Feline interstitial cystitis is commonly encountered in general practice. The recurrent nature of its presentation can make it frustrating to treat. This presentation considers the importance of investigating the emotional component of this disease and discuss how to gather information about the cat’s social and physical environment in order to assess their impact on the physical health of the patient. Once that information has been gathered the presentation considers practical ways in which the environmental needs of the cat can be provided in order to optimise emotional health and contribute to the successful long term management of their physical health condition.