Meet Max, our Pismo Beach Veterinary Clinic Pet of the Week. Max is a persian kitty who also goes by the name of “Snaggletooth” (for obvious reasons). We’ve enjoyed taking care of this sweet boy over the past few years; but sadly, he must move on to Texas with his people. We hope he adjusts well. He might have to get a “lion cut” to stay cool in the Texas heat!
Max has a condition fairly common in cats called FIC (feline idiopathic cystitis), previously known as FUS or FLUTD. This is a condition in which the affected cat develops bladder inflammation, leading to various symptoms, including difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, frequent urination, or urinating in inappropriate locations. The condition is most often induced by stress (sort of the same way people develop stomach ulcers from stress). Other things that can cause the same signs (and should be tested to rule out if your cat is showing symptoms) are crystals in the urine, bladder infections, bladder stones, and bladder cancer.
You should be aware that male cats especially are prone to an emergency situation in which they become completely obstructed and are unable to urinate. This situation can be fatal if not treated promptly.
If you suspect your kitty companion to have this problem, let us take a look and talk to you about what can be done to make your kitty (and you) happier.
One final farewell to Max! We’ll miss you!
