Tag Archives: cat health

Cats, The Pet Professionals

Winter cat care

Winter is now definitely with us! With the colder days and dreary weather, it’s time to take a close look at our feline friends and the ways the lower temperatures might impact them at this time.

Cats are better suited to warmer days than cold, which means you need to remember a couple of things to ensure that your pets will be comfortable during the winter months.

Read our blog for the best tips on how to make your home into a cosy cat corner!

Will my cat feel the cold?

Just like us, cats can feel the cold and will be bothered by low temperatures. In fact, as warm-weather animals, our domestic felines are more at ease during a warm day than during the dreary season.

Barring some exceptions, most breeds don’t have thick coats and they take a long time to dry if they have been out in the rain or the snow, putting them at a significant risk of hypothermia and frostbite. This means that it’s best to provide a warm, dry place for your cats to rest that is always available to them.

This is especially important for pets that spend a lot of time outdoors, as they risk being stuck in dangerously low temperatures without shelter or losing access to their water supply if it freezes.

To help with this, always make sure that cat flaps are not blocked by snow, that there is a comfortable resting place waiting for him or her and that fresh, non-frozen water is always available.

My cat doesn’t go outside, do I need to do anything for him or her?

Many owners prefer to keep their furry friends exclusively indoors, with access to a fenced-in ‘catio’ or going out for walks with a harness. Even though they are less exposed to the elements, indoor-only cats can also suffer from the cold!

Help your cat spend a comfortable winter by:

  • Limiting the time that they have to spend in the rain, wind or snow;
  • If you go out with him or her, always make sure to dry off coat and paws;
  • Checking if his or her microchip is up to date, in case they escape and get lost;
  • Moving pet beds away from draughty rooms and providing warm covers or clothes, in particular if your cat is elderly or has thin fur.

I’ve heard about antifreeze, is it dangerous for my cat?

As the temperatures drop, it’s also critical to ensure vehicles have the right concentration of antifreeze in the radiator so you can avoid any mechanical failures.

Unfortunately, this might put dangerous fluids in contact with curious pets, either via spilt bottles or due to pipe leaks. Antifreeze is severely toxic, but it does not taste bad, which might tempt furry friends to try to drink it or accidentally ingest it via grooming.

Even small amounts of antifreeze can cause fatal kidney problems if not treated in time, so if you think your cat might have ingested it, talk to your veterinarian as soon as you can!

 

In summary, don’t forget to:

  • Make sure that outdoor cats have a safe place to rest when the temperatures drop as well as permanent access to fresh, non-frozen water;
  • Increase the comfort of your indoor-only cats with a warm bed away from cold draughts;
  • Keep an eye on any antifreeze spills and talk to your vet immediately if your pet might have ingested any.

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Cats, The Pet Professionals

Reducing feline stress after the holidays

Did you know that your cats love routines? They are animals that love stability, predictability, and home comforts, preferring to know more or less how each day will go rather than constantly changing their routines.

This is often an issue that comes up at the end of the holidays, when summer household rhythms are altered with everyone going back to work or school, leaving your cat with less certainty in his or her days. Fortunately, you can do many simple things to help your pets during this challenging time of the year!

Keep reading to learn all about how to prevent back-to-school blues for your feline friend!

Can my cat feel stressed when we go back to work or school?

As we’ve mentioned, routines are crucial for most pets but especially cats. After spending so much time at home, in particular when there are children in the house during most of the summer, going back to being left alone again can mean a significant adjustment for your cat.

This is likely to increase stress and anxiety, which might reduce quality of life and well-being. Of course, not all animals will deal with this in the same way, which means signs can range from a mild adjustment period to severe separation anxiety.

In particularly susceptible cats, this can show up as:

  • Excessive vocalisation;
  • Odd or unwanted behaviours such as destroying things or excessive pacing;
  • House soiling without any other apparent cause (for instance, due to kidney disease);
  • Loss of appetite;
  • Increased chances of problems that can be linked to stress, such as feline lower urinary tract disease.

Some of these can have a serious impact on your cat’s health and home life and may require veterinary intervention.

How can I make changing routines easy for my cat?

While we know that it can be difficult to avoid changing routines, there are many simple things you can do to minimise the impact going back to work or school will have on your furry family members.

We recommend, if possible, trying to implement any changes gradually and keeping feeding time with as little change as possible. Other important things include making an effort to spend more quality time with him or her, as you or your kids won’t be in the house quite so often during the day, and ensuring your cat has access to enough toys and enrichment to be able to spend time alone without being bored or stressed.

