Making choices that prevent pain

Making choices that prevent pain


Feline idiopathic cystitis, or FIC [spell out], is a new name for an age-old syndrome — feline lower urinary tract disease. In 50 percent of cats, the cause of this painful condition is unknown. But certain strategies can help prevent it.

One is increasing water intake. Canned cat food is three-fourths water, so just switching from dry to canned food helps. Drinking fountains for cats also promote sipping.

Decreasing stress, a factor that leads to chemical changes in the body, also helps. Cats prone to FIC tend to be very sensitive to their environment. They thrive on having the freedom to make choices as they might in the wild. That means choosing where and with whom to play throughout the house; whether to climb, hide or use a scratching post; and which litter box to use.

Who knew that having the freedom to make choices can help prevent pain

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