DHA docosahexaenoic acid FIC Feline idiopathic cystitis FLUTD Feline lower urinary tract disease GAG Glycosaminoglycan LT L-tryptophan MPH milk protein hydrolysate QOL quality of life

Case series summary. The effects of a urinary food supplemented with milk protein hydrolysate and L-tryptophan fed for eight weeks in eighteen household cats with feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) are described. Cat emotional, quality of life (QOL) and taste perception scores were recorded every fortnight, as were feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) signs. Eight cats did not complete the study due to various reasons (six of which were due to non-food related factors). In the ten cats that completed the study, FLUTD signs, cat emotional and QOL scores improved significantly during the study period. Taste perception of the food was rated excellent throughout the study. Relevance and novel information. FIC is frequently seen in veterinary practice and is difficult to manage. Stress is a known risk factor in the development of FIC. At present, no studies of urinary foods with ingredients known to control anxiety in cats with FIC have been reported. This case series provides provisional evidence that such food improves both FLUTD signs and anxietyrelated behaviours in cats with FIC.