Don’t forget, you don’t need to manage this alone! Your vet can also help you find the best way to provide a stable home environment for your cat and create a treatment plan in case anxiety is deeply affecting his or her health and quality of life.

 

In summary:

  • The new microchipping law makes it mandatory for all cats over the age of 20 weeks in England to have a microchip implanted;
  • A microchip is a small transmitter that is easily implanted and won’t harm your cat;
  • It contains a number that can be matched to your contact details, enabling your furry friend to return to you;
  • Failure to comply with the microchipping requirement might mean a fine of up to £500.

 

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Cat microchipping is now compulsory in England

As of June 2024, cat microchipping has become compulsory for cats in England!

A microchip can be an invaluable tool to help your pet find his or her way back home and it is very simple and painless to implant. This way, someone with a chip reader (for instance, a vet or the local council) can quickly find your contact information and reunite your pet with you!

Has your cat been microchipped yet? Keep reading to learn about the new law and how to ensure your feline friend’s safety.

What is a microchip?

A microchip is a small transmitter that is about the size of a grain of rice and it can easily be implanted under your pet’s skin, where it will remain all of their life without bothering them.

It contains a special number that can be read with a scanner and this links back to your contact details in a database.

The price for a microchip is around £10 to £30, but some charities will offer it for free, making it an extremely cost-effective way to help protect your cat from getting lost.

How can microchipping help bring my cat home?

As we’ve mentioned, the microchip transmits a number that can be used to find your contact details in one of the microchip databases available in the UK.

This means that, should your cat escape or get lost, he or she can be brought to a vet, a pet charity, or the local council and be checked for a microchip. They will be able to match your cat with your contact details, significantly increasing the chances of you being reunited with your furry friend.

Unlike collars or other accessories, a microchip is unlikely to get lost (though rarely it might change location and be harder to find at times) or deactivated.

However, if you change your address or phone number, you must update this information on your microchip’s database every time that you do! Many pets have been found with microchips only for the details to be outdated, making it much harder to find their owners.

Can I get a fine if my cat isn’t microchipped?

With the new law in effect, non-compliance can cost you up to £500 in fines! From 10th June 2024, all cats older than 20 weeks must be microchipped, and owners have 21 days to resolve this situation before being issued a fine.

This law is only in effect in England but we recommend that you microchip your cat regardless of where you live – it’s a simple, cost-effective procedure that can be done by any vet and it might mean the difference between a reunion or your cat not being able to be tracked!

 

In summary:

  • The new microchipping law makes it mandatory for all cats over the age of 20 weeks in England to have a microchip implanted;
  • A microchip is a small transmitter that is easily implanted and won’t harm your cat;
  • It contains a number that can be matched to your contact details, enabling your furry friend to return to you;
  • Failure to comply with the microchipping requirement might mean a fine of up to £500.

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Cats

Should I bathe my cat?

If this is your first time owning a cat, especially if you’ve been a dog owner of a breed with considerable grooming needs, you might be asking yourself: “Does my cat need to be bathed regularly?”.

Domestic felines descend from wild cats of dry, warm climates and are not known for appreciating water very much. While some feline friends might adore water, generally this is a distressing experience for most cats and, because they are great at keeping themselves clean, it’s not likely you will need to put them in the tub frequently.

Keep reading to learn all about the dos and don’ts of feline grooming and hygiene!

Do cats really clean themselves?

Cats spend a huge amount of time during the day grooming their fur and, if they live with other cats, they might also groom each other. Because of this, our feline friends tend to keep themselves far cleaner and tidier than dogs. This means that, for the most part, you won’t need to worry about bathing them regularly.

In fact, as we mentioned above, they are not likely to appreciate being in contact with a lot of water and might react badly to any attempts to do so. If you include having to be washed with shampoo and then doused with water again, it can be a very stressful experience for them!

Most breeds also have fur that feels rather uncomfortable when wet, meaning that they might not like to have damp fur whilst it is drying.

While bathing is often not a concern for your cats, a good regular brushing (especially for breeds with long or dense hair) and ear or eye cleaning as needed can do wonders for their overall hygiene. Even more particular cats will likely appreciate your help removing loose fur, skin particles, or eye secretions.

When does my cat need bathing?

Even though grooming and cleaning is a big part of your cat’s life, he or she might get into situations that could lead to you having to intervene directly on his or her hygiene.

