What is Bladder Inflammation?
The most common condition of the feline bladder is inflammation of the urinary bladder, or cystitis. This condition in cats is called feline idiopathic cystitis, and it often indicates that there is another problem present in the urinary system.
Problems in the urinary system are difficult to miss in felines, but these issues can be difficult to diagnose and manage due to the complicated causes that may be present. Affecting both male and female cats whether they are intact or altered, inflammation of the bladder causes many irritating and painful symptoms and is typically a chronic condition for cats who experience it.
Bladder Inflammation Average Cost
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Average Cost
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Symptoms of Bladder Inflammation in Cats
Owners most frequently recognize the symptoms of bladder inflammation when they become frustrated with changes in their cat's behavior both inside and out of the litter box. The signs of cystitis can be subtle initially, but cats frequently will urinate outside of their litter box when suffering this painful condition because they begin to associate the litter box with those feelings of discomfort.
If your cat is displaying any of these signs, it is important to schedule an exam with your cat's veterinarian as soon as possible to determine and treat the cause of their cystitis:
- Inappropriate urination outside of the litter box
- Straining to urinate
- Blood in urine or near litter box
- Smaller than average output of urine
- Frequent urination attempts
- Vocalizing while urinating
Causes of Bladder Inflammation in Cats
Idiopathic cystitis by definition has no known cause, but there are conditions that felines can have that will cause inflammation of the bladder. Medical conditions such as crystalluria, or the formation of crystals in the urine, as well as environmental factors, can cause cats to experience cystitis.
Causes of feline cystitis can sometimes include:
- Crystals or stones forming in the urine
- Bacterial infection
- Tumors or lesions of the urinary bladder
- Stress from other cats or environmental alterations
- Moderate to extreme obesity
Diagnosis of Bladder Inflammation in Cats
Diagnostic imaging is a vital part of determining the potential cause of feline cystitis. Some veterinarians have access to ultrasound machines and can utilize these to study the thickness of the bladder walls and see any floating debris in the bladder that would indicate the presence of crystals. Masses on the bladder wall will also be visible with ultrasound technology. Radiology may also be used to determine if there is a stone present in the bladder. If a stone is the cause of the cystitis, it will need to be surgically removed as soon as possible to alleviate the inflammation and prevent obstruction of the urethra.
If there is a physical cause for your cat's cystitis, the most useful test will be a complete urinalysis. This test studies the chemical and microscopic properties of urine that indicate medical issues; a urinalysis tests for the presence of blood and protein, considers the pH and specific gravity of the urine in relation to the cat's hydration status and microscopically inspects the urine for the existence of crystals, bacteria, and red and white blood cells. If infection is noted, many veterinarians may run a basic blood panel to determine if the infection is affecting the kidneys.
Treatment of Bladder Inflammation in Cats
The treatment of feline cystitis involves relieving the cat's discomfort and treating the underlying cause of the inflammation if there is one. Immediate treatment for cystitis often includes a course of pain medication to reduce the inflammation and keep the cat happy while any potential causes are treated. In addition, efforts should be made to reduce the cat's stress at home.
If the inflammation is caused by an infection, the veterinarian will prescribe a course of antibiotics to treat a general infection. Persistent infections often require a culture and sensitivity test to determine the type of bacteria present and the antibiotic it is sensitive to.
Crystals may need to be handled surgically to prevent obstruction of the urethra, a fatal condition in cats. If the condition is minor at this time, the veterinarian may prescribe a diet designed specifically to dissolve these crystals. Stones must be removed surgically, and a prescription diet may be needed to prevent the reformation of these stones.
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Recovery of Bladder Inflammation in Cats
Feline cystitis is often a chronic condition that must be managed effectively. Stress factors in the cat's environment should be limited, and many cats require a prescription diet to prevent medical issues that cause inflammation of the bladder. An ultrasound examination and a urinalysis test should be repeated by the veterinarian with your cat's annual wellness visit to ensure no issues are occurring without the presence of symptoms.
