{"id":6738,"date":"2022-02-16T15:18:57","date_gmt":"2022-02-16T15:18:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aercmn.com\/?p=6738"},"modified":"2022-02-16T15:18:57","modified_gmt":"2022-02-16T15:18:57","slug":"recognition-and-management-of-feline-idiopathic-cystitis-and-urinary-obstructions-in-cats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/recognition-and-management-of-feline-idiopathic-cystitis-and-urinary-obstructions-in-cats\/","title":{"rendered":"Recognition and Management of Feline Idiopathic Cystitis and Urinary Obstructions in Cats"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"cat<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

If your male cat is straining to urinate or has blood in his urine, these are considered \u201cRED\u201d \u2013 or true emergencies \u2013 on our Fast Track Triage system. We advise you to seek immediate veterinary care. Please call ahead of your arrival so the veterinary team knows to expect you! <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Note that straining to urinate or blood in urine for a female cat is considered a \u201cYELLOW\u201d \u2013 or semi-urgent case \u2013 on our Fast Track Triage system. We recommend your pet be seen by a veterinarian within 24 hours. <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Whether your cat is peeing outside the litter box, straining to urinate, or <\/span>has <\/span>a<\/span>nother<\/span> urinary issue, <\/span>there is reason<\/span> for a cat parent to be concerned. The two most common causes of urinary obstruction in cats are feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) and urolithiasis (urethral stones). FIC is a complex medical problem found in both male and female cats. This condition can cause signs of <\/span>lower urinary tract discomfort, and signs can be chronic and recurrent. <\/span>In male cats, this condition can cause a life-threatening obstruction of the urinary tract. <\/span>Feline u<\/span>rinary <\/span>problems<\/span> can<\/span> feel overwhelming<\/span>, frustrating, and scary<\/span>,<\/span> so<\/span> we<\/span>\u2019ve got all you <\/span>need<\/span> to know <\/span>to recognize<\/span> and manag<\/span>e<\/span> feline idiopathic cystitis and urinary obstructions in your cat<\/span>!<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

First off, w<\/span>hat<\/span> is feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC)?<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Feline idiopathic cystitis is an inflammatory condition of the lower urinary tract<\/span>.<\/span> The disease is not fully understood, which is <\/span>why we use the term \u201c<\/span><\/span>idiopathic<\/span><\/span>\u201d<\/span> \u2013 mean<\/span>ing<\/span> the cause is unknown.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, w<\/span>e <\/span><\/span>do<\/span><\/span> know<\/span> that cats<\/span> with this condition have inflammation in the lower urinary tract without the presence of a bacterial infection<\/span>. <\/span>FIC can cause urethral spasms as well as<\/span> crystalline-mucous plugs within the urethra<\/span>. <\/span>T<\/span>he male urethra is quite narrow, <\/span>so a<\/span> life-threatening urinary obstruction <\/span>can develop<\/span> as kidney values and potassium levels elevate. <\/span>Therefore,<\/span> male cats must be<\/span> treated <\/span>for FIC <\/span>immediately<\/span>. <\/span>It is<\/span> important to <\/span>note that<\/span> FIC can cause<\/span> clinical signs throughout a cat\u2019s life, and <\/span>urethral obstruction<\/span>s<\/span> often recur<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Common <\/span>Signs of FIC:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n