Here are some of the most common reasons why bathing your cat might be needed:

  • He or she is very dirty or has something on his or her coat (like grease, paint or anything else that might be dangerous) that needs to be removed;
  • Your vet has recommended regular bathing for a health condition (often with a medicated shampoo) such as infections or allergies;
  • He or she is no longer capable of doing his or her grooming, for instance, due to old age or difficulty moving.

If you’re unsure if you need to clean your cat or don’t know how, it’s best to contact your vet for advice. In case you suspect your cat might have got into something toxic or dangerous, don’t delay—talk to your vet as soon as you can so you know what to do next!

What’s the best way to clean my cat?

In case your pet does need a little help cleaning his or her body and he or she is not a big fan of water, it might be better to start with pet-safe wet wipes or a damp cloth.

If you need a full soak, it’s best to find a cat-friendly shampoo that won’t irritate sensitive feline skin, use the least amount of warm water possible, and have a nice, cosy spot without draughts where he or she can rest while drying completely.

Some animals might require regular bathing for the rest of their lives and, in these cases, you can try to get them used to the process by starting gently and rewarding them every step of the way while you work to get them used to and happy being in the water.

In summary:

  • Cats are very thorough at cleaning themselves and won’t generally appreciate being dunked in water;
  • If he or she is unable to groom adequately, has certain health issues and your vet has suggested medicated baths, or has got dirty with something difficult to clean, you might need to bathe him or her;
  • While it’s very rare for your cat to need a bath, he or she will need regular brushing and, every once in a while, might need his or her ears and eyes cleaned.

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Cats, The Pet Professionals

Feline herpesvirus

One of the most common illnesses that can affect your furry friend is feline herpesvirus infection!

Also known as feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), this disease is a frequent infection seen in cats, and symptoms vary from mild to more severe.

If you’ve ever seen your cat with a runny nose, persistent eye discharge or noticed sneezing, especially when he or she was a kitten, it was likely to have been a case of FVR. While most infections are mild, vulnerable animals like unprotected cats, older pets or kittens might suffer from a severe form of the disease.

Learn all about how to keep your cats protected from FVR in our blog post below!

How can my cat get feline herpesvirus?

The feline herpesvirus type 1 exists everywhere and is also highly infectious, meaning it is very easy for your cat to run into it, especially if he or she often goes outside or stays with other cats.

If other cats are shedding the virus (usually through eye, nose or mouth secretions), any contact with them or with items that they have been close to, like beds, bowls or surfaces, is likely to infect your pet quickly. Due to the high prevalence of this virus, many outside cats or pets who live in multicat households can carry and transmit the infection.

Fortunately, feline herpesvirus is exclusive to our domestic cats and other wild feline species, which means that humans and other pet species (like dogs or rabbits) cannot become infected.

What are the signs of feline viral rhinotracheitis?

FVR might take some days to show up in full force after contact with viral particles (either from other cats or from the environment), and you might see the following signs in your cat:

  • Runny nose;
  • Red, puffy eyelids with secretions that can range from a clear fluid to pus;
  • Sneezing;
  • Lethargy and fever.

If you spot any of these signs, don’t hesitate to talk to your vet! As we’ve mentioned, many of these infections are not very complicated and treating them is relatively straightforward. However, a proper diagnosis and treatment plan are still needed as many other, more serious diseases can have similar signs.

Veterinary support is vital for our more vulnerable pets, such as kittens, oldies, or cats with other chronic diseases whose immune systems might not work as well. They can suffer from severe consequences of feline herpesvirus infections, particularly when it comes to eye damage, for instance, debilitating ulcers in the cornea.

These cases will often need specific treatment, such as antibiotics for any other infections that may show up or eyedrops to help heal corneal damage.

How can I protect my cat?

The best way to ensure your feline friend can avoid this disease is through a proper vaccination schedule for him or her! These vaccines will also protect your cats against feline calicivirus, which can cause similar respiratory problems.

Vaccinated cats are less likely to catch FVR, and in the event that they do get sick, they will experience a much milder disease course than unvaccinated pets.

It’s also important to remember that this vital protection needs to be boosted regularly, so if you think that your cat might be out of date with his or her vaccinations, schedule your appointment with your vet today!

 

In summary:

  • Feline herpesvirus type 1 causes feline rhinotracheitis, a common viral disease that affects the upper airways and eyes of cats;
  • Cats can get infected through contact with other cats as well as through viral particles in the environment;
  • While it us usually an uncomplicated disease, it can cause severe problems for senior cats, kittens or cats with lowered immunity;
  • The best way to protect your feline friends is by vaccination;
  • If you notice that your cat is unwell, don’t hesitate to talk to your vet.

