Cystitis in cats: Causes, signs & treatment

Key Takeaways:

- Cystitis is when a cat’s bladder is inflamed, causing discomfort.

- It has a range of causes, including more minor and manageable reasons like stress, to bacterial infections.

- Early vet treatment will relieve your cat’s symptoms and stop the cystitis from getting worse.

If your cat seems uncomfortable when they pee, it could be cystitis. There are a few different reasons why they might get this uncomfortable condition, and it’s fairly common.

Whatever the cause, getting your pet to a vet as soon as possible is essential to stop it getting worse.

It can also be distressing to see your cat suffering from this painful issue. So knowing exactly what signs to spot and how to respond can help you seek the right treatment with confidence. Below, we explain everything you need to know about cystitis in cats.

What is cystitis?

Cystitis is when a cat’s bladder becomes inflamed. 

This common condition can make it very painful for your cat to pee, and they usually have an urge to urinate more often. 

Young to middle-aged cats are more commonly affected by feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC), with most cases occurring in cats between two and seven years of age. It’s uncommon in very young kittens. 

Normally, it’s an uncomfortable but not dangerous condition. However, if your cat can’t wee at all, this could be a sign of a blockage and needs to be treated by a vet immediately.

Causes of cystitis

There are a range of reasons why cats get cystitis. Sometimes the cause is unknown, which will lead to a diagnosis of Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC). 

Bacterial infections and the build-up of urine crystals or stones in the bladder are also some of the most common causes of cystitis. Rarely, there might be tumours or masses on the bladder that lead to inflammation. 

It’s important to note that stress is closely linked to the development of cystitis. This is because a protective layer of the bladder can become patchy, leaving the tissue exposed to pee and causing inflammation. 

So if your cat keeps suffering from the condition, the vet will suggest calming their anxieties first, which can include environmental changes, calming supplements and anxiolytic medicine.

Signs of cystitis in cats

If you spot any of the following symptoms, you should get your cat checked out by a vet, as they may have cystitis:

• Difficulty urinating, including straining or vocalising when trying to pee.

• Blood in the urine (this can be pink, red or brown in colour).

• Visiting the litter tray more often and not peeing.

• Peeing in unusual places, like the sink or on the floor.

• Licking their genital area excessively.

• Drinking more.

Owners must be aware of the possibility of a cat becoming blocked up (urethral obstruction).

These cats cannot pass any urine, will constantly strain and may yowl and lick their genitals. This quickly becomes life-threatening without quick treatment. Males are at highest risk due to their long and narrow urethra. So if you spot any signs of obstruction, be sure to visit your vet immediately.

What cat breeds are prone to cystitis?

Some cat breeds are more likely to get cystitis than others, including:

• Persians

• Himalayans

• Burmese

• Devon Rex

• Siamese

• Ragdolls

How is cystitis diagnosed in cats?

A vet will usually diagnose cystitis by examining your cat and asking you about their symptoms.

There are no single, definitive tests which can be used to diagnose cystitis in cats, but they may run checks for other bladder issues such as infections or stones. 

This may involve taking samples of your cat’s pee and performing an ultrasound scan of their urinary tract.

How is cystitis treated in cats?

Cystitis is usually treated using a course of medication. This will include anti-inflammatories to reduce symptoms, and may include antibiotics to get rid of an infection. However, most cats won’t need antibiotics.

Only 10% of senior cats with cystitis have bacterial infections, and about 2% of cats younger than this suffer from it. 

Your vet might also suggest changes to your cat’s diet and lifestyle to lower their risk of getting cystitis again. This may include stress management techniques, improving hydration, and weight loss. 

With hydration being key in the treatment of cystitis, Wet cat food is a great option when it comes to adapting their diet. Wet cat food is renowned for its hydrating properties, and ingredients like Omega-3 fatty acids (like those found in fish), are great for supporting recovery.

Can you prevent cystitis in cats?

Cystitis can’t always be prevented. But there are ways you can help lower your cat’s risk of getting the condition:

• As stress is one of the biggest risk factors for cystitis, helping your cat relax will make them less likely to get the problem again. Giving them more safe hiding places, using pheromone diffusers and putting their litter trays somewhere quiet can all help with your feline’s anxieties. 

• If your cat is well hydrated, it’ll keep their pee flowing freely and make them less likely to suffer from cystitis. Have a few water bowls around the house (away from food bowls or litter trays) and keep them topped up. Adding bone broth for cats or investing in a water fountain can all help encourage them to keep sipping. 

• Cats who live in multi-cat homes are more likely to develop cystitis. Where possible, ensure cats never have to share resources such as beds, hiding spots or litter boxes. The rule of thumb is that there should be 1.5 litter boxes per cat in the home, so five in a three-cat household.

• The right diet is also central to supporting your cat’s health, preventing or aiding recovery from cystitis. Switching to wet food is an easy way to help them get in some extra moisture. Some might even have ingredients that help relieve anxiety, helping you cut your cat’s risk even more. Particularly look out for foods with Glucosamine and Omega-3 fatty acids for natural, anti-inflammatory support.