3 days ago
Is Your Kitty Anxious? Be Aware of This Condition, Say Vets
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Cats are known to be skittish—but if yours is noticeably anxious, researchers are warning that you might want to be aware of one particular feline health condition.
New research from the University of Montreal's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine has revealed a critical link between anxiety/stress and recurring bouts of a painful bladder condition—feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC).
The team are urging cat owners and veterinarians to prioritize stress reduction for our more anxious furry companions.
FIC is a leading cause of emergency vet visits and is characterized by acute bladder inflammation, painful and sometimes bloody urination in cats, according to the researchers.
Traditionally, without detectable bacterial infections, stones or tumors, the condition is labeled as idiopathic—that is, with no "organic" cause. However, the team's study of 33 cats challenges this.
A tabby cat hides and appears nervous.
A tabby cat hides and appears nervous."A similar condition with the same symptoms occurs in women and is often linked to high levels of stress or anxiety," said veterinary behaviorist professor Marion Desmarchelier in a statement.
"Some cats end up being euthanized because of it. The disease itself is not fatal, but the cost of repeated emergency treatments can be too much for some families."
FIC has a high recurrence rate, with about half of affected cats having repeat episodes.
A Connection With the COVID-19 Pandemic
The University researchers also shed light on the connection between stress and cat health observed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
When human companions stayed home, many cats—who are often known for their love of routine—found themselves disrupted.
"We were home all the time during the pandemic," said paper co-author Marianne Caudron in a statement. "Dogs were thrilled because they got lots of walks, but we saw twice as many cases of idiopathic cystitis in cats."
This observation prompted the team to launch their study, the results of which are published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior.
The research involved 33 cats diagnosed with FIC. Their owners completed a questionnaire about their cat's behavior—including their levels of aggression and fear—and details about their living environment.
"We initially thought that anxious, aggressive cats would be more prone to recurrent cystitis, but it's actually the fearful, withdrawn ones that seem to be at greater risk," explained Desmarchelier.
Treatment Should Focus on Mental Well-Being
The study's authors advocate that the scope of FIC treatment should be expanded to include addressing cats' mental health.
"We believe this condition is caused by stress and anxiety— and therefore should no longer be called idiopathic cystitis, but instead 'cystitis secondary to anxiety,'" Desmarchelier said.
The study offered several practical ways to reduce feline stress, including increasing water sources in the home for cats, setting up an extra litter box than the number of cats in the home, offering a variety of toys and providing safe access to the outdoors.
While these changes weren't shown to prevent all recurrences of cystitis, researchers believe they are crucial for risk reduction and overall well-being.
Desmarchelier concluded with a hopeful message: "Taking a cat to the vet twice a year for a urinary blockage costs a fortune. But it doesn't have to be this way—there are solutions. That's the message we want to get across."
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Reference
Caudron, M., Laroche, P., Bazin, I., & Desmarchelier, M. (2025). Association between behavioral factors and recurrence rate in cats with feline "idiopathic" cystitis. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 78, 90–96.
