EC26S-032: The Use of Cannabidiol Oil to Improve Outcomes in Male Cats with Feline Idiopathic Cystitis

“Feline Idiopathic Cystitis” (FIC) is a condition where inflammation occurs in the bladder of cats leading to pain, discomfort urinating and inability to urinate in. It may occur once in a cat’s life, however often it will return multiple times, or may lead to death from disease or humane euthanasia due to lack of available efficacious treatment. There are many potential causes for the development of this condition such as the overall health status of the animal, gender and environmental factors, but behavioural issues such as anxiety are one of the most common causes.

In recent times the use of CBD oil has become a popular treatment in many conditions in human and vet medicine alike. CBD oil is made from Cannabis plants but does not contain the part of the plant that causes the known “high” that recreational users seek. CBD oil has shown positive effects when used in animal patients with arthritis, anxiety and epilepsy. It also reduced separation anxiety when utilised in cats. Although no studies have been done looking at the use of CBD oil in cats with FIC, studies in bladder pain syndrome, a similar syndrome in humans, showed reduced inflammation. The ability of CBD oil to improve behaviour and inflammation in humans and animals makes it an ideal therapeutic treatment in cats with FIC. This study aims to use CBD oil in cats with FIC to investigate if it can improve outcomes for cats, by reducing how long and how bad the symptoms are. [Kidney Disease Fund in honor of Vicki Thayer, DVM, DABVP (Feline)]