Krista & Copernicus
Member Since 2026
Does anyone know if diabetic cats can have cornsilk extract for a cystitis flare? It sounds highly effective, but I just read it has diuretic effects and can change blood glucose.
? Cornsilk for FIC?
- OP Krista & Copernicus
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Staci & Ivy
Member Since 2022
@Mary & Jude do you know?
Mary & Jude
Member Since 2024
Cornsilk extract is effective in reducing inflammation in the bladder lining.
It can potentially lower bg; I'm not sure if it lowers Jude's or not as he's been on it for years. If it has diuretic side effects, we don't see them. You want the alcohol free formula.
Go to this group/page and read the announcements: Facebook. There is one announcement that talks about Cornsilk Extract, and it has a code that allows you to get free shipping when you order from the mfg. All of the announcements are pretty helpful. I will say that I don't find that group very friendly, though. The people who run it are pretty rigid about following the rules of posting, etc. But the page has a ton of helpful information.
FWIW, Jude, who has feline idiopathic cystitis, also takes d-mannose, cystease, and a supplement called Urinary Gold (some people prefer Tinkle Tonic). He also takes the supplement that is in the UT cat food, called dl-methionine. If you do any of these, I would definitely do Cornsilk ext., d-mannose, and Cystease.
Do you know if you're dealing with UTIs or cystitis?
Krista & Copernicus
Member Since 2026
That is so many supplements. And the diabetes supplements too (my cat is supposed to be taking b12, poros one, phos binders, and Cabergoline. Your kitty doesn't have any GI side effects? I can't figure out how to get all these supplements in him.
Maybe dealing with both. He was partially obstructed and diagnosed with cystitis. But then his culture showed E. coli so they thought maybe a secondary infection. He urinated blood clots.
I have heard really good things about Cystease but I cannot find it in the US. Maybe Amazon but can't tell if the seller is counterfeit.
Mary & Jude
Member Since 2024
Okay. I'm about to run the risk of overwhelming you. Take it in bit by bit. Please don't feel overwhelmed. FIC is complicated.
So, yes, it's a lot of supplements! I forgot to mention that he also takes Prazosin (daily), which is a prescription drug that works as an antispasmodic for the bladder. Additionally, when he is in a flare, he takes Buprenorphine. Unfortunately cystitis is quite painful, so it's super important to get them on an effective pain medication to help calm the flare. Jude was taking Gabapentin, but it didn't seem to work that well for him (it has anti-anxiety and pain alleviation properties), so the doctor switched him to Bupe, which is what most people use for FIC pain.
I purchase the Cystease from Amazon, and haven't had any problems with it except to note that it is often not available. I try to stay stocked up on it. Chewy sells it too, if you're more comfortable purchasing from them.
FIC is a weird condition. You'll hear people say that it's a cycle of pain and inflammation--a self-perpetuating loop driven by an abnormal nervous system response to stress. Stress triggers the brain to release inflammatory signals into the bladder wall, which causes intense pain, and that ongoing pain signals the brain to increase stress and perpetuate more bladder inflammation. You're fortunate if you know what your cat's triggers are; we don't know what Jude's are. But supplements to calm the inflammation and drugs to manage the pain are key in treating a flare.
Jude has both FIC AND UTIs. What I've discovered is that Jude's blood glucose often shoots up when he has either a UTI or a FIC flare. When that happens, here is what I have to do: go to the vet and have them perform a cystocentesis. It's the best diagnostic tool. Then, and this is super important, you need to have them send the sample off to have a culture and sensitivity test done on it. The C&S tells you for sure if bacteria is present and what drug to use to treat it. Trust me, I've run the risk of not having a C&S done (because they are pricey), but in the long run, just do it because you need to know if you are dealing with bacteria or not, and if you are, you need to know which drug will treat it. If it is a FIC flare, you begin the pain meds. Jude is on a maintenance dose of his supplements, but if he goes into a flare, I double the supplements.
Here is how I give the supplements (it's easier than you might be thinking). Jude gets 1/8 tsp of d-mannose + 1 Cystease capsule + 14 drops Cornsilk Ext. + 1/2 dropper Urinary Gold. I mix them together in a spoon, drop a bit of warm water into the mix, stir, and then syringe it. Jude doesn't mind the taste (and he's pretty picky--but, you know, ECID). Look on the FB page I posted earlier for the dosing. I double the supplements if he is in a flare.
There are several other things you should be doing for FIC kitties, and I'm going to copy and paste what ChatGPT has put together as a checklist. I've read it, and it's accurate. I will add this to the list: my vet had us switch to a non-clumping litter. We use Dr. Elsey's Senior crystals. It took me a little bit of time to understand how to use it (you scoop the poop and then you rake the litter to get the urine spread out so it will dry), but we're pretty comfortable with it now.
Environmental Changes for a Cat with FIC
1. Increase water intake.
This is one of the most important changes. Feed mostly or entirely wet food if his veterinarian approves. Add a little extra water to canned food if he will accept it. Put several water bowls around the house rather than keeping just one beside the food. Try different bowl types and locations, and consider a fountain if he enjoys running water.
