Feline idiopathic cystitis is often triggered by stress, making environmental enrichment as important as medical management for preventing recurrent painful episodes.
Cats with FIC experience recurring episodes of bladder inflammation that cause genuine pain and distress with urination. The strong association with psychological stress means that medical management alone is insufficient - the cat's entire living environment must be assessed and optimized. Inadequate resources, social conflict with other cats, owner stress, and unpredictable routines all trigger episodes. Because FIC is often recurrent, cats endure repeated painful episodes over years unless underlying stress triggers are identified and addressed. Environmental enrichment is not optional welfare enhancement but the primary treatment.