Pet(s) of the Month! Jaffa and Muffin!

Jaffa is an 8 year old domestic cat and her sister Muffin is a 9 year old domestic cat. Both cats were recently diagnosed with cystitis/bladder stones.

Cystitis / Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is common in cats but it is less common that this is caused by bladder stones. In the case of these poor sisters they both have bladder stones but both also have different types! Muffin’s stones were successfully removed via surgery and she is doing well. Jaffa’s are currently being managed via diet with the hope that they will dissolve this way rather than her also facing surgery.

Symptoms of cystitis in cats can include:

  • Straining to urinate

  • Blood in urine 

  • Weeing in unusual places

  • Licking the urinary opening 

We asked their owner a few questions about the two of them.

1.      What are Jaffa and Muffin’s favourite things to do?

They both like to potter in the garden, “help” with homework and curl up on the sofa having lots of fuss!

2.    Do Jaffa and Muffin have any nicknames?

Jaffa is known as Jaff Jaffs and Muffin as Moo Moo

3.     How did you know that Jaffa and Muffin were unwell?

Muffin had been having blood in her wee and cystitis on and off for 2 years so we decided to get a second opinion and investigate further with an Xray and ultrasound. Once Jaffa started having blood in her wee we decided to have her scanned too.

4. Did you research further into their diagnosis?

Yes; after we knew that they had stones we Googled to find out more.

5. What advice would you give to others?

Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion and be mindful of what your pet is eating as overweight cats are more prone to urinary problems.

Pet of the MonthLouise Ryan