If you see blood in your cat’s urine, it’s time to call the vet. This condition, called hematuria, is never normal for cats, and it’s important to seek veterinary attention immediately. Cats are notoriously good at hiding pain, so it’s crucial to pay close attention to their bathroom habits.
Blood in your cat’s pee can signal a wide variety of underlying issues, ranging from minor infections to life-threatening blockages. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to prevent complications and ensure your cat’s well-being.
This guide will provide information on the common causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of blood in cat urine, empowering you to take proactive steps for your feline friend’s health.
How to tell if your cat is peeing blood
The amount of blood in your cat’s urine may be so small that it’s difficult to see. Look for urine that is pink or red in color, or small blood clots in the litter box.
You should also watch for other signs of urinary problems:
- Straining to pee
- Peeing more often than usual
- Peeing outside the litter box
- Crying or showing signs of pain while peeing
- Drinking more water than usual
- Excessively licking their urinary opening
Seek immediate veterinary care if you notice:
- Your cat is unable to pee
- Bleeding from other areas
- Blood in their vomit or feces
- Bruising
Common Causes of Blood in Cat Urine
If you’ve noticed blood in your cat’s urine, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian right away. Here are some of the most common reasons for hematuria (blood in the urine) in cats:
Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC)
FIC is a frequent diagnosis in cats with hematuria. It’s often associated with stress, obesity, and not drinking enough water. The exact cause is unknown, but it involves inflammation of the bladder. Treatment focuses on easing stress, getting your cat to drink more, and making changes to their diet.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Cats don’t get UTIs as often as dogs do, but they can still happen. Bacteria can travel up the urethra and infect the bladder, and that can cause blood in the urine. Antibiotics are typically part of the treatment.
Bladder Stones and Crystals
Bladder stones (usually struvite or calcium oxalate) can irritate the lining of the bladder, causing bleeding. Urine crystals can also cause irritation.
Treatment will depend on the type of stone, where it is, and how large it is. Your vet may recommend dietary changes, medication, or even surgery.
Urethral Obstruction
A blocked urethra is a medical emergency, especially in male cats. Crystals, stones, or plugs of mucus can block the urethra, preventing your cat from urinating. Immediate veterinary care is needed to relieve the obstruction.
Less Common Causes
Less frequently, blood in a cat’s urine may be caused by trauma to the urinary tract, bleeding or clotting disorders, or (rarely) bladder cancer.
How to diagnose hematuria
If you see blood in your cat’s urine, a trip to the vet is essential. Your vet will perform a thorough physical exam, ask you for your cat’s history, and ask about their symptoms.
To help find the cause of the bloody urine, the vet may order the following tests:
- Urinalysis: To look for infection, crystals, and blood cells.
- Urine culture: To identify the specific bacteria if a UTI is suspected.
- Blood tests: To check your cat’s overall health and rule out other potential causes.
- Imaging (X-rays or ultrasound): To see the bladder and urinary tract, check for bladder stones, and rule out tumors.
How to treat and prevent hematuria
The best treatment for hematuria depends on what’s causing the bloody urine in the first place. Some common treatments include:
- Antibiotics to treat a UTI
- Changes to your cat’s diet to dissolve or prevent bladder stones
- Pain medication to make your pet more comfortable
- Surgery to remove bladder stones or tumors
- Catheterization to relieve a urethral obstruction
You can take steps to help prevent hematuria from happening in the first place:
- Always provide your cat with fresh, clean water. A water fountain might make the water more appealing.
- Feed your cat a high-quality food that’s right for their age and health. Wet food can help them get more water.
- Keep your cat’s environment clean and stress-free. Put multiple litter boxes in quiet spots around your home.
- Schedule regular checkups with your veterinarian to catch any potential problems early.
- Help your cat maintain a healthy weight.
The Bottom Line
If you see blood in your cat’s urine, it’s a sign that something isn’t right. Don’t ignore it. The sooner you take your cat to the vet, the better the outcome will be.
By knowing what can cause blood in cat urine, noticing the signs early, and doing what you can to prevent urinary problems, you can support your cat’s health and well-being.
The key is to act fast. Early treatment is vital to avoid complications and make sure your feline friend lives a long and happy life.