095 What's New in FIC in Cats

Episode 95 – What's New in FIC in Cats   Feline Idiopathic Cystitis is such a fascinating disease from a Veterinary Behaviour Medicine perspective as it poses the perfect intersection between physical and behavioural health. It is a diagnosis of exclusion, is mainly seen in younger cats under 10 years of age (2-7 years is most common), and can be triggered or exacerbated by stressful events.   Often referred to as "bladder migraine", this inflammatory psychoneuroendocrine disease can be very uncomfortable for cats, may cause them to "block" and can have recurrences over time, which can lead to euthanasia (20% mortality). While we are aware of some risk factors for FIC (male, pedigree, overweight, indoor only cats fed on a dry diet… and a few more…), we are always in search of other factors that may contribute to the development and recurrence of this disease.   In this episode, I mention a recent study (see below) that found a significant statistical association between cats that are fearful of unfamiliar people and the RECURRENCE (not development) of FIC episodes. Cats that were fearul of familiar people were also overrepresented in the recurrence group. So, this gives us even more information when we think about the urgency of treating these behavioural presentations in cats, especially if they have had an episode of FIC in the past!   Here's the study I mention in this episode: Caudron, M., Laroche, P., Bazin, I. and Desmarchelier, M., 2025. Association between behavioral factors and recurrence rate in cats with feline" idiopathic" cystitis. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 78, pp.90-96.   And here is the link to my amazing Trinity Client Handouts E-Book: https://katrin-jahn.mykajabi.com/trinity-e-book   I would absolutely LOVE to hear what you thought about the episode and your thoughts on the topic !!   If you liked this episode of the show, The Pet Behaviour Chat, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, share, and subscribe!   Facebook Group: Join The Veterinary Behaviour Community on Facebook   You can CONNECT with me: Website: Visit my website Trinity Veterinary Behaviour Instagram: Follow Trinity Veterinary Behaviour on Instagram Trinity Veterinary Behaviour Facebook: Join us on Trinity Veterinary Behaviour's Facebook page Trinity Veterinary Behaviour YouTube: Subscribe to Trinity Veterinary Behaviour on YouTube LinkedIn Profile: Connect with me on LinkedIn   Thank you for tuning in!