Cats, along with their human companions, can develop chronic urinary tract infections and other urinary/bladder conditions including interstitial cystitis (sometimes called idiopathic cystitis by some veterinarians).  There are numerous causes for urinary tract and bladder dysfunction within cats. Regardless of the cause, there are common symptoms that may be seen in cats with any lower urinary tract disease. They include: hematuria (blood in the urine), dysuria (difficulty passing urine), pollakiuria (increased frequency of urination), and urinating out of the litter box.  So cat owners, please pay attention to your cat companions and take them to the veterinarian the moment you notice any of these symptoms.  Cats, urinate responsibly so your owners know when you might be developing a serious medical condition, and that you are not simply acting out that your litter box needs cleaned more frequently.

(Photo Credit: Max, taken winter 2009.  Max, thankfully, does not have IC but he loves having his photo taken.  Other favorite activities include: rolling in and eating homegrown catnip, taking naps on the front porch in his willow basket lined with copious blankets and chasing white moths in the summertime.  He shares his home with two other cat companions and two cat loving parents.)