Feline Idiopathic Cystitis

DESCRIPTION
 Inflammation of the urinary bladder of unknown origin

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
 Increased bladder wall permeability: Most likely caused by a combination of damage to, and
dysfunction of, the uroepithelial cells and overlaying glycosaminoglycan layer
 Increased uroepithelial permeability: Allows irritating protons and potassium ions from
concentrated urine to penetrate the submucosa and stimulate sensory neurons.
 Decreased urine volume and frequency of urination complicate FIC due to highly concentrated
urine and increased urine/uroepithelial contact time. The Table lists potential causes for these
decreases

SYSTEMS AFFECTED
 Urinary System

BREED PREDILECTIONS
 Persian
 Black and white domestic short-haired cats

SIGNS
Historical Findings
 -
Physical Examination Findings
 Dysuria
 Pollakiura
 Hematuria
 Periuria
 Overgrooming
 Stranguria

CAUSES
 Neurogenic inflammation
 Defective bladder lining
 High Cortisol Response
 Pandora Syndrome

DIAGNOSIS
 Urinalysis

TREATMENT
 Appropriate litter tray facilities
 Measures to reduce cat-to-cat conflict inside and outside home
 Use of pheromone diffusers at appropriate location in the home
 Prediction of stressful events (e.g. house moves) and efforts to reduce its impact. Remember that
visits to veterinary practice are stressful and can result to acute exacerbation of FIC, so the
practice should be “cat-friendly”
  Increase water intake
 Drug therapy

MEDICATION
 Analgesia
o Buprenorphine:
 IV or IM: 0.005–0.01 mg/kg Q 4–8 H
 Transmucosal (buccal): 0.01-0.02 mg/kg Q 12 H
o Butorphanol:
 IV or SC: 0.2–0.4 mg/kg Q 2-6 H
 PO: 1.5 mg/kg Q 4–8 H
 Anti-inflammatory drugs
 Glycosaminoglycan replacers
 Amitriptyline

Aiello, S. E., & Moses, M. A. (2016). The Merck Veterinary Manual. John Wiley & Sons.

Today’s Veterinary Practice. (2022). Current Thoughts on Pathophysiology and Treatment of

Feline Idiopathic Cystitis. Today’s Veterinary Practice.

https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/urology-renal-medicine/current-thoughts-on-

pathophysiology-treatment-of-feline-idiopathic-cystitis/