Whilst cystitis more commonly affects female cats, the problem can be potentially more serious when it affects male felines due to their narrower urethra which is more easily blocked by the presence of bladder stones or crystals. Many occurances of feline cystitis have no obvious or known cause and are thus described as idiopathic. A common cause of cystitis in cats is environmental stress, and the attack of cystitis may even be relieved just by removing the stressful situation. In order to assist with diagnosing your pet's problem, your vet may require a urine sample. At VetUK we sell simple to use, cost effective feline urine collecting kits.

Unfortunately in approximately 50% of cases feline cystitis recurs. Once a diagnosis and treatment has been provided by your vet it is important to do all you can to prevent a recurrence of this painful and distressing problem. At VetUK we have a wide variety of medicines and supplements for the management of feline urinary tract disease. In some cases your vet may suggest a specific diet which has been designed to reduce or avoid the build up of crystals in the urine, in other cases, medications may be more appropriate. However, many cats can be helped at home by simple and small changes such as daily dosing with a glucosamine containing product such as VetUK's bladder nutriment, Cystease-S or one of the other glucosamine containing supplements. As glucosmine is a major component of the lining of the bladder the addition of glucosamine via the diet helps to protect this delicate lining. For pets specifically suffering from struvite bladder stones, Uro-Pet struvite paste is an excellent solution, which can be fed daily with no ill effects. For owners who prefer to use herbal supplements for their pets, there are several options available including a choice of products from Dorwest Herbs or Urinaid which contains cranberry and other plant ingredients.

In addition to treating your cat by the use of supplements and medicines, stress related cystitis often reponds very well to products such as feliway. Feliway is a feline pheromone which mimics the cats own scent and creates a feeling of calm and wellbeing; the scent is not noticeable to humans. It can be applied as a spray to the cats bedding and around the home, or used as a plug in diffuser which creates a calming ambiance in the house. Not only is the use of feliway likely to reduce the incidence of cystitis but will also help with many undesirable feline behaviours such as spraying and excessive scratching. Regardless of the nature of your cat's cystitis, here at VetUK we have a selection of products which can alleviate the problem.