The aim of treatment is to manage the condition and try and address the possible causes.

Clinical Signs of FLUTD

* Straining / repeated straining / painful, difficult urination

* Passing frequent small amount of urine

* Blood in urine

* Agitation, stress and failure to settle

* Inappropriate urination (often in multiple locations). The most common reason for this is that the cat associates bladder pain with that particular litter tray/area and so finds somewhere else to go

* Less obvious signs include over grooming of the abdomen and medial (inner) thighs (classed as psychogenic alopecia)

Management of Condition

Once the condition has been diagnosed and any necessary surgery or infection control measures have been undertaken, management of the condition must begin. Below is a list of things that will be considered in the management of this condition;

* Drugs to reduce urethral spasm, helping to relax the muscles in the urethra that leads to the bladder.

* Increasing water intake is very important so if feeding a dry food then changing to a wet diet specifically designed for urinary problems is indicated.

* Pain relief may be initially required as this condition can be very painful.

* Supplements to help restore the protective layer of the bladder. Defects in this layer can cause inflammation of the bladder, so by restoring this layer the condition can also be managed more successfully.

* Reducing stress. Stress has a very important role to play in this condition. Stress can be a major cause of urinary problems. Using a Feliway Diffuser available from your vet, can help reduce stress levels in combination with other therapies.

Ways of Reducing Stress

Stress is often a major cause of feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC). Owners may not realise that their cat is stressed as signs may be very subtle. Some owners may accept the fact that some cats may have the odd fight every now and again as nothing to worry about, but for cats to reach this point indicates high arousal levels and stress. Often the cat that lashes out is often the one who is constantly being harassed by others that use body language and staring as a means of intimidation. This may result in the individual avoiding certain areas i.e. feeding stations, litter tray etc.

Changes in routine or at home can also cause considerable stress to some poorly socialised cats.

All other causes of urinary problems must be ruled out by a vet before a diagnosis of FIC can be made.

Cats Most at Risk of Feline Idiopathic Cystitis

* Persians

* Middle Aged

* Overweight

* Inactive/Indoor

* Fed dry food

* Inclined to drink insufficient fluid

* Multi-cat household

* Anxious personalities

* Poorly socialised

Additional Risk Factors

* House move, renovation, redecoration

* Social changes i.e. new partner, baby, animal

* Loss of favoured person or pet to which individual was well bonded and significant change is household routines

* Environmental stresses, i.e. barren outdoor space (lack of toileting sites with lack of adequate outdoor cover when toileting. Building work, fireworks, unpleasant neighbours, high feline population, dogs in the local vicinity

* Unattractive/insufficient toilet facilities inside or outside. Change of litter tray or type of litter.

* Inappropriate position of tray. Poor litter tray hygiene/offensive cleaning methods, i.e. strong disinfectants/odour eliminators.