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

Feline cystitis is not an uncommon illness. If your cat is going to the litter box frequently, having accidents, or producing small amounts of urine, it may be a sign of cystitis.

If left untreated, cystitis can be life-threatening. In this article, we will explain the symptoms and causes of feline cystitis, as well as effective prevention methods. 

What is Feline Cystitis?

Cystitis is an inflammation that occurs in the bladder, which is responsible for storing urine.

There are two types of feline cystitis: "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 often seen in senior cats, and female cats are said to be more susceptible than male cats.

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

What is idiopathic cystitis?

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

Among F.L.U.T.D., idiopathic cystitis is particularly common. Unlike bacterial cystitis, its cause is not clearly understood. It is often seen in younger cats under 10 years old, and stress is considered to be a contributing factor.

Symptoms of Feline Cystitis

Even if your cat has cystitis, there are not many obvious symptoms at a glance... It is up to the owner to observe the cat's condition carefully and notice any changes.

Let's learn about the symptoms and behaviors that may indicate cystitis, not just those related to urination.

Crying out in pain in the litter box

Cats may cry out in pain when urinating. They may also have symptoms such as difficulty finishing urination, a feeling of incomplete emptying, or difficulty urinating, leading to longer times spent in the litter box.

Blood in urine

When bleeding occurs in the bladder or urethra, blood mixes with urine, resulting in hematuria. Depending on the amount of blood, the urine may appear pinkish or orange. Using white cat litter makes it easier to see the color of the urine.

Urine color is different than usual

If the urine is cloudy white, it suggests that pus is mixed in due to bacterial cystitis. It can also be thick.

Additionally, if there are urinary stones, fine crystals may be mixed in the urine. Caution is advised if the urine appears sparkly after urination.

Urine smells worse than usual

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

Frequent urination

When a cat has cystitis, its bladder becomes irritated and cannot hold a large amount of urine. If you observe your cat going to the litter box frequently, it may be a symptom of frequent urination due to cystitis. The amount of urine per urination will also decrease.

Having accidents

Due to frequent urination, the cat may not make it to the litter box in time and urinate in other places. Urine may also drip.

Licking the genitals persistently

When a cat has cystitis, it may persistently lick its genitals due to pain, discomfort, or a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. It may also become restless and uneasy.

Lethargy

In male cats, cystitis can lead to "urethral obstruction." Not only does this make urination difficult, but it also places a significant burden on the kidneys, leading to symptoms such as loss of appetite and vomiting.

What are the causes of feline cystitis?

The causes of feline cystitis can be broadly categorized into three main factors: "bacteria," "stones," and "stress."

Cystitis caused by bacterial infection

This occurs when bacteria enter the bladder from the genitals. If bacteria are found in a urine test, it is diagnosed as bacterial cystitis. Treatment involves antibiotic injections or oral medication.

Cystitis caused by stones

The causes of stone and crystal formation vary, including diet and constitution. These stones and crystals can damage the bladder lining, causing inflammation.

"Struvite stones" are well-known and are said to be more likely to form when urine pH becomes alkaline. Additionally, insufficient water intake is also considered a contributing factor.

If stones block the urethra, it can lead to urethral obstruction, causing difficulty urinating and potentially leading to kidney failure or uremia. This is a serious condition that may require emergency surgery and, in the worst cases, can be fatal.

Cystitis caused by stress

As mentioned earlier, idiopathic cystitis has no clear cause and is believed to be stress-related.

Cats are highly sensitive to stress and vulnerable to environmental changes. Changes in their surroundings, such as moving, redecorating, or adding a new family member, can also cause stress.

Also, if you have multiple cats and the litter box is always dirty, or if they cannot use the litter box in peace, it can cause stress, so be careful.

Are there ways to prevent feline cystitis?

Once a cat has cystitis, the chances of recurrence are very high. It's important to prevent it thoroughly to keep your cat healthy for as long as possible.

There are immediate prevention methods for cystitis, so let's review your cat's living environment.

Keep the litter box clean at all times

To prevent cystitis caused by bacteria, always keep your cat's litter box clean. Dispose of urine and feces frequently, replace all the cat litter at least once a month, and wash the litter box with water.

Also, some cats may hold their urine if the litter box is dirty. Ideally, you should prepare one more litter box than the number of cats.

For information on a litter box environment that is less stressful for cats, please refer to the following article.

Increase water intake

Increasing water intake helps to increase the amount of urine, which in turn helps prevent bacteria and stones. To ensure your cat always has fresh water, it is effective to provide one more water bowl than the number of cats as a guideline.

For cats that don't drink enough water, you may need to try strategies such as giving them warm water or broth, using an automatic water dispenser, or topping dry food with wet food.

Especially in cold winters, water intake decreases and the risk of cystitis increases, so pay attention to your cat's water intake.

Review food

By re-evaluating their diet, prescription foods are available that help regulate urine minerals and pH balance. They help reduce the risk of stone formation and are sometimes prescribed by veterinarians.

Reduce stress as much as possible

Idiopathic cystitis is said to be caused by stress. The causes of stress vary depending on the cat, but it is important to create an environment that allows them to relieve stress effectively.

Provide a cat tower or cat perch where they can observe, and a quiet hiding place where they can rest alone. It is also important to maintain a comfortable room temperature and humidity for your cat.

Cats have their own preferences and quirks, so observe your cat carefully and create a comfortable environment for them.

Summary

For cats, urinary problems are a serious issue that can be life-threatening.

However, the symptoms of cystitis can be subtle. Observing your cat's usual behavior and noticing even small changes is paramount.

Always keep your cat's litter box clean and closely observe the amount, color, and odor of their urine. Poponeko's original "Cat Health Journal" is convenient for managing your cat's health. You can easily jot down notes about their urine and physical condition, so please make use of it!

Why not start doing what you can for your beloved cat's health?

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