Feline idiopathic cystitis
Also known as FIC, FLUTD, Feline lower urinary tract disease.
Inflammation of the bladder with no infection or stones, closely linked to stress. It is the most common reason a young or adult cat passes blood in its urine or urinates outside the litter tray.
A male that goes into the litter tray and passes nothing is an emergency measured in hours.
- Is it urgent?
- Not usually
- Spreads to other cats
- No
- Spreads to people
- No
- Typical cost in Spain
- Consultation, urinalysis and ultrasound, €120–250.
Symptoms
- Goes to the litter tray often and passes little
- Blood in the urine
- Cries or licks its genitals
- Urinates outside the litter tray
Causes
A disorder of the bladder and of the stress response. Contributing factors include an unstimulating indoor life, excess weight, drinking little and conflict with other cats.
How it is diagnosed
By ruling things out: urinalysis, urine culture and ultrasound or X-rays to exclude stones and infection.
Treatment
Pain relief, more water (wet food), a urinary diet if the vet prescribes one and, above all, less stress through environmental enrichment.
No doses, on purpose: any medicine must be prescribed by your vet for your cat.
Prognosis
Episodes usually settle within a week, but they tend to recur. The key is to watch males closely, as they can become blocked.
Prevention
Wet food, water fountains, one litter tray per cat plus one extra, high perches and daily play.
Frequently asked questions
What causes feline idiopathic cystitis?
A disorder of the bladder and of the stress response. Contributing factors include an unstimulating indoor life, excess weight, drinking little and conflict with other cats.
Can feline idiopathic cystitis be cured?
Episodes usually settle within a week, but they tend to recur. The key is to watch males closely, as they can become blocked. Pain relief, more water (wet food), a urinary diet if the vet prescribes one and, above all, less stress through environmental enrichment.
How much does it cost to treat feline idiopathic cystitis?
As a guide for Spain in 2026: Consultation, urinalysis and ultrasound, €120–250. Prices vary a lot between clinics and cities, and out-of-hours emergencies cost more.
How can feline idiopathic cystitis be prevented?
Wet food, water fountains, one litter tray per cat plus one extra, high perches and daily play.
More in kidneys and urinary tract
Educational content from Michipedia. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a vet: if you have any doubt about your cat's health, ask. Costs are a guide for Spain in 2026.