Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) is the most common cause of FLUTD and is driven largely by stress, making environmental and psychological management central to welfare.
FIC causes painful, distressing urinary signs including straining, blood in urine, and inappropriate elimination. The stress-disease link means that improving the cat's daily psychological wellbeing is as therapeutically important as medication. Cats in enriched, low-stress environments with appropriate social structure have dramatically fewer recurrences - making stress reduction a direct welfare and health intervention.