Feline Cystitis

Feline cystitis is a medical term used to describe a bladder infection or inflammation. Cystitis in cats can be caused by a number of conditions and treatment is dependent on the underlying cause. Cystitis is a painful condition and requires treatment by a licensed veterinarian.

  1. Causes

    • Causes of feline cystitis include bacterial infections, usually secondary to a urinary tract infection, bladder stones and other causes. Many times the cause of the inflammation cannot be determined.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of cystitis include squatting to urinate often while producing little urine, vocalizing while urinating, blood in the urine, urinating outside the litter pan and excessively cleaning the genital area. If your cat begins exhibiting these symptoms a veterinarian should see him immediately.

    Urethral Blockage

    • Urethral blockage by bladder stones is a medical emergency and needs immediate attention to keep the bladder from rupturing. Symptoms of urethral blockage mimics those of a typical bladder infection.

    Treatment

    • Treatments of feline cystitis include oral or injectable antibiotics, change in diet (to dissolve stone-forming crystals) or surgery to remove bladder stones. Many times intravenous fluids are given to help flush the bladder. If the cat has a stone blocking the urethra, a veterinarian may insert a urinary catheter to move the stone.

    Effects

    • Most cats will recover from a bout of cystitis within a week or two, depending on the severity of the condition and the treatment plan that is implemented. Recurrence of cystitis in cats that have been previously diagnosed is high. Most cats that have been treated for bladder stones will remain on a prescription diet throughout their lives that alters the pH of the urine and prevents the formation of future stones.