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Cats, The Pet Professionals

Help your cats during fireworks season!

Fireworks and pets are not a good match! Many of our furry friends are apprehensive or scared of the loud noises during the festive season, and cats are no exception.

Christmas and New Year can be tough periods for cats with these types of phobias, and owners might struggle to help their feline friends feel better.

Keep reading our blog to learn all about the best tips for the holiday season and help ensure a peaceful, stress-free Christmas for you and your pets!

Is fear of fireworks common?

Unfortunately, it’s far more common than not for our cats to be afraid of the loud noises and explosions that seem to happen every other day during the holiday season.

They have extremely sensitive hearing, which makes fireworks not a very pleasant experience for them. As cats thrive on stable routines, this time of the year is already pretty stressful for them as we are often busy preparing parties, decorating our homes and inviting people over.

All of these changes can create increased stress that will compound the panic of unpredictable fireworks, making up for a terrible time of the year for your feline friends.

Can fear of fireworks be dangerous for my cat?

Significant increases in anxiety and stress are not good for your cat’s health! Fireworks season often brings immense distress for pets, and this can show up as:

  • Pacing and increased vocalisations;
  • House-soiling without any other apparent cause;
  • Less appetite;
  • Hiding and refusing to interact;
  • Being more fearful and jumpier;
  • Attempting to escape the house or garden.

To avoid any chances of your pet getting lost or harmed, ensure he or she is safely inside the house well before the noise starts and that the contact information associated with his or her microchip is up to date.

How can I help my cat feel better?

There are a number of things you can try that might help your cat feel better during this difficult time.

The most permanent solution is desensitisation therapy, which will make him or her less reactive towards distressing noises. However, this will take a while to be effective, usually needing several weeks of work with a qualified behaviourist before you can see any results.

In the short term, you can try to:

  1. Create a cosy corner where your cat can hide whenever he or she feels scared;
  2. Plug diffusers with calming pheromones in the rooms that your cat uses the most;
  3. Close the curtains to block out the lights and turn on the TV to drown out the noise;
  4. If your cat is feeling up to it, playing and interacting can be sufficiently distracting, but don’t force him or her to do it;
  5. Act calmly and don’t make a big fuss as your cat is looking to you to understand how serious the situation is.

Despite all the things you can try, this time of the year can still be intensely upsetting for your feline friend, and the problem may need other things like specific medication.

For these cases, your vet can help provide the best solution to ensure Christmas and New Year will go as smoothly as possible, so don’t hesitate to call them if you’re struggling!

 

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Can my cat have breast cancer?

Did you know that feline mammary cancer is one of the most common cancers in cats over the age of 10? Mammary tumours are common in domestic cats, and most of them are malignant, meaning they can grow and spread to other organs like the lungs, liver or kidneys.

Unfortunately, most of these will be fatal without treatment, so keeping a close eye on your cat is essential! The sooner treatment starts, the better the chances of him or her being treated without more significant consequences.

Learn more about this common type of cancer below and help your pets live long happy lives!

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a malignant form of a mammary tumour, and it arises from an out-of-control proliferation of the cells of normal tissues of the mammary gland. As these cells multiply and change, the body cannot stop this process, which means they will invade the space around them and do the same in distant organs like the lymph nodes, lungs, liver or kidneys.

In cats, most of these cancers affect females, and as we mentioned, the vast majority of these tumours are serious problems that can be deadly if not caught in time.

One of the first signs is usually a small, non-painful lump near the mammary glands on the skin of your cat’s abdomen, and it may progress to:

  • Less energy;
  • Less appetite;
  • Losing weight without any other reason;
  • The lump getting bigger and spreading;
  • Other nodes appearing nearby on the mammary glands;
  • Painful skin ulcers if the mass (or masses) is/are big enough.

Male cats can also have breast cancer, so if you spot a lump on your cat (regardless of gender), have a chat with your vet without delay!

Can my cat’s mammary tumour be treated?

When your vet finds something that is concerning, he or she will collect the needed samples and ask for other exams such as blood exams, X-rays, a CT scan or abdominal ultrasound in order to diagnose the type of cancer and its stage of development.

As soon as cancer is confirmed, your vet is likely to suggest surgery to remove the tumour and, depending on the severity of the problem and the likelihood the cancer has spread to other places, chemotherapy.

How this disease will progress depends on how early it is detected and it carries the best prognosis if the lump is less than 2cm and has not invaded any other places like the lymph nodes or blood vessels.

