If your cat seems especially anxious or withdrawn, it could be more than just a personality trait. New research from the University of Montreal’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine has found a strong link between feline anxiety and a painful bladder condition known as feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC).
FIC is one of the leading causes of emergency veterinary visits. The condition causes sudden inflammation in a cat’s bladder, often leading to painful and sometimes bloody urination. Until now, FIC has been classified as “idiopathic,” meaning it had no clear physical cause, especially since tests often reveal no infections, stones, or tumors.
But this new study of 33 cats suggests that stress and anxiety may play a much bigger role than previously thought.
“A similar condition affects women and is often linked to high stress levels,” said veterinary behaviorist Professor Marion Desmarchelier in a statement. “Some cats end up being euthanized—not because the disease is fatal, but because repeated emergency treatments become too costly for families.”
FIC tends to come back frequently, with about half of affected cats experiencing repeat episodes.
Researchers also noted a rise in FIC cases during the COVID-19 pandemic. While dogs thrived with more walks and time with their owners, many cats—creatures of habit—struggled with the sudden change in routine.
“We were home all the time during the pandemic,” said study co-author Marianne Caudron. “We saw twice as many cases of idiopathic cystitis in cats.”
For the study, cat owners filled out a questionnaire detailing their pet’s behaviors and living environment. The results surprised the researchers: while they expected aggressive cats to have more bladder issues, it was the fearful, withdrawn cats who were most at risk.
To help reduce stress in cats, the team recommends practical steps:
- Add more water bowls around the house
- Provide one more litter box than the number of cats
- Offer various toys and enrichment
- Allow safe outdoor access
While these steps may not stop every recurrence of FIC, researchers say they can reduce the risk and improve a cat’s overall quality of life.
“Taking a cat to the vet twice a year for urinary problems is expensive,” Desmarchelier said. “But it doesn’t have to be that way—there are solutions, and that’s what we want cat owners to know.”
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