The invention encompasses methods for inhibiting histamine release pathways ina companion animal, for example,felines and in treating or preventing idiopathic cystitis or interstitialcystitis. The compositions and methods of the inventioninclude an amount of lipoic acid that is effective in inhibiting histaminerelease pathways in a companion animal, for example,felines and in treating or preventing idiopathic cystitis or interstitialcystitis.