Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC) is the commonest urinary complaint of cats. Affected cats attempt to pass urine frequently but only succeed in passing small amounts of blood tinged urine. Affected cats will often pass urine on the carpets or soft furnishings.

The cause of FIC is unknown, but bouts of cystitis have been proven to be associated with stress. The bladder becomes inflamed and painful but no infection of the urine is present. Signs may pass over after 3-7 days only to appear at a later date. Some cats seem prone to recurrent bouts of FIC and, in some cases attacks can be complicated by life-threatening urinary tract obstruction. FIC occurs commonly where two or more cats are kept together in a house. It is exceedingly uncommon in single cat households.

TREATMENTS PLANS FOR FIC

Dozens of different drug therapies have been recommended to treat FIC but, as yet, no remedies have been proven to be effective in treating bouts of the disease. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs do not resolve the condition, although pain-killers may relieve discomfort. It is commonly agreed that an integrated approach to the disease, with the problems being tackled from several angles, affords the best chance of preventing bouts of the disease. Key factors include  undertaking appropriate drug therapy as required, maximising fluid intake and reducing stress.

REDUCE STRESS

Use a Feliway pheromone diffuser. These diffusers plug into any electrical socket and release a scent hormone that has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety in cats. Feliway diffusers are available from reception.
Give opportunities for the cat to express its natural predatory behaviour by providing climbing posts and toys.
Avoid overcrowding and bullying by other cats. Provide safe escape routes and hiding places for FIC patients.
Avoid reprimands after “accidents”Clean and eliminate odours after “accidents”
Provide a “safe” area for cat litter boxes, provide several boxes with unscented litter and clean them “at every flush”.
Avoid adding new pets to the household.
Avoid changes in the diet – keep to the same dietary regime

MAXIMISE FLUID INTAKE

Create dilute urine by changing the diet to 100% moist food or by moistening dry food. Special lower urinary tract diets may help to prevent bouts of FIC and certainly help to prevent the formation of stones in the urine. If using a lower urinary tract dry diet, it would be best to be fed moistened. Encourage the cat to drink by providing a pet water fountain or by offering liquids such as cat milk, broth or chicken or fish soup.

DRUG THERAPY

Painkillers will help if the cat is uncomfortable. Metacam drops can be given once daily in the food as required.
Amitryptiline has been widely recommended for the treatment of FIC. This is an anti-depressant drug that also possesses anti-inflammatory properties and is known to relieve anxiety. The drug has significant side-effects and is thus probably best reserved for those cats with severe recurrent problems. The tablet is given once daily at just before bedtime and the dose is adjusted at between 2.5-10mg (a quarter to one tablet) to achieve a very mild calming effect. A blood test should be taken 1 month after the start of therapy and then every 6 months to check for any liver abnormalities as a result of treatment.
Glycosaminoglycan supplements may help to provide a protective layer on the bladder lining.  Available as Cystease, this product is given by mouth twice daily.