If caught in time, your cat will most likely have a good chance of survival with treatment!

How can I help prevent this disease?

While we still don’t know exactly what causes mammary tumours in cats, we do know that unneutered females are more likely to have these types of cancer due to the hormonal environment in their bodies.

To help reduce the chances of breast cancer, vets recommend that you neuter your cat before her first heat cycle in order to remove the chances of hormones causing the development of tumours.

In addition to this, keep an eye on your cat’s mammary glands and feel the area regularly. If you spot anything that feels unusual, like a lump or a skin ulcer, don’t delay – talk to your vet as soon as possible!

 

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Old cats and dehydration during the summer

As the temperature rises, keeping a close eye on our senior cats is essential! When hot days arrive, it’s easier for our older feline friends to lose more fluids than normal, and if they aren’t given enough encouragement or opportunities to drink more water, this situation can quickly tip into severe dehydration.

Learn more about keeping your golden oldies hydrated and happy through the summer in our blog post below!

What is dehydration?

Dehydration happens when there is a significant loss of bodily fluids, and they are not adequately replenished. There are many ways for your pets to lose more water than usual, including hotter days, lack of access to clean water or many health conditions like diabetes, kidney disease or cardiac problems.

Here are some of the most common early signs of dehydration:

  • Confusion or lack of coordination;
  • Lack of appetite and lethargy;
  • Trouble breathing and panting excessively;
  • Sunken eyes and reduced skin elasticity;
  • Collapse.

While mild dehydration can be easily fixed and is not likely to cause long-term harm, if this situation progresses enough, it can be fatal! Severe dehydration compromises most bodily functions, including circulation, digestion and removal of the body’s normal waste products and might need a prompt medical intervention!

Is my older cat at a higher risk of dehydration?

Older cats are often at a higher risk of being dehydrated, especially during the summer, as they can’t retain water as well due to reduced body mass, thinner skin, plus they might not be as inclined to drink water like when they were younger.

If your golden oldie is also suffering from several common diseases such as kidney disease or diabetes, this makes them lose a higher-than-average amount of water through their urine. This, coupled with high heat and a relative lack of drive to drink water, might cause mild to severe dehydration.

As a caring owner, it’s essential to pay close attention to your senior pets, and if you spot any of the signs we have mentioned above, please get in touch with your vet as soon as you are able. They will help you evaluate the situation and how to correct it before it becomes a serious problem.

How can I help my cat drink more water?

In order to avoid issues with the heat and dehydration, it’s best to be proactive!

As the days grow hotter, keep track of how much water your cat is ingesting. You can also implement several strategies to encourage him or her to ingest more water, helping avoid excessive loss of fluids.

Consider:

  1. Making sure his or her water bowls are always filled with fresh, clean water;
  2. Changing the bowls to a water fountain as cats often enjoy flowing water;
  3. Switching to wet food that is appropriate for seniors as this type of diet is much higher in water than dry kibble;
  4. Adding some flavour to the water, for instance, with chicken broth or tuna water (not oil).

Also remember that many painful conditions like osteoarthritis, dental disease or cancer can make eating and drinking very difficult for pets.

For these cases, your vet will help you figure out the best way to keep your feline friend hydrated and as pain-free as possible, so don’t hesitate to approach them with your difficulties and concerns!

 

 

Cats, The Pet Professionals

Hypertension is a silent disease: Keep your cats protected!

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a common sign in older cats that can be caused by several important conditions, such as kidney disease or hyperthyroidism.

Unfortunately, high blood pressure can build for a long time without overt signs whilst damaging sensitive organs like the eyes or brain, sometimes permanently.

To avoid this, a blood pressure check is a frequent feature of routine appointments and nurse clinics, especially for older cats. Measuring hypertension in our feline friends is very easy, and the sooner that we catch this problem, the sooner we can treat the underlying cause, which allows us to give your pets the best chance to have long and happy lives!

Keep reading to learn more about high blood pressure in cats and how to help your own pet to avoid this silent and deadly disease.

What is feline hypertension?

Hypertension is when your cat’s blood pressure is persistently above healthy limits, and this situation can compromise several organs if it is not caught and lowered in time!

Most often, hypertension is the consequence of other diseases, such as kidney disease or hyperthyroidism, but it can be something that shows up spontaneously, and we call this primary hypertension. Regardless of the cause for persistently elevated blood pressure, the consequences are the same:

  • Damage to several structures of the eye, such as the retina, which can cause irreversible vision loss over time;
  • Seizures and other neurologic problems can happen as hypertension increases;
  • Changes to the structure and function of the kidneys and the heart, which might already be struggling due to the underlying diseases causing hypertension.