2. Make the litter boxes as appealing as possible.
Have at least one litter box per cat, plus one extra. Put them in separate locations—not all lined up together, since cats may perceive clustered boxes as essentially one resource. Use large, uncovered boxes when possible, unscented litter, and scoop them at least daily. Boxes should be somewhere quiet where the cat cannot be trapped or ambushed by another pet. A safe, clean place to urinate is specifically recommended for reducing stress associated with FIC.
3. Give him safe hiding places.
Provide boxes, covered beds, cat caves, or other places where he can retreat without being disturbed. Cats often cope with stress by hiding, and having a place where they feel secure can be more important than trying to coax them out.
4. Give him vertical territory.
Cat trees, shelves, window perches, or furniture he is allowed to climb give him additional territory and allow him to observe what is happening without feeling threatened. Feline veterinary guidance emphasizes familiar environments with both hiding and perching options.
5. Reduce competition with other cats.
If there are multiple cats, don't make them share everything. Provide separate food stations, water sources, litter boxes, beds, scratching posts, and resting places. Pay attention to subtle bullying: staring, doorway blocking, chasing, guarding the litter box, or one cat always leaving when another arrives. Cats do not have to be openly fighting for another cat to be a significant source of stress.
6. Establish a predictable routine.
Feed him at approximately the same times, maintain familiar sleeping and play routines, and avoid unnecessary sudden changes. Changes in environment, feeding schedules, and household animals are recognized FIC stressors.
7. Give him daily interactive play.
Use wand toys, feathers, mice, or other toys that let him stalk, chase, pounce, and "catch." Even 5–10 minutes once or twice a day can provide an outlet for normal hunting behavior. Cornell specifically recommends opportunities for natural predatory behavior as part of managing FIC.
8. Let him have some control over interaction.
Don't constantly pick him up, move him, wake him, or force affection. Give him opportunities to initiate contact and walk away when he wants. For a sensitive FIC cat, having control over his environment can matter.
9. Look for things that may be stressing him that humans might overlook.
Examples include an outdoor cat staring through the window, a new pet, visitors, construction noise, rearranged furniture, a new litter, a new feeding location, another cat blocking a hallway, loud appliances near the litter box, or even changing the owner's work schedule. FIC cats can be unusually sensitive to environmental change.
10. Make changes gradually.
Ironically, trying to "fix everything" in one day can itself be stressful. I would start with water, litter boxes, safe spaces, and resource separation, then gradually add enrichment.
Krista & Copernicus
Member Since 2026
Copernicus had a pretty bad reaction to Buprenorphine. He's acromegalic too, so he is sensitive to drugs that work on the brain. Becasue he is so insulin resistant and pees a lot, I wonder if that litter would work. It sounds like it's good for his arthritis, but would it hold up if he pees more than a healthy cat. Thanks for all the other info! 
Si am cat mom
Member Since 2019
Hey hey !
Just some things that I've also been taught/ told about FLUTD and other urinary issues. FIC typically is a catch all for FLUTD issues that are not caused by things like infections or stones/ blockages. It's a rule out diagnosis when everything else has been accounted for. If your pet has frequent or reoccuring UTIs or is passing clots- this points to other explanations and less to FIC. Maybe they were diagnosed as younger cats prior to other health concerns, like Diabetes. FIC is a sterile , inflammatory issue caused by neurological triggers and " should " typically not be accompanied by infections or clotting.
Reoccurring urinary issues can be incredibly frustrating to treat and there can be a lot of overlap. With sugar kitties, it is even more common. Diabetes can also cause repeat urinary issues, as sugar in the urine from higher BGs creates a lovely environment for bacteria. Not to mention the strain on the kidney which interferes with it's ability to filter and maintain a healthy PH.
Hopefully, both your babies continue to manage it well and I'm sorry they are going through this....it's very uncomfortable. My guy would get cystitis secondary to his dementia and sundowning. CBD oil/ treats, feliway and placing a yoga mat in the bottom of the box helped us a bit. ( he would be uncomfortable posturing on the plastic bottom and just abort the void).
Just some things that I've also been taught/ told about FLUTD and other urinary issues. FIC typically is a catch all for FLUTD issues that are not caused by things like infections or stones/ blockages. It's a rule out diagnosis when everything else has been accounted for. If your pet has frequent or reoccuring UTIs or is passing clots- this points to other explanations and less to FIC. Maybe they were diagnosed as younger cats prior to other health concerns, like Diabetes. FIC is a sterile , inflammatory issue caused by neurological triggers and " should " typically not be accompanied by infections or clotting.
Reoccurring urinary issues can be incredibly frustrating to treat and there can be a lot of overlap. With sugar kitties, it is even more common. Diabetes can also cause repeat urinary issues, as sugar in the urine from higher BGs creates a lovely environment for bacteria. Not to mention the strain on the kidney which interferes with it's ability to filter and maintain a healthy PH.
Hopefully, both your babies continue to manage it well and I'm sorry they are going through this....it's very uncomfortable. My guy would get cystitis secondary to his dementia and sundowning. CBD oil/ treats, feliway and placing a yoga mat in the bottom of the box helped us a bit. ( he would be uncomfortable posturing on the plastic bottom and just abort the void).