Interstitial Cystitis In Cats
There are a large number of cat owners who complain of interstitial cystitis in their pets. When this disease occurs in a pet, is can also be called idiopathic cystitis.
How common is it?
Interstitial cystitis affects cats younger than 10 years of age. Cats all over the world are affected by interstitial cystitis. Research shows that 9% of cats in Japan and 1.5% of cats in the United States are affected by this disease.
Symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis in cats
The following symptoms are observed in cats suffering from interstitial cystitis:
- Traces of blood in the urine, known as hematuria
- Frequent urination – Pollaiuria
- Difficulty or pain while passing urine-Dysuria
- Behavioral problems –urinating any where other than the litter box.
- The cat is continuously licking the genital area
- Mild fever
Your vet will want to rule out an obstruction before starting treatment of IC. One of the best signs that your pet is suffering from IC and not a urethral obstruction is that with an obstruction the pet may stop urinating all together.
Diagnoses of Interstitial Cystitis
When a cat is taken to the veterinarian, the vet will first check for urinary obstruction by patting on the stomach. If there is blockage of the urinary tract, the bladder will be full.
The vet will check the history of the cat as to what does it do at home, to diagnose the disease. Often a urinalysis is done.
Causes of Cystitis
The most common cause of cystitis in cats is the formation of crystals in the bladder. This is termed as Feline Interstitial Cystitis.
When the crystals in the bladder of the cats are small, the edge of the crystal can cause friction will the walls of the bladder. This creates irritation to the walls and can be extremely painful for the cat. Often traces of blood are found in urine. This is usually caused from the crystals forming tears or punctures as they are trying to pass. There could also be swelling in the bladder.
The cat does not urinate at all
If the cat stops urinating all together, this is due to the blockage of urinary tract. Toxins are not released from the body. They start accumulating in the blood. This could lead to poisoning. Then water may start accumulating in the lungs. This could be fatal. The bladder may rupture inside the body. If you find that the cat has stopped urinating, consider it to be a medical emergency and rush to a nearby veterinary hospital. The cat will need immediate treatment, and surgery may be necessary.
Diet Changes
You can try some changes in the food habits of your cat.
- Most cats are fed a dry diet. Instead of a dry diet, try to slowly change the diet to canned one. Initially, you may face resistance from the cat. As long as you make the transition slowly the cat will have time to adjust.
- Try using same food plate for canned food. Familiarity with the plate may allow the transition to be smoother.
- Add a little water to the dried food.
- Alternatively, try to mix dry food with canned food.
If you find that your pet is showing any sign of discomfort, looks dull or is in some pain, take immediate steps and visit a veterinary doctor.