Bladder Inflammation Average Cost
From 431 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,000
Average Cost
$350
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Bladder Inflammation Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Maine Coon
Lady Georgianna "Georgie"
10 Years
9 found this helpful
9 found this helpful
Can this cause partial paralysis of the back legs . Cat has been to the vet twice in the past 2 days is on antibiotics and Anti-inflammatory medication for bladder infection. To the last 48 hours she's having difficulty walking. Her back legs don't seem to work and her back is a bit arched
May 26, 2018
9 Recommendations
It is possible that Georgie has an abnormal posture due to the discomfort from the bladder infection and is reluctant to walk; bladder infections are not associated with hind limb paralysis. You should keep Georgie rested as best as possible and visit your Veterinarian again (third time) for a check to be on the safe side. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
May 27, 2018
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American Shorthair
Jazzy
6 Years
9 found this helpful
9 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Frequent Urination
My cat has been diagnosed with inflammed bladder. My vet has done an ultrasound and took a sample at the time too. She had no crystals and they didn't find anything else wrong besides the inflammed bladder. She still keeps peeing under my dining room table and on the side of my end table which I put a litter box there and she will pee outside of it. My vet also put her on a urine special diet but if i give her both the wet and dry she gets the runs. I'm at a complete loss of what to do for her.
May 18, 2018
9 Recommendations
Sterile inflammation (no infection present) of the bladder is a difficult condition to treat as the underlying cause is generally unknown; although urinary stones, cancer and other factors may also cause inflammation of the bladder. Typically if no cause is found (no infection, stones/crystals, cancer etc…), the cat is given a higher ratio of wet to dry food and encouraged to increase water consumption; there isn’t they else I can recommend at this time. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
May 19, 2018
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dsh
Oscar
2 Years
4 found this helpful
4 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Bladder Distension, Unable To Void
Oscar (neutered male approx. 2 yrs. old) had crystals in his urine. At the vet's a few days ago some crystals came out and his bladder was drained. He was also given a cortisone shot and put on Aventiclav 62.5 mg OD for 10 days. Oscar has since been lethargic, anorexic and unable to empty his bladder (I help empty it by squeezing). I've also started feeding him with a syringe small amounts of baby food chicken puree mixed with a little water just to help nourish him a little as he is not eating anything and has only had small amounts of water. I noticed blood in his urine a couple of weeks ago, which seemed to clear up on its own but then reappeared. I suspect he suffered with bladder distension for several days before I realized that he was not urinating. There is still blood in his urine when I help him to void, the urethra appears unobstructed but he only leaks urine on his own. Will this gradually improve on its own or does he need further attention?
May 17, 2018
4 Recommendations
You should complete the course of antibiotics, but it sounds like either the urethra is inflamed or the bladder sphincter muscles may have trouble relaxing to allow urination; either way it would be good to check back in with your Veterinarian since it isn’t healthy for Oscar if you need to physically expel urine for him. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
May 18, 2018
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domestic short hair
Milo
2 Years
4 found this helpful
4 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Going Back And Forth From Each Litterbox
My cat will have a big pee, but then will go back and forth for hours during the day peeing a little bit each time.
He does not have a blockage since we've taken him in before for this but it keeps happening. Why does it do this if he has a good pee already?
Dec. 12, 2017
4 Recommendations
This may just be a behavioural issue where he wants to keep urinating in the litter tray or may be indicative of a urinary tract infection, hormonal condition among other causes; I cannot really give you any concrete answer about a cause in this case. If the issue continues bring it up with your Veterinarian at your next visit. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Dec. 12, 2017
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tabby
Keyks
14 Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Painful Urination
Pain
Peeing In Random Areas
My cat was in the vet today for an inflamed bladder he got pain med shots and antibiotics also a new food for his urinary infection. Is this something he can die from? Could his bladder explode? And how will I know if he is okay or not?
Nov. 24, 2017
3 Recommendations
In some cases, a severe urinary tract infection may lead to death but you would need to have neglected the problem for a long time; the bladder may rupture in severe cases where the urine is unable to void thereby building pressure in the bladder; generally once treatment has begun, you will notice improvements in urination and less discomfort during urination. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Nov. 25, 2017
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domestic short hair
Bug
3 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Difficult Urinating
My 3yo female dsh has a recurring inflammed bladder. Every couple weeks she strains to urinate and when she does it is bloody. She has been on anti inflammatory and anti biotics several times. She is a happy and active cat but requires a lot of attention that i am sometimes unable to give. Her vet is suggesting an antianxiety medication but i am hestitant. Has anyone had success with this?
Bladder Inflammation Average Cost
From 431 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,000
Average Cost
$350
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