Last Updated on May 18, 2024 by Dr. Wendy Wilkins, DVM, PhD
Discovering that your cat is peeing blood can be an alarming and nerve-wracking experience for any pet parent. It’s a situation that screams for both understanding and immediate action.
Don’t worry, though, we’ve got your back. In this article, we’ll guide you through identifying the causes, the importance of swift veterinary care, and steps you can take to prevent future issues, all delivered with the supportive and informative touch you’ve come to expect from us
Why Your Cat is Peeing Blood: Understanding the Causes
When you notice bloody urine, medically known as hematuria, it’s a clear signal that something is amiss in your cat’s urinary system. So what could be the possible cause of blood in your cat’s urine?
“The most common causes of a cat peeing blood include feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder stones, and bladder wall disease like cancer”, says Dr. Georgina Ushi, urgent care veterinarian. “However, there are some other less common causes as well, like trauma or a clotting disorder.”
It’s important to note that while bloody urine can be alarming, it doesn’t always mean something serious. However, any time a cat is peeing blood it should always be taken seriously and addressed promptly to avoid potential complications.
Common Causes of Bloody Urine in Cats
FLUTD
As mentioned, one of the most prevalent causes for bloody urine is FLUTD, which encompasses a group of conditions affecting the lower urinary tract (the bladder and urethra). This can include cystitis (bladder inflammation), uroliths (bladder stones or crystals), and urethral obstructions that interfere with the normal flow of urine.
FLUTD can affect cats of any age, breed, or gender, but is more common in middle-aged, overweight cats that have a sedentary lifestyle, use indoor litter boxes exclusively, or eat a dry food diet.
Potential causes include:
- Crystals or Stones: Formation of crystals or bladder stones that can cause irritation or blockage.
- Infection: Although less common than in dogs, bacterial infections can contribute to FLUTD.
- Diet: A diet low in moisture or high in certain minerals can contribute to crystal and stone formation.
- Insufficient Water: Not drinking enough water can lead to more concentrated cat urine, increasing the risk of FLUTD.
- Stress: Stressful environments can worsen or trigger FLUTD symptoms.
- Anatomical Abnormalities: Any anatomical issue affecting the urinary tract can predispose a cat to FLUTD.
- Idiopathic: With feline idiopathic cystitis, the cause is unknown despite thorough testing.
UTIs
Urinary tract infections are commonly to blame when it comes to blood in a cat’s urine. UTIs are a condition in which a bacterial infection invades and proliferates within the urinary system, which includes the bladder and urethra.
Factors that can increase a cat’s risk of developing a UTI include:
- Age: Older cats are often more susceptible.
- Medical history: Cats with diabetes, kidney disease, or bladder stones are at increased risk.
- Lack of hydration: Insufficient water intake can lead to less frequent urination, allowing bacteria to accumulate.
- Poor hygiene: Cats with dirty litter boxes may be more prone to infections.
Bladder Stones
Bladder stones can also cause hematuria in cats by either causing irritation or obstruction of the urinary tract.
Medically known as uroliths, these “stones” are hard mineral masses that form in the bladder of cats, often serving as a significant cause of blood in the urine.
The stones can vary in size, shape, and composition, with struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate) and calcium oxalate being the most common types found in cats.
The presence of bladder stones can cause irritation and inflammation of the bladder walls, leading to bleeding and the appearance of blood in the urine.
The formation of bladder stones in cats can be influenced by several factors, including:
- Diet: Diets high in certain minerals (such as magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus) and a low moisture content can contribute to stone formation.
- Urine pH: Abnormal urine pH levels can promote the formation of different types of stones. Struvite stones are more likely to form in alkaline urine, while calcium oxalate stones are more likely in acidic urine.
- Urinary Tract Infections: Especially for struvite stones, bacterial infections that produce urease can lead to stone formation by increasing urine alkalinity and concentration of ammonia.
- Dehydration: Insufficient water intake can lead to more concentrated urine, which increases the risk of mineral crystals precipitating out and forming stones.
Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer in cats is relatively rare compared to other causes of feline hematuria, but still occurs often enough to fall in the “common” category.
The most common type of bladder cancer in cats is transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), which affects the lining of the bladder and can potentially spread to other parts of the body.
The exact cause of bladder cancer in cats is not well understood, but several factors are believed to contribute to its development, including:
- Genetic Predisposition: Some cats may have a genetic predisposition to developing cancer.
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to carcinogenic chemicals or secondhand smoke may increase the risk.
- Age: Older cats are more likely to develop bladder cancer than younger ones.