As mentioned above, blood pressure can increase progressively without any external signs, but it will start harming your cat’s internal organs as time passes.

To prevent this from happening, it’s vital for your pets to get their blood pressure measured regularly. When you come in for a routine appointment, your vet might suggest checking your cat’s blood pressure straightaway or they may schedule a specific time to get it done, so that they can be sure that your cat is relaxed and that the readings will be correct.

Because it’s most often secondary to other conditions, it can be also be an important early sign that something else might be wrong and it will help your vet investigate the underlying diseases that might be causing the blood pressure to rise.

Can my cat’s high blood pressure be treated?

Fortunately, feline hypertension can be treated! By using medication to lower blood pressure, it’s possible to help the situation and stop any more internal damage.

However, it will most often require daily treatments and regular blood pressure measurements to ensure that the medication works as it should.

With the proper treatment and monitoring, we can successfully manage high blood pressure in cats, and it might even be possible to reverse some of the related issues.

If you’re struggling to control your cat’s hypertension or haven’t been to a routine appointment in a while, don’t hesitate to talk to your vet!

Keep this in mind:

  • Feline hypertension is common and is likely to show up in middle-aged to elderly cats; 
  • As it is often a consequence of serious underlying diseases like hypertension or kidney disease, bringing you cat for regular routine appointments helps your vet to diagnose any problems sooner rather than later! 
  • It’s vital to treat high blood pressure as it can seriously damage sensitive organs and cause issues such as blindness, seizures or cardiac problems; 
  • If your cat hasn’t had his or her blood pressure measured in a while, don’t forget to schedule an appointment with your vet!

 

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Feline idiopathic cystitis

Have you ever heard of feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC)? This common cat problem can show up without warning and you need to know the signs!

Many owners are familiar with feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) as it can be caused by many problems such as bladder infections, bladder stones or urethral obstruction, and it’s likely that you or someone you know has dealt with FLUTD at one point or another.

Feline idiopathic cystitis is a lower urinary tract problem that has no apparent cause, and experts believe that it accounts for about 65% of FLUTD cases, making it challenging to manage.

Keep reading to learn how to help your feline friend feel better and prevent serious health complications.

What is feline idiopathic cystitis?

As mentioned above, there is no observable cause of FIC, but we know that cats who suffer from this problem share some common findings.  These include a bladder lining that lacks some important protective components and a stress response that doesn’t release the normal type of chemicals.  These are believed to predispose animals to develop this problem.

Despite this, we don’t know how these factors will go on to cause bladder problems, and FIC remains a disease with unknown origins.

How can I know my cat has feline idiopathic cystitis?

FIC can have many clinical signs, mainly pain and problems urinating. If you see any of the following, speak to your vet as soon as possible:

  • Your cat can’t seem to urinate very well, finding it painful or difficult every time he or she is in the litter tray;
  • You spot blood on the litter;
  • He or she starts urinating away from the litter tray even though this was never a problem before;
  • You find your cat constantly trying to groom the area around the urethra;

If you have a male cat, he might be more at risk of a complete blockage of the urethra, making him unable to pass any urine. This is an emergency situation! Call your vet immediately if your cat can’t urinate at all.

Your vet will investigate and treat the problem so that your cat can start passing urine normally again.  They will give you a diagnosis of FIC only if every other cause (like infections or bladder stone issues) has been excluded.

Can my vet help my cat with his or her bladder problem?

Successfully managing FIC can be done by introducing lifestyle changes that will help your avoid repeated episodes of this disease.

Medication is not usually a part of long-term management, though your vet might prescribe painkillers to help your cat be more comfortable during acute flare-ups.

The most important lifestyle changes aim to reduce stress factors, one of the most significant triggers, and increasing water intake to reduce the concentration of irritating compounds on the lining of the bladder.

These changes can feel confusing or overwhelming at first, but your vet can help you figure out the best ways to ensure your cat has all of the support he or she needs to reduce the chances of having an episode of FIC!

Some things that might be helpful include changing to a wet food diet, encouraging drinking by keeping a good supply of clean water or with a water fountain, having at least one litter box per cat and fixing any stress factors for your cat.

 

If you are struggling with your pet’s FIC or if you notice that he or she is having difficulties urinating, don’t hesitate to contact your vet!

 

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