Blood In Cat Urine: How Serious Is It?
Have you noticed drops of blood in your cat’s litter box? Is your cat having accidents in the house with a red tinge to it? It’s enough to make any pet parent worry! As you can probably guess, blood in cat pee is not normal and always warrants a visit to the vet.
That’s why it’s important to know the potential causes, other symptoms, how to prevent future problems, and how to seek emergency veterinary care.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Blood in pee, or the medical term hematuria, cannot always be seen with the naked eye. However, your vet can detect it under a microscope.
Additionally, along with peeing blood, some clinical signs that your cat is experiencing urinary issues include the following:
- Frequent trips to the litter box
- Straining, discomfort, or crying while urinating
- Urinating outside the litter box
- Decreased appetite
- Licking the genital area excessively
- Lethargy
- Decreased social interaction (i.e. hiding more often than usual)
- Vomiting or diarrhea (in severe cases)
Keep in mind that cats are experts in hiding their discomfort or pain. That’s why it’s essential to keep a watchful eye on their bathroom habits.
The 5+ Most Common Reasons for Blood in Cat Urine
1. Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC)
FIC, also known as feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), is a sterile inflammation of the bladder. Sterile means that, while signs often mimic a urinary tract infection, there are no bacteria present. Flare-ups of this disease are often brought on by stress.
While this is by far the most common cause of hematuria in cats, FIC can be frustrating to identify since the underlying causes and illness can range in severity. Without being treated, FIC can lead to urinary tract blockages, which is a medical emergency. If you notice your cat straining to urinate, reach out to an emergency animal hospital immediately.
2. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Unlike FIC, UTIs are a bacterial infection in the urinary system that are most typically found in older cats and/or females.
The good news? Most UTIs in cats can be treated with a round of antibiotics. However, if not treated, your cat can develop bladder stones or a kidney infection, which is more serious and often requires emergency treatment.
3. Bladder Stones/Urine Crystals
While both can irritate your cat’s bladder lining, bladder stones and crystals are slightly different.
Urine crystals are the foundation of bladder stones, with a variety of different types depending on the acidity of the urine, concentration, genetic factors, and more. Below are the two most common stones found in cats:
- Struvite crystals and stones: Especially common if a cat is dehydrated or eating primarily dry food, these crystals can be dissolved with a prescription diet, but occasionally surgery is required.
- Calcium oxalate: Just as it sounds, this forms from the combination of calcium and oxalate waste in the urine. These are much more stubborn than struvites, and typically require surgery. This type of crystal is mostly found in middle-aged to older, neutered, male cats, or Persian/Himalayan breeds.
Treatment depends on the type of crystal/stone, the size and location, and your cat’s health history. Female cats are often able to pass small stones, but male cats are at a high risk of urinary blockage—which can be fatal.
4. Blocked Urethra
Urethral obstruction—otherwise known as a blocked urethra/bladder—is increasingly common in male cats and can be life-threatening. Urethral obstruction is suspected when a cat is straining to urinate and unable to produce urine.
While there are several different causes to a blocked urethra, these symptoms should always be treated as an emergency. Without prompt treatment, it can cause kidney failure and become fatal within a short period of time.
5. Trauma
Blood in cat urine can also be a result of trauma to your cat, such as a fall, fight, or car accident. This is due to internal bleeding, which typically shows up in urine.
If your cat is showing blood in urine after a recent traumatic event, you should take them to an emergency veterinarian immediately.
6. Bleeding or Clotting Disorders
While rare, if your cat has a condition that interferes with normal blood clotting, spontaneous bleeding can occur. Often times, this can be seen in their urine.
Bleeding or clotting disorders in cats can be genetic, caused by certain medications, or develop later in their lifetime. Additionally, ingestion of toxins such as rat poison can cause clotting disorders.
7. Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer, or tumors in the urinary tract, is relatively rare in cats. However, when it does happen, it’s typically seen in cats aged 10 and up.
When all other causes of bloody urine have been ruled out, the vet may recommend additional diagnostic tests or refer you to a specialist. If the cancer is caught early and the tumor is small, it may be able to be removed without recurrence.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Bloody Urine
So, what happens when you take your cat to the vet? Here’s what to expect:
- Physical examination
- Urinalysis/urine culture
- Blood tests
- X-rays or ultrasounds (depending on the symptoms presented)
Once a cause is determined, treatment may include:
- Antibiotics (for UTIs)
- Special diets (for bladder stones or crystals)
- Pain medications
- Fluid therapy
- Surgery (in severe cases)
Prevention of Future Issues
Once your cat is successfully treated for their urinary issues, you can keep up with their urinary health by taking the following preventative measures:
- Provide fresh water
- Regularly clean their litter box
- Choose the right diet
- Annual visits with your primary vet
- Create a calm environment
- Anxiety supplements or medications (to be prescribed by your primary veterinarian)
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Provide environmental enrichment
Seeking Urgent Vet Care for Bloody Urine
Regardless of the underlying cause, hematuria in cats is always a reason for concern. Given the wide range of illnesses it can indicate, it’s vital to get your cat urgent help the moment you notice blood in your cat’s urine.
If you have questions about your cat’s condition, reach out immediately to your nearest Emergency Veterinary Care Centers location. Keep in mind that cats are extremely good at hiding their pain. That’s why it's always best to be on the safe side and have your cat examined, rather than wait and see.
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At Emergency Veterinary Care Centers (EVCC), we know that pet emergencies are unpredictable and often stressful. That's why our team, with over 20 years of emergency and critical care experience, is ready to assist you and your pet in the toughest situations.