Feline cystitis is a condition characterized by the inflammation of your cat’s urinary bladder. The infection usually travels up to the bladder instead of originating there. Since the infection has to travel a shorter distance in females, they are commonly affected more than male cats.

Causes

The most common cause of this condition in humans and dogs is a bacterial infection. However, this is not the case with feline cystitis. Although there is no concrete cause, most cats have no bacteria present in their urine when diagnosed. Various things are thought to increase the risk of developing cystitis. They include diabetes, bladder stones, various drugs, and reproductive tract infections. Trauma to the bladder can also cause it.

Symptoms

Cats with cystitis display a variety of symptoms. They will urinate much more than usual. Also, cats with feline cystitis will strain to urinate, but produce little for their efforts. They can also develop crystals in the urethra which can cause an obstruction. This is commonly a problem with male cats since the urethra is more narrow. An obstruction can lead to kidney failure and death within a couple of days if left untreated.

Treatment

Once diagnosed with feline cystitis, your cat will need to increase his water consumption while decreasing the amount of minerals eaten in his food. Stress also plays a role, so it should also be reduced. Antibiotics may need to be taken for up to six weeks and anti-inflammatory drugs can also be prescribed to reduce swelling. If stones develop in your cat’s bladder, they can sometimes be dissolved after your cat switches to a special diet. Sometimes, the stones will have to be removed surgically.

Prevention

If feline cystitis occurs once, it is likely to recur. Therefore, you should switch your cat to a special diet and keep him on it. You should also make sure your cat drinks plenty of fluids. This will help dilute the urine and prevent the formation of stones.