Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) is a common, painful, and stress-related bladder condition in cats that is strongly linked to environmental stress and inadequate enrichment.
Feline idiopathic cystitis demonstrates how closely linked environmental stress and physical health are in cats. Cats experiencing chronic stress from inadequate territory, multi-cat conflict, or environmental impoverishment are significantly more prone to painful and potentially life-threatening bladder episodes. Environmental modification — increasing vertical space, reducing inter-cat conflict, providing adequate resources, and enriching the environment — is an evidence-based treatment approach that directly addresses both FIC and underlying welfare deficits simultaneously.