- Chronic Inflammation: Long-standing inflammation of the bladder, possibly due to previous infections or bladder stones, might increase cancer risk.
Uncommon Causes of Bloody Urine in Cats
Uncommon causes of hematuria in cats extend beyond the frequently encountered conditions like FLUTD, UTIs, and bladder stones. However, these less common factors can still significantly impact a cat’s urinary health
Coagulopathy
Disorders affecting the blood’s ability to clot properly, such as rodenticide poisoning or inherited clotting disorders (e.g., hemophilia), can lead to blood appearing in the urine. These conditions disrupt the normal clotting process, resulting in excessive bleeding even from minor injuries or without any apparent cause.
Neoplasia
Aside from bladder cancer, other types of cancers and tumors can affect the urinary tract or organs closely associated with it, such as the kidneys or urethra, leading to hematuria. These tumors may be benign or malignant, but any growth can potentially cause bleeding within the urinary system.
Infectious Diseases
Certain infectious diseases, though rarer, can cause bloody urine in cats. For example, a severe kidney infection (pyelonephritis) or a systemic viral infection affecting the kidneys can lead to hematuria.
Idiopathic Renal Hematuria
In some cases, cats may experience bleeding from the kidneys without a clear underlying cause, known as idiopathic renal hematuria. This condition is diagnosed after other more common causes have been ruled out and can be challenging to manage due to its unclear origin.
Trauma
External injuries resulting from accidents, falls, or fights can cause internal damage to the urinary tract or related structures, leading to blood in the urine. Trauma can lead to immediate and obvious signs of distress in a cat, including hematuria.
Poisoning
Exposure to toxic substances, including antifreeze (ethylene glycol), certain plants, and human medications, can lead to kidney damage and subsequent bloody urine. These substances can cause direct toxicity to the kidneys or bladder, leading to inflammation and bleeding.
What Does Blood in the Urine Look Like?
Blood in a cat’s urine can vary quite a lot in appearance, from not being visible to the naked eye to showing a distinct red coloration.
This range in visibility can often make it challenging for cat owners to detect the presence of blood, especially in the early stages of a health issue.
Understanding the various appearances of blood in urine and the circumstances under which it might be noticed can help cat owners recognize potential health concerns more quickly.
Not Visible to the Naked Eye (Microscopic Hematuria)
In some cases, blood in the cat’s urine may not be visible to the naked eye, a condition known as microscopic hematuria. This scenario typically requires a veterinary urinalysis to detect. The urine might appear normal in color and consistency, and without testing, the presence of red blood cells might go unnoticed.
Pinkish to Light Red Urine
As the concentration of blood increases, the urine may take on a pinkish hue, indicating a more substantial presence of blood. This slight discoloration can be easier to spot on light-colored surfaces, such as a white litter, tiles, or if the cat urinates on a light-colored fabric.
Dark Red to Brown Urine
When the urine appears dark red or brown, it indicates a significant presence of blood, a condition known as gross hematuria. This color change is usually noticeable regardless of the surface on which the cat urinates, signaling a more severe or advanced issue.
Circumstances When You Might Notice Blood in the Cat’s Urine
- Peeing Outside the Litter Box: Cats experiencing discomfort may urinate in unusual places, such as on bedding, clothing, or the floor. These unexpected locations can make it easier to spot changes in urine color or consistency.
- Litter Box Observation: Observant pet owners might notice changes in the color of urine spots within the litter box, especially with clumping litter that isolates urine. A change in color or texture may indicate the presence of blood.
- Cleaning Accidents: When cleaning up after an accident outside the litter box, you may notice the urine’s color on paper towels or cleaning cloths, which can range from pink to dark red.
- Behavioral Changes: A cat with urinary discomfort might frequent the litter box more often or vocalize while urinating, prompting closer observation by the owner, who may then notice abnormal urine.
- Health Monitoring: For cats with known health issues or those undergoing treatment, owners might be more vigilant in monitoring urine appearance as part of their pet’s health care routine.
Noticing blood in your cat’s urine under any of these circumstances warrants prompt veterinary attention. Early detection and intervention can make a significant difference in the outcome of many urinary tract and kidney diseases.
Other Signs To Look For
In addition to visible blood in the urine, cat owners should also be aware of other signs that may indicate a potential urinary health issue. These include:
- Straining or difficulty urinating: If your cat appears to be having difficulty passing urine, it could be a sign of an obstruction or infection in the urinary tract. A urinary obstruction is a medical emergency requiring immediate veterinary intervention. Male cats are more likely get get an obstruction than female cats due to differences in their anatomy.
