Feline cystitis

Feline cystitis is associated with feline urological syndrome, feline lower urinary tract disease, and feline idiopathic cystitis. Feline cystitis means "inflammation of the bladder." The term idiopathic translates to unknown cause, meaning the direct cause of feline cystitis is unknown; however, certain behaviors have been known to aid the illness once it has been initiated. It can affect both males and females of any breed of cat. It is more commonly found in female cats; however, when males do exhibit cystitis, it is usually more dangerous.[1]

A common nickname for this type of illness is "crystals". This is because mineral crystals or sand-like particles may form within the bladder. This can be treated. If this illness is not diagnosed and treated, then the cat's life may be at risk from urethral obstruction with mineral crystals or protein plugs and inability to urinate.

Signs and symptoms
  • Frequent trips to the litter box.[1]
  • Attempting to go to the bathroom with little urine passed.
  • Blood is present in the urine.[2]
  • Odorous urine is being exhibited.
  • Irritability in personality.
  • Urinating in places other than the litter box.
  • Licking the genitals.
  • Lying on cold surfaces, such as tile floors or in showers (the cold surfaces help ease pain).
  • Experiencing pain when urinating.

Pathophysiology

Feline cystitis appears to be associated with complex interactions among the nervous system, adrenal glands, and urinary bladder.[3] Environment also appears to play a role in the pathophysiology and, in some cases, is associated with clinical signs related to the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, integumentary, and immune systems.[3]

Feline cystitis can lead to a blockage of the cat's urinary tract. This blockage can be from a bladder stone or urinary crystals, which are formed from a buildup of minerals and other substances formed in the kidneys.[4] These crystals lead to an obstruction causing stagnant urine to evolve in the body. The urine will eventually build up to a point where it can harm the kidneys. If the buildup goes untreated, the cat's kidneys may fail. Stagnant urine will also create a perfect atmosphere for bacteria to proliferate.[5] Feline cystitis is more dangerous in male cats because the urethra is much narrower than the urethra of females.[6] Females do not commonly experience a complete obstruction due to a wider urethra.

Cause

The direct cause of feline cystitis is unknown. Research is still being pursued for the causes of cystitis in cats; however, they have found many correlations.[7] Cats who are neutered or spayed too early have experienced a higher incidence of feline cystitis. Too much dry cat food can aggravate the cystitis once it has already occurred in a feline[8].

Factors that may be associated with an increased likelihood of developing feline cystitis include:

  • Increased body weight[9]
  • Stress from house moving[10]
  • Stress from having conflicts with other cats[11]
  • Being kept strictly indoors[7]

Treatment

The veterinarian may use a urine sample from the cat to carry out urinalysis tests. An appropriate antibiotic may be given.[12] Within a week the cat should improve. However, feline cystitis is commonly known to reoccur, therefore precautions should be taken. Prescription diet cat food may be recommended by your veterinarian to ensure that cystitis does not reoccur. An antibiotic may prevent some but not all cases.

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References
  1. Cannon, Martha. "Feline Medicine a practical guide for veterinary nurses and technicians". Feline Medicine Elsevier Sciences
  2. Sands, David. "Cats 500 questions answered" Cat Questions Barnes and Noble
  3. "Current Thoughts on Pathophysiology and Treatment of Feline Idiopathic Cystitis". Today's Veterinary Practice. 2013-11-01. Retrieved 2019-12-03.
  4. "Calcium Oxalate Crystals in Urine: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment". Healthline. Retrieved 2019-12-03.
  5. Duno, Steve. "The only cat book you'll ever need".Cat Book Adams Media
  6. Simon, John. "What your cat is trying to tell you". Deciphering your cat Macmillan
  7. Sævik, B. K.; Trangerud, C.; Ottesen, N.; Sørum, H.; Eggertsdóttir, A. V. (2011). "Causes of lower urinary tract disease in Norwegian cats". Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery. 13 (6): 410–417. doi:10.1016/j.jfms.2010.12.012. PMID 21440473.
  8. Wooten, Sarah. "Feline interstitial cystitis: It's not about the bladder". DVM 360. Retrieved 11 June 2019.
  9. Lund, H. S.; Krontveit, R. I.; Halvorsen, I.; Eggertsdottir, A. V. (2013). "Evaluation of urinalyses from untreated adult cats with lower urinary tract disease and healthy control cats: Predictive abilities and clinical relevance". Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. 15 (12): 1086–97. doi:10.1177/1098612X13492739. PMID 23783431.
  10. Defauw, P. A. M.; Van De Maele, I.; Duchateau, L.; Polis, I. E.; Saunders, J. H.; Daminet, S. (2011). "Risk factors and clinical presentation of cats with feline idiopathic cystitis". Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery. 13 (12): 967–975. doi:10.1016/j.jfms.2011.08.001. PMID 22075439.
  11. Cameron, M. E.; Casey, R. A.; Bradshaw, J. W.; Waran, N. K.; Gunn-Moore, D. A. (2004). "A study of environmental and behavioural factors that may be associated with feline idiopathic cystitis". The Journal of small animal practice. 45 (3): 144–147. doi:10.1111/j.1748-5827.2004.tb00216.x. PMID 15049572.
  12. Pawprints and Purr Incorporated. "Feline Cystitis". Feline Cystitis
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