I'm really hoping for some guidance because I'm feeling pretty overwhelmed right now. My sweet boy, Max, has been struggling with recurring cystitis, and no matter what we've tried, it keeps coming back. It's heartbreaking to see him in pain and visiting the litter box so often. We've been to the vet multiple times, tried changing his diet as recommended, and even increased his water intake, but nothing seems to be a lasting solution. Has anyone dealt with this before and found something that worked? I'm worried it could be something more serious, and seeing him discomfort is just gut-wrenching. Any advice or similar experiences would be so appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Hello there! I'm sorry to hear your cat is having trouble with recurring cystitis. It’s fairly common in male cats and can be quite uncomfortable for them. Cystitis often results from inflammation of the bladder, which might be triggered by stress, infections, bladder stones, or even certain types of food.
At home, ensure your cat stays well-hydrated. Encouraging him to drink more water helps in flushing out the bladder. You might try using a water fountain, as some cats prefer drinking moving water. Switching to a canned or wet food can also increase his water intake.
Keep an eye out for signs that the cystitis could be worsening. If your cat seems to strain while urinating, has blood in his urine, urinates more frequently, or is unable to urinate at all, these are signals to seek immediate veterinary help, as they could indicate a urinary blockage, which is a serious condition.
Managing stress can mitigate flare-ups too. Provide a calm environment and maybe consider using feline-specific calming aids.
For a thorough evaluation of your kitty’s situation, I'd recommend scheduling a video consultation with a Dial A Vet. This will help tailor a treatment plan specific to his needs and address any concerns you might have. Looking forward to helping get your fur baby back to his happy, healthy self!
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