IFLUTD is also known as stress cystitis, sterile cystitis or feline interstitial cystitis. It is idiopathic which means there is “no known cause”. IFLUTD can occur at any time, and has no cure. It is a frustrating and lifelong condition, and although we can manage the condition and keep your cat comfortable, we cannot “cure” them.

 

 

Clinical Signs (What do you see)

These include difficult, painful or frequent urination. Blood may be apparent in the urine, and the cat may urinate in different places to normal, including inappropriate places such as the kitchen floor etc. Increased licking of the anus or penis can occur and sometimes your cats’ behaviour can change and they become more aggressive or occasionally more clingy.

Risk Factors

Most commonly, affected cats are between 2 and 8 years of age. Risk factors may include:
- living inside
- obesity
- inactivity
- multicat households
- high proportion of dry food in the diet, especially with inadequate water consumption
- timid or highly stressed cats
- environmental adjustments such as boarding, new cats, children, or moving house

Diagnosis

We diagnose idiopathic FLUTD by eliminating other causes of urinary tract inflammation such bacterial infection (cystitis), an anatomical defect, or crystals (mineral salts which cause bladder stones). We may want to examine a urine sample and send it to a laboratory to check for bacteria, or perform an x-ray or ultrasound of your cats’ bladder. It is very important we rule out the other causes as they may have very different treatments.

Treatment

Idiopathic feline lower urinary tract disease is usually self limiting and may resolve within 3-7 days, even without treatment. A second episode occurs within 12 months in 40-65% of cats. If the condition persists, further problems may develop such as inability to urinate (especially in males). Inability to urinate is potentially a life threatening condition and your cat should be seen by a Veterinarian as soon as possible.

Some Treatment options for your cat may include:

1. Increasing water intake
Helps to increase urine output and is mainly achieved via the diet. Increased tinned food rather than dry food should be fed. Water or broth can be added to tinned food. If it is allowed to stand for 10 minutes, the water will take up the flavour of the food and the cat is more likely to eat it. It is also important to have a good supply of fresh water available at all times.

2. Stress reduction

3. Clean litter trays.
Some cats will not use a dirty tray and will retain their urine which can cause problems. It is important to have at least one more tray than the number of cats in the household.

4. Feliway
This is a synthetic form of feline facial pheromone and has a calming influence on cats and may be useful for stress reduction

5. Pain Killers
There are a few options for severe or chronic cases. These may be given daily or via injection.

6. Behaviour Modifying Drugs
In severe cases we may recommend an antidepressant drug.