Updates in Feline Interstitial Cystitis

Feline Interstitial Cystitis (FIC), also referred to as feline idiopathic cystitis, remains one of the most common and frustrating causes of lower urinary tract signs in cats. This session will provide an evidence-based update on the current understanding of FIC pathophysiology, including the role of stress, neuroendocrine dysfunction, environmental factors, and emerging concepts surrounding the bladder-gut-brain axis. Practical diagnostic approaches to differentiate FIC from other causes of lower urinary tract disease will be reviewed, along with current treatment strategies emphasizing multimodal environmental modification, nutrition, analgesia, anxiolytics, and individualized long-term management plans. The session will also address common misconceptions and discuss how to improve client communication and compliance. Attendees will leave with practical, clinically relevant strategies to better diagnose, manage, and support cats with FIC in general practice, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

• Understand the current understanding of feline interstitial cystitis (FIC) pathophysiology, including the roles of stress, neuroendocrine dysfunction, environmental factors, and the bladder-gut-brain axis.
• Develop a practical, evidence-based diagnostic approach to differentiate FIC from other causes of feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), including when further diagnostics are warranted.
• Learn multimodal treatment and long-term management strategies, including environmental modification, nutritional interventions, analgesia, anxiolytics, and client-centered management plans.
• Gain practical communication strategies to improve client understanding, compliance, and expectations for managing recurrent or chronic FIC cases in general practice.