Inflamed Bladder in Cats

An inflamed bladder in a cat may be diagnosed as feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC). This problem can also be categorized under other conditions such as feline idiopathic lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) or feline urologic syndrome (FUS). Symptoms are easy to detect and typically uncomplicated to treat. These conditions affect about 1 percent of the feline population and have a high incidence of recurrence.

  1. Symptoms

    • Cats experiencing an inflammation of the bladder typically suffer from pain and discomfort along with urination problems. Cats usually feel the need to frequently urinate or, in the case of blockage, are unable to urinate. This condition can result in the production of tiny crystals and stones in the bladder, and bloody urine. In male cats, the crystals may block the urethra impeding the flow of urine and be potentially life-threatening.

    Causes

    • Feline lower urinary-tract problems occur for many reasons, such as a bacterial infection in the lower urinary tract. Changes in environment, the number of animals in the household or in food schedules can contribute to this problem by causing stress. Gender also increases the risk; male cats are more prone to urinary problems. Being overweight can play a role in lower urinary tract issues, as can a dry diet that contains less water and more mineral content than moist food.

    Indications

    • Cats typically urinate more frequently, while passing only small amounts of bloody urine. They may urinate in places other than the litter box, particularly locations with cool, hard surfaces, such as bathtubs, sinks or floors. Cats may cry out or strain while urinating and frequently lick the urinary opening. A cat suffering from lower urinary tract disease may exhibit some or all these signs.

    Diagnosis

    • Because there are so many possible causes, it can be difficult to diagnose the exact problem. A veterinarian conducts a physical examination and might order further testing to determine the underlying cause. The most common test is a urinalysis. Blood may be drawn or an X-ray taken to rule out bladder stones. In some cases, an abdominal ultrasound or endoscopy are performed to diagnose tumors, blockages or injuries to the urinary track.

    Treatment

    • If infection is suspected, a veterinarian administers antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs. In the case of a life-threatening diagnosis, surgery is performed to remove any blockage or repair a ruptured bladder. Increasing water consumption will help keep the cat's urine diluted, and adding high-quality moist food also help increase water intake. Stress can be reduced with such environmental modifications as making sure the cat has a safe, clean litter box area and plenty of toys to encourage play time and exercise.