- Frequent urination: An increase in the frequency of urination, especially if it is accompanied by small amounts of urine and straining, could indicate a problem.
- Vocalization or discomfort while urinating: If your cat seems to be vocalizing more than usual while using the litter box, it could be a sign of pain or discomfort during urination.
- Litter box avoidance: Cats that experience pain while urinating may avoid the litter box altogether, and start peeing and pooping in inappropriate locations.
- Changes in eating or drinking habits: Cats with urinary tract issues may experience a decrease in appetite or water consumption due to discomfort.
- Lethargy or unusual behavior: A sick cat may become lethargic, hide more often, or display other odd behaviors. If you notice these changes along with blood in the urine, it could be a sign of a larger health issue.
Knowing what to look for and monitoring your cat’s urinary habits and health will help you detect problems early on. If you notice any changes or signs of discomfort, it is always best to consult with a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
The Importance of Veterinary Care
If you notice blood in your cat’s urine, or any of the signs described in the previous section, get your cat veterinary care as soon as possible. Waiting to see if it goes away on its own or trying home remedies can often lead to serious complications and even death.
Identifying the Underlying Cause
Hematuria can be a symptom of many different conditions. Each of these conditions requires a different treatment approach, and only a veterinarian can conduct the necessary diagnostic tests, such as collecting a urine sample for analysis, blood tests, ultrasound, or X-rays, to determine the exact cause.
Be prepared to discuss any noticeable changes in your cat’s habits, diet, or environment, as these details can help the veterinarian pinpoint the exact cause.
Preventing Complications
Some causes of hematuria, if left untreated, can lead to severe complications. For example, urinary blockages, often a result of bladder stones or FLUTD, can be fatal within 24 to 48 hours if not promptly addressed. Early veterinary intervention can prevent these complications and make sure the cat’s urinary system remains functional and healthy.
Tailoring Treatment
Treatment for hematuria varies widely depending on the underlying cause. It may range from antibiotics for bladder infections, pain medications to make the cat more comfortable, surgical removal of bladder stones, dietary changes, to more complex treatments for conditions like cancer.
A veterinarian can design a treatment plan that addresses the specific needs of the cat, potentially including pain management and strategies to prevent recurrence.
Monitoring Progress
Veterinary care for hematuria includes not only diagnosing and initiating treatment but also monitoring the cat’s progress.
Adjustments to treatment may be necessary based on how the cat responds, and in some cases, long-term management may be required to prevent recurrence. Regular follow-up visits allow for timely adjustments to the treatment plan.
Enhancing Quality of Life
Addressing hematuria and its underlying cause promptly can significantly improve a cat’s quality of life. Many urinary tract conditions cause pain or discomfort, and effective treatment can alleviate these symptoms, allowing the cat to return to its normal activities and behavior.
Preventative Care
Keeping urinary issues at bay involves a few key practices that every cat owner should consider incorporating into their pet care routine:
- Ensuring your cat remains hydrated is critical; always provide clean, fresh water and consider adding wet food to their diet to increase fluid intake. A cat water fountain often encourages cats to drink more.
- Depending on the underlying issue, your veterinarian may recommend a diet change to prevent recurring problems.
- Regularly cleaning the cat’s litter box encourages use and allows you to monitor any changes in urinary habits.
- Stress reduction plays an essential role as well; create a calm and stable environment for your cat, as stress can lead to or worsen FLUTD.
- Encouraging movement and play can also help maintain a healthy weight, reducing the risk of urinary health issues.
- Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for early detection and prevention of urinary health problems.
By following these practices, you can help keep your cat’s urinary system healthy and prevent the occurrence of urinary problems.
Wrapping Up
While it may be alarming to see blood in your cat’s urine, it is important to remain calm and take quick action by seeking veterinary care. Remember to monitor your cat’s urinary habits and look out for any additional signs of potential issues.
By prioritizing preventative care and proactive veterinary visits, you can help your cat maintain good urinary health for years to come. Understanding the importance of regular check-ups and addressing any issues promptly can make a significant difference in your cat’s overall well-being.
With proper treatment, most cats with hematuria can make a full recovery and go on to live healthy and happy lives.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian if you have specific concerns about your pet’s health.
Resources
- https://www.neamc.com/blog/feline-urinary-tract-disease
- https://www.dvm360.com/view/ethylene-glycol-induced-renal-failure
- Urinary pH in calcium oxalate stone formers: does it matter?
- Feline bacterial urinary tract infections
- Noninfectious Diseases of the Urinary System of Cats
- Bacterial Cystitis in Small Animals
