Feline idiopathic cystitis is a lower-urinary tract disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality in cats. Researchers anticipated anxiety-related behaviors could be overrepresented in cats that will experience a recurrence, compared to cats with a single episode.
While further studies are recommended, identifying cats with fear and anxiety-related problems and treating them may help decrease the recurrence rate of FIC and may decrease associated mortality.
Wendy Hauser, DVM, covered feline depression, anxiety and compulsive behaviors and how to mitigate the triggers that cause them in a recent AHD post <Link>.
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior, March/April 2025. Link. Research highlights:
- Feline idiopathic cystitis is the most frequent lower urinary tract disease in cats.
- Cats presenting with fear of unfamiliar people had a higher risk of recurrence.
- Cats presenting with fear of familiar people tended to have a higher risk of recurrence.
- Identifying and treating cats with fear and anxiety may help decrease the recurrence rate of FIC and associated mortality.
Image: Link.
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