Updates on Idiopathic/interstitial Cystitis in Cats Urology

In cats less than 10 years of age, idiopathic cystitis accounts for clinical signs of irritative voiding in 60 to 70% of cats. Urolithiasis is encountered in 10 to 20% of cases, with most being associated with either calcium oxalate or struvite. About 10% may have an associated structural abnormality such as urachal diverticulum or urethral stricture, another 10% have what appears to be a behavior disorder, less than 2 % of cases will be associated with urinary infection, and less than 1% can be expected to have bladder or urethral neoplasia. In cats older than 10 years of age at first presentation, only about 5% can be expected to be idiopathic. More than half of cats in this age category will have bacterial urinary tract infection, either alone or in association with urolithiasis. Many of these cats with positive quantitative bacterial cultures will have renal disease and sub-maximally concentrated urine.