EC26S-057: Can gastrointestinal microbiome provide clues to the development and severity of Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC)?

Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC) is one of the main causes of lower urinary tract disease in cats. It is a serious health problem that leads to pain, high treatment costs, and sometimes euthanasia. Urinary blockages caused by FIC are especially dangerous. They often affect young, otherwise healthy male cats who could live long lives if treated in time. While FIC was once thought to only affect the bladder, new research shows that other factors—like stress and gut bacteria—may play a role in how severe the disease is and how often it returns. However, there have been no studies that looks at how the gut microbiome changes across different stages or causes of FIC, an important missing piece in our understanding. In this project, we will: (1) identify gut bacteria linked with FIC in cats that have urinary blockages, (2) see how the gut microbiome changes in cats with different levels of FIC, from mild to severe, and (3) use cladal analysis to find groups of bacteria that may play a role in FIC. We will look at the gut microbiome of 748 cats treated in emergency animal hospitals across the U.S. We will sequence microbiome data and analyze it to understand how gut bacteria are related to FIC. This study will help explain how the gut and urinary tract interact and may lead to new ways to diagnose or treat this painful disease, improving the health and well-being of cats and strengthening the bond between pets and their owners. [Kidney Disease Fund in honor of Vicki Thayer, DVM, DABVP (Feline)]