Feline cystitis is caused by an inflammation of the urinary bladder and is a common condition in both male and female cats. This disease is also known as Feline Urologic Syndrome or Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease and affects the urinary bladder, but not the kidneys of the cat.
Symptoms of Feline Cystitis
- Discomfort and pain while urinating
- Frequent urination in small amounts
- Straining to pass urine
- Blood in the urine
- Crystals in the urethra
- Obstruction of the urethra
- Urination outside the litter box
- Increased grooming of the genital area
Causes of Feline Cystitis
Although feline cystitis is idiopathic which means that there is no known cause for the disease, it is believed that a poor diet may contribute to the development of this disease in cats. Cats that are fed a dry diet, have long haired coats, are overweight, and show symptoms of stress and anxiety are more prone to this disease. An abnormality in the bladder membrane can also cause feline cystitis.
Management of Feline Cystitis
Cats on dry food are more prone to feline cystitis as they often get dehydrated. Such cats can benefit if given distilled water to drink. Instead of feeding dry food to a cat with cystitis, you should feed him canned food and preferably add water to the food.
Medication
Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are usually prescribed by veterinarians to treat cystitis. Anti-depressants are administered in severe cases. However, the treatment depends on the cause of the disease. Antibiotics are unlikely to work if the cystitis isn’t caused by bacteria, while antidepressants won’t work if stress isn’t the cause of the cystitis. Herbs can help heal the cystitis more rapidly. However, you should consult a holistic veterinarian if you wish to treat your cat with herbal remedies as herbs are also harmful if given in the wrong dosages. A holistic veterinarian will diagnose the cause of cystitis and prescribe herbs according to your pets overall health.
Natural Remedies for Feline Cystitis
Cranberry extract is an antioxidant that helps to cure cystitis. It’s acidic in nature and prevents bacteria from surviving in the bladder wall. Some cats like the taste of cranberry juice and willingly drink it. For those that don’t like the taste, cranberry juice or cranberry capsules can be added to canned food. Besides cranberry juice, couchgrass helps lessen the pain experienced during urination, in cats with cystitis. Couchgrass is an herb that has anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties and induces urination in cats. This is helpful because the higher the frequency of urination, the earlier is the condition resolved.
Other Natural Remedies
Other herbs that are helpful to treat cats with cystitis are slippery elm bark, cornsilk, marshmallow root, barberry, yellow root, goldenseal, uva ursi, dandelion, parsley, watercress and Echinacea. Vitamin C and vitamin E supplements and homeopathic treatments such as Cantharis, Causticum, Equistetum and Staphysagria can also be safely given for long periods, to treat cats with cystitis.
It’s best to conduct a vet check before you administer any drug or herb to treat your pet to ensure that he recovers speedily and isn’t harmed by the treatment. You should also ensure that your cat is given a highly nutritious, easily digestible diet along with plenty of water and exercise to manage cystitis.