Feline idiopathic cystitis is the most common cause of lower urinary tract signs in cats under 10 years and is primarily driven by chronic stress in indoor environments, making environmental modification the core treatment.
FIC causes genuine pain and distress in affected cats. The inflammation of the bladder wall without infection produces the same sensations as cystitis in any animal: urgency, burning pain on urination, and frequent unsuccessful attempts to urinate. Male cats whose urethra obstructs experience extreme pain and systemic toxicity within hours if not treated. The chronic, relapsing nature of FIC means that affected cats experience repeated painful episodes across their lives. The underlying cause is typically chronic stress from environmental sources — competition with other cats, inadequate hiding places, unpredictable owner behaviour, or insufficient territory — that owners may not recognise as problematic. Treatment of FIC requires understanding the cat as a stress-sensitive species whose welfare depends on control, predictability, and environmental complexity. The MEMO protocol addresses these needs systematically.