How to Treat Cystitis in Cats

Cystitis, or inflammation of the bladder, occurs commonly among felines. Causing frequent urination, in which blood is often present, cystitis is painful and uncomfortable. There are many causes of cystitis, including behavior and infection. In order to treat the issue properly, the cause must be first determined.

Things You'll Need

  • Antibiotics
  • Corticosteroids
  • Mood-altering medications
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take your kitty to the veterinarian for an examination. In addition, bring a urine sample with you. Keep your feline in a room that contains non-absorbent surfaces and is without a litter box. Collect any urine kitty leaves on the floor with an eye dropper or syringe and keep it in the fridge until you go to the vet. Try to submit the sample within 24 hours.

    • 2

      Administer any medication the veterinarian may give the cat. If the urine results show white blood cells or other signs of infection, the veterinarian will likely prescribe antibiotics for your feline. Often times, if the urine comes back without proof of infection but inflammation is present, the doctor will prescribe corticosteroids to reduce the problem.

    • 3

      Feed your cat food that is developed specifically to eliminate bladder stones and prevent future stones from forming, if stones are present in the bladder or crystals are evident in the urine. Radiographs will identify stones in your kitty's bladder, while a urinalysis can detect any crystals that may be present. Certain foods can break down the stones; however, if they are not successful, surgery is the only way in which to eliminate the stones. Some foods can also prevent the crystals from developing in the urine. Crystals are dangerous as they can bind together to create the stones. These foods are available at your veterinarian's office.

    • 4

      Give your kitty mood-altering and stress-relieving medications, if anxiety is causing the cystitis. Some cats will develop feline idiopathic cystitis, in which the cause of the cystitis is not known; however, it is often thought that the cause in this type of cystitis may be anxiety or stress. Your vet may prescribe a sedative, such as diazepam in order to resolve the cystitis issue with your cat. In addition, pheromone sprays and diffusers are also effective in relaxing your cat. Once your kitty is not as anxious, the cystitis may go away.

    • 5

      Submit another urine sample to the veterinarian once the antibiotics are finished. The doctor needs to test the urine to make sure the infection and inflammation are alleviated. If it is not, the vet may need to test the urine to help determine what antibiotics the infection is resistant to.