Is Your Cat Avoiding Contact? This Could Be a Sign of Illness

Although cats are considered independent and reserved, new research from scientists at the University of Montreal shows that they can be particularly sensitive to stress. The researchers found that severe emotional stress in cats can lead to painful flare-ups of a bladder infection known as idiopathic cystitis (FIC).

FIC is one of the leading causes of urgent visits to veterinary clinics. Symptoms include inflammation, blood in the urine and difficulty urinating. For years, the disease was considered idiopathic, meaning it had no identifiable cause. However, a study of 33 cats suggests that stress may be a key factor.

Professor Marion Desmarchelier from the research team, quoted by Newsweek, compares FIC to similar diseases that occur in humans, which can also be the result of severe psychological stress. "Some cats are put to sleep because of it. The disease itself is not fatal, but the costs of repeated rescue procedures can be too high for some families," she emphasizes.

The pandemic has captured the attention of scientists. “Cats reacted with stress”

Scientists note that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of cases of FIC in cats has increased significantly. The reason may be the confinement of people at home, which has disrupted the daily routine of animals. While dogs have gained more walks, cats have been negatively affected. "They reacted with stress," says the study's co-author, Marianne Caudron.

Contrary to the researchers' predictions, it was not the aggressive cats that were more likely to get sick, but the fearful and withdrawn ones. It was on this basis that the researchers issued their appeal for a change in the approach to treating FIC - not only physical treatment of symptoms, but also psychological support for animals.

Among the recommendations of the scientists were, among others, placing an additional source of water or increasing the number of litter boxes in the house. In addition, additional toys, a safe place for the animal to rest and a point from which it can observe the surroundings from the outside.

"Taking a cat to the vet twice a year because of a urinary tract blockage costs a fortune. But it doesn't have to be that way. There are other solutions. That's the message we want to get across," explains Marion Desmarchelie.

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