FLUTD causes pain, straining, and urinary obstruction in cats. Understanding the stress-mediated nature of feline idiopathic cystitis helps owners prevent recurrence.
FLUTD causes significant acute pain during episodes, with the sensation of straining and dysuria highly distressing for affected cats. Urethral obstruction in male cats is a life-threatening emergency causing escalating pain and bladder rupture risk if untreated. Feline idiopathic cystitis has a strong stress component, meaning cats in over-stimulating multi-cat households, those with inadequate litter trays, or those experiencing routine changes are most vulnerable. Environmental enrichment, adequate resources, and conflict reduction between cats in multi-cat homes prevents most FIC recurrence.