Symptoms of Feline Idiopathic Cystitis

If your cat's bladder becomes inflamed and there is no known reason for it, this is referred to as feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC). According to Pet Place, researchers are unsure as to why it develops, but it may have something to do with your cat's diet, genetic reasons, indoor lifestyles or be induced. Regardless of the reason your cat has developed the disease, knowing the signs of it can help you seek medical attention for your cat as soon as possible, reducing the severity of the problem.

  1. Pain

    • A cat with FIC often has pain associated with urination. Since your cat cannot tell you it hurts to urinate, you will have to watch for warning signs. A cat in pain often strains when urinating as it tries to force the urine out. Another common sign, according to Vet Info, is crying out in pain. You may notice your cat is meowing in distress whenever it enters the litter box, which is indicative of the pain associated with urination. Also, a cat in pain may lick at its genitals frequently. This is often done to try and relieve the pain that is occurring.

    Blood in Urine

    • According to Pet Place, if your cat has red blood cells in its urine, it is referred to as hematuria. Detecting blood in your cat's urine can be difficult if your cat is using the litter box or urinating outdoors. Often, the blood associated with hematuria is minute and barely distinguishable. However, if your cat is refusing to use the litter box, you may notice urine on your carpets or furniture after it urinates. Since blood in the urine is a sign that there is a problem, if you notice even a small amount of blood, you should seek medical attention for your cat as soon as possible.

    Inappropriate Urination

    • A cat with FIC often urinates in places other than the approved litter box. This may be because it has developed incontinence due to the disease or it may be because your cat is just refusing to use the litter box for psychological reasons. Often, a urinary tract infection can make a cat want to urinate on a smooth surface, such as a bathtub or the floor, instead of the litter box, according to Vet Info. Many cats are not consistent in whether they use the litter box or whether they choose to urinate somewhere else.