Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a common and painful condition in cats, with idiopathic cystitis driven by stress representing a major welfare-significant presentation.
Feline urinary tract welfare reveals the strong connection between psychological and physical health in cats. Idiopathic cystitis — inflammation of the bladder with no identifiable infection or urolithiasis — is driven by stress and manifests as painful urination, blood in urine, and frequently urinating outside the litter tray. The welfare significance is twofold: the physical pain of cystitis and the underlying psychological stress driving it. Treatment requires addressing environmental stressors including multi-cat conflict, resource competition, and unpredictable routines alongside symptomatic management. Prevention through environmental enrichment and stress reduction is the most welfare-positive approach.