cat's living environment.

Keep the litter box clean at all times

To prevent bacterial cystitis, keep your cat's litter box clean at all times. Clean up urine and feces frequently, and at least once a month, replace all the cat litter and wash the box with water.

Also, if the litter box is dirty, some cats may hold their urine. If possible, try to provide the number of cats + 1 litter boxes.

For more on creating a low-stress litter box environment for your cat, take a look at the following article.

Increase water intake

Increasing water consumption results in higher urine volume, which helps prevent both bacteria and stones. It is effective to have the number of cats + 1 water stations so your cat can always access fresh water.

For cats that don't drink much water, try offering warm water or broth, using an automatic water fountain, or topping dry food with wet food.

Especially during cold winters, water intake tends to drop, which increases the risk of cystitis, so be sure to monitor your cat's drinking habits.

Review their diet

There are therapeutic diets available that help balance the minerals and pH levels in urine. These can lower the risk of stones forming and are sometimes prescribed by veterinarians.

Minimize stress as much as possible

Idiopathic cystitis is believed to be caused by stress. While stressors vary from cat to cat, adjusting the environment to help them relieve stress is helpful.

Provide items like cat trees or wall walkways for vantage points, and create quiet hiding spots where they can rest undisturbed. Maintaining a comfortable room temperature and humidity level is also important.

Because each cat has their own preferences, observe your cat carefully to ensure their environment is comfortable for them.

Summary

Urinary troubles are a serious, potentially life-threatening issue for cats.

However, symptoms of cystitis are easy to miss.Observing your cat's normal behavior closely to spot even slight changes is more important than anything else.

Keep the litter box clean and monitor the volume, color, and odor of your cat's urine. Poponeko's original "Cat Health Journal" is a convenient tool for tracking your cat's health. It makes it easy to note down changes in urination and physical condition, so please give it a try!

Why not start with what you can today for the health of your beloved cat?

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