Indoor cat question

January20

I will do some research into this (indeed this is part of my research!) but doesn't any body know if there is a higher incidence of cystitis amongst indoor cats?

January20

Just bumping this up as I posted rather late last night.

Oliver14

Never heard of any research saying such. I have always had a high number of indoor cats and normal some outdoor ones as well I never actually had one cat with Cystitis (in the 25 years i've had cats) not scientific but personal experience i know.

Considering the causes of cystitis (bacterial, urinary crystals or idiopathic) I cannot see living indoors would have any more effect than an outside cat. Diet may have an effect and I know there have been discussions about certain dry foods. If you're getting recurring problems in your cats you need to discuss it with your vet and look at the possible causes.

KateLiana27

There may well be a CORRELATION - because a higher proportion of purebred cats tend to be kept indoors for security reasons, and a lot of purebreds tend to be prone to urinary problems. But I've never heard of there being CAUSATION - ie keeping any given cat indoors makes it more likely to have urinary problems.

Does that make sense?

The most important factor is giving your cat high quality food and access to clean fresh water at all times (we change the water dish twice a day as a lot of cats won't drink if the water isn't totally fresh).

Fire_Fox

Not as such, but certain types of diet and certain types of cat litter can increase the risk. These foods and litters might be used more often with indoor than outdoor cats.

January20

Thank you for your replies.

It was the vet who said it. We have a new cat and by necessity (ie a 2nd floor flat and neighbours with 3 Staffies they seem to have little control over) he is an indoor cat. The vet said we should let the cat out or he would get cystitis. I'd had the same experience as Oliver14, having had cats for over 20 years and my last cats were indoor cats for about 10 years.

I'm not sure about this vet's practise. We go there because the vaccinations were included in the rehoming fee, but we never see the same vet twice and they have been going on about stupid things like his weight, when he is not even overweight! (he's even lost 40 grammes in the last 3 weeks), as well as giving conflicting advice. (It makes me feel like when I go to the GP and see the young trainee doctors and get to hear whatever they've read in medical publications that week IYSWIM?)

I'm a bit cynical too about this. Indoor cats don't get in as much trouble as outdoor cats do they?

Anyway, I did a bit of research and there doesn't seem to be a lot known about why they get cystitis. Some say that it's because they don't do enough exercise, or it's diet, stress of living in multi cat household or with humans (can well believe the latter lol!)

KateLiana27

you "should let the cat out or he'll get cystitis"??!!

What utter rubbish. You need a new vet.

Our vet is VERY experienced, plus we have a couple of good friends who are vets living elsewhere in the country. The firm consensus is that indoor cats are safer, healthier, and live longer. The only downside is having to work a bit harder to keep them stimulated (by providing toys and dedicating time to play with them), and needing to keep an eye on their weight (so provide good quality food and lay off the treats).

I know so many people who have had cats die or be horrifically injured on the road, in fights with dogs/other animals, be harmed by bored youths or neighbours frustrated with the constant poop. You are being responsible by keeping your pet out of harm's way.

Before anyone jumps down my throat, I'm not advocating that all cats should be kept inside by any means, but the suggestion that it's "harmful" really annoys me.

January20

^^^ That! I feel exactly the same as you. Yes, it is sad that a cat cannot go out but the reason my last cat lived to over 20 is that he was an indoor cat. I "lost" 3 cats in the past: one that got run over and 2 that disappeared in the night never to come back. I am loathed to go through that experience again. And with the dogs next door... Our cat has already got the scars of past fights with dogs so I don't want to risk it!

I agree that if your cat is an indoor cat it takes more effort, but I don't believe you should get a cat because it's a low maintenance pet. They are not. Our cat loves company. When one of us comes back from an outing, he happily greets us. I could go on and on about how well he has settled with us and how he has got so many little habits already lol!

I DO need a new vet. My dd was thinking that when she came back from the last visit(Officially he is her cat so I let her take care of most of those things). She didn't like the way the vet bundled the cat back into his box, when he will happily go back there on his own, or she can do it herself carefully.

I think back to our old vet who were very nice, but where we have the sad memories of having our last cat pts 18 months ago.

ETA: Yes, she said we should let him out because indoor cats tend to get cystitis.

Fire_Fox

There is a fair bit known about cystitis but, like many conditions, there are many contributory factors which vary from case to case. Stress can be a contributing factor and depends on the cat's temperament, the environment and it's relationship with the other cats. If the neighbours dogs are a problem you might get the council involved, that is what you pay council tax for!

Not having a pop about the weight, but indoor cats do tend to carry more fat and less muscle than their outdoor equivalents. My first (large male) indoor cat came to me at 6.5kg and was complimented by the vet on his muscularity the day he was PTS at 6kg. I believe that was down to a grain-free diet and portion control ... greedy bar-steward! I specifically asked about weight and my vet looked at his build and length before passing judgement. A good layman's guide is whether they have a waist or not rather than the number on the scales.

Bettyspag

Fire_Fox wrote: »

there are many contributory factors which vary from case to case. Stress can be a contributing factor and depends on the cat's temperament, the environment and it's relationship with the other cats..

It is a common condition which is seen more in indoor cats because they are less active than outdoors so carry more weight - which is one of the contributing factors

Stress as firefox said - unable to defend their "territory" as they are behind glass and outdoor cats can torment them

the food, they say that dry food is worse - as the cats are not getting enough water

but these are all circumstantial and ....

You can do steps to decrease these factors
- make sure yoou keep them slim (any pet food can give you a body condition scoring chart http://vet.osu.edu/vmc/body-condition-scoring-chart )
- make sure they have high places and hide aways to allow them get away if needed
- make sure there is fresh water - you may wish to think about getting a water fountain for the cats?
- The behavioural side say - make sure you have enough resources so enough cat trays they usually say number of litter trays = number of cats +1
- Have the water and food in different places - some times cats dont like eating where the water is


and for more info http://www.fabcats.org/owners/flutd/info.html
It is quite a useful guide

January20

If my cat gets tormented by outdoor cats , I'll call the papers and sell the story as we live in a 2nd floor flat :rotfl: :rotfl:

I'm glad I've posted this because it's really putting my mind at rest now!

He is on an indoor cat diet, mixture of dry and wet food. He has plenty of water available and drinks quite a bit, and he doesn't like drinking where his food is! He gets lots of stimulation and games to keep him active and entertained and he has a quiet space all to himself to sleep as well as plenty of possible hiding places should he wish to hide!

I do understand about the risks. I just wish a vet would not just say things in such a black or white fashion! It's not very professional and makes me (and I'm sure others) question their judgement.