Research Finds Anxious Cats at Higher Risk for Bladder Inflammation

A recent study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior is shedding light on something many cat owners have suspected but couldn’t prove - anxious cats are significantly more likely to suffer from recurring bladder trouble.

The research, carried out by Marianne Caudron, Pascale Laroche, Isabelle Bazin, and Marion Desmarchelier at the CHUV veterinary hospital in Montreal, Canada, took a close look at 33 cats diagnosed with idiopathic cystitis—a nasty inflammation of the bladder that causes painful, often bloody, peeing. Idiopathic means vets ruled out infections, stones, and tumors.

Half the cats in the study had just one bout of cystitis, while the other half experienced multiple flare-ups. To find a pattern, owners filled out detailed surveys about their cats’ behavior and environment, including things like fear of strangers, aggression, litter-box habits, and indoor setup.

Turns out, the most anxious cats were the most likely to get sick again. The study found that 94% of cats with recurring cystitis were notably fearful of strangers, compared to 59% among cats who only had one episode. 

Moreover, introverted and shy cats fared worse than their aggressive or risk-taking peers. Researchers discovered that cats who tend to hide or freeze around strangers were more susceptible to bladder flare-ups. 

While it might seem farfetched, stress can impact your cat’s urinary tract health.

Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system (your cat’s stress response), leading to hormonal shifts that can weaken the bladder lining. This makes it easier for inflammation to take hold, even without any infection or stones. A similar thing happens to people with chronic interstitial cystitis.

Interestingly, the pandemic gave researchers a kind of “stress lab.” With cats forced into disrupted routines, owners stuck at home 24/7, cases of idiopathic cystitis doubled.

According to veterinary experts, preventing repeat cystitis in our feline friends involves addressing both behavior and environment.

So, what can you do if your cat starts showing signs of cystitis, like peeing outside the litter box, straining to urinate, or going more frequently in tiny amounts? 

Many cat owners swear by pheromone diffusers like Feliway. While the science is still a bit mixed, it’s a low-effort option worth trying, especially if your cat is easily rattled.

You might also look into calming supplements or special stress-reducing diets. These often include natural ingredients like tryptophan, alpha-casozepine, L-theanine, and omega-3s, all of which can help calm your cat.

Next up: hydration and diet. Cats naturally don’t drink a lot of water, so switching to wet food or just adding a splash of water to their meals can help flush out their bladder and keep things moving. 

If your vet recommends it, a prescription urinary diet can also make a big difference. Some of these are specially formulated to reduce stress while supporting bladder health, a win-win for anxious kitties.

Don’t forget about the environment. Cats thrive on routine, so try to keep changes to a minimum. Stick to regular feeding times and avoid introducing too many new people, pets, or major changes all at once. 

Make sure your cat has easy access to clean litter boxes, ideally one per cat, plus an extra. Quiet spots to retreat to, cozy hiding nooks, window perches, and interactive toys or puzzle feeders can all help your cat feel secure and mentally stimulated.

And if your cat seems especially anxious or the bladder issues keep coming back, it might be time to consult a professional.

A veterinary behaviorist can work with you to understand your cat’s triggers and put together a personalized plan to reduce stress and build their confidence over time.

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