How to Treat Cystitis in Cats Prev

Your feline friend can suffer from different diseases, but one common condition that affects most cats is cystitis. Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder and is not the same as a urinary tract infection.

The inflammation in the bladder can be due to either an infection or irritation. Cystitis is common in young kittens, and its likelihood of occurrence decreases with age.

While some cats may only have a single episode of cystitis in their lifetime, some may experience other instances of the condition throughout their life.

Cats with cystitis have trouble urinating and make frequent attempts to use the litter box with little to no success. Some cats may even urinate outside the litter box. Apart from this, symptoms may include pain, loss of appetite, bloated stomach, excessive licking of the urinary opening and a sudden change in behavior.

While it is a miserable condition for cats, owners also suffer greatly seeing their pet in immense pain.

There are some natural treatments for cystitis that can bring quick relief to your cat.

treat cystitis in cats

1. Water Intake

To treat any kind of bladder problem, including cystitis, ensure that your feline friend is drinking an adequate amount of water.

increase water intake of your cat

Proper hydration is critical to the health of your cat’s bladder.

  • Keep the water bowl filled and close to your cat at all times.
  • To encourage fresh water consumption, add tuna juice to the water bowl.
  • If your cat loves drinking out of glasses or faucets, allow it.
  • If your cat likes running water, consider investing in a pet drinking fountain.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is an effective treatment for any kind of bladder problem in cats. It can quickly resolve bladder inflammation, and it gives a boost to your pet’s immunity.

apple cider vinegar for cystitis in cats

  • Add ½ teaspoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar to your cat’s water bowl.
  • Another option is to mix ¼ teaspoon of apple cider vinegar into your cat’s food twice a day.
  • Mix together ¼ teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and ¾ teaspoon of water. Use a syringe and feed it to your cat 2 or 3 times daily.

3. Cranberry Juice

Cranberries contain compounds that prevent the growth of bacteria adhering to the walls of the bladder as well as tissues in the urinary tract.

cranberry juice for cystitis in cats

Plus, being acidic in nature, it helps maintain the pH level of the urine.

  • Add a few teaspoons of cranberry juice (unsweetened) to your cat’s drinking water.
  • Fresh or dried cranberries can also be added to your cat’s food.

4. Wet Food

Apart from water, dietary changes can help add enough fluids to your cat’s body to effectively flush out the bladder.

give wet ct food for cystitis

For instance, feed your cat wet food as much as you can. Feeding your cat an anti-inflammatory diet that excludes rice, corn and wheat can help a lot in managing the condition. You can also serve your pet canned food. Look for a quality commercial canned food that is low in magnesium, easy to digest, produces more acidic urine and provides more fluid intake. You can ask your vet for recommendations.

Serve the food in a wide container, as cats prefer that their whiskers don’t touch the sides.

Avoid dry food that contains fillers, grains, food coloring and other chemicals that are working against your cat’s health rather than for it.

5. Bone Broth

Bone broth, made by simmering bones in water for a long period of time, has vitamins and minerals that can be very nourishing for a sick pet. In fact, bone broth is a light and nutritiously packed beverage that most cats love to drink.

bone broth for cat cystitis

Moreover, it plays a key role in keeping your pet hydrated and helps get the whole digestive system working properly.

You can serve ¼ to ½ cup of bone broth to your cat on a daily basis. When making the broth, you should only use clean, filtered water.

6. Corn Silk

Another good remedy to treat bladder problems in felines is corn silk. Being rich in polysaccharides, corn silk helps ease pain and inflammation associated with cystitis.