The essentials
- Blood in the urine is known as hematuria — Don’t ignore this symptom, pet owners should take their cat to the vet right away.
- Many conditions can cause hematuria in cats — Usually, urinary tract or bladder infections are to blame.
- Hydration and relaxation are key — Help prevent hematuria in your cat by giving them clean water, a low-stress environment, and a tidy litter box.
It’s alarming to see blood in your cat’s urine. Spotting blood is typically a sign that something’s wrong with your cat. Blood can appear in a variety of colors and forms. It may be orange or red, tinting the urine, or come in the form of blood clots when your cat pees. Many things can cause it, and some conditions can be life-threatening. Here’s what cat owners need to know.
1. Stress
One of the most common causes of blood in a cat’s urine is Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC) , which is a type of lower urinary tract disease. FIC can cause bladder inflammation and blood in the urine, and your cat may even pee outside of the litter box. The exact cause is unknown, however, researchers believe stress may cause it. Many cats with this condition often become abandoned, surrendered, or euthanized because FIC can be difficult to treat.
Reducing stress can help manage it. Provide them with multiple options for playing, mental stimulation, resting, eating, drinking, and litter boxes. Make sure they have high perches, scratching posts, and a quiet room to escape to. Keeping the litter box clean can help reduce their stress and ensure they don’t urinate outside of it. If you have multiple cats, have at least one litter box per cat plus an additional one.
2. Bladder or urinary tract infection (UTI)
Bladder and urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur when bacteria infect the bladder or urethra, leading to inflammation and potential bleeding. These infections are a component of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) when any condition or bacterial infection affects the bladder or urethra. It can cause difficulty urinating, little to no urination, or blood in the urine. Antibiotics and other supportive care can relieve symptoms and prevent complications.
Dr. Jennifer SchottThe earlier your cat is seen by a veterinarian for urinary issues, the easier it will be to determine the cause and treat them. Urinary stones, especially in male cats, can cause a blockage of the urinary tract. A blockage like this is deadly if not treated immediately.
3. Pandora syndrome
Pandora syndrome describes symptoms, including bladder and hormone abnormalities, obesity, and bladder inflammation. Cats with this syndrome show signs similar to FIC, such as difficulty urinating, frequent urination, straining, and bloody urine. Cats with Pandora syndrome may also show chronic upper respiratory disease symptoms like sneezing and nose and eye discharge.
4. Crystals, bladder stones, and tumors
Crystals, bladder stones, and tumors can irritate the bladder. Each of these formations obstructs urine flow, resulting in difficulty urinating or blood in the urine. If urinary stones or crystals grow large enough, they can cause severe complications and require emergency veterinary intervention. Some breeds, like Persians and Siamese, are more susceptible to developing kidney or bladder stones.
5. Urethral obstruction
A urethral obstruction occurs when a blockage in the tube carrying urine out of the body makes it difficult for the cat to empty their bladder. It can be life-threatening if the cat can’t excrete waste or toxins, resulting in their kidneys shutting down. Male cats are more susceptible to the condition due to a narrower urethra. A narrow urethra, bladder stones, or cancer can cause a blockage.
Symptoms include straining in the litter box, producing little to no urine, and bloody urine. Immediately contact your vet if you notice these symptoms to prevent kidney failure and remove the blockage.
6. Trauma
Trauma to the kidneys or uterus can result in inflammation and bleeding, causing blood in the urine. Additionally, conditions like renal lymphoma (a common kidney cancer in cats) can cause similar symptoms. If your cat experiences trauma or shows signs of a kidney condition, seek immediate veterinary care so it can be appropriately diagnosed and treated.
7. Bleeding disorder
Whether genetic or acquired, bleeding disorders can interfere with normal blood clotting, leading to spontaneous bleeding. Conditions such as hemophilia (an inherited bleeding disorder) can cause clotting issues requiring immediate veterinary attention. A vet can determine the underlying cause and the best treatment to prevent further complications.
8. Rat poison
Ingesting toxins like rat poison can cause severe clotting disorders because of the anticoagulant that interferes with the ability of the blood to clot. This leads to bleeding and blood in the urine and needs emergency veterinary care. Your vet can administer the right treatment for the best chance of a successful outcome.
How vets diagnose hematuria in cats
If you suspect your cat is urinating blood, do not take matters into your own hands. Take your cat to the vet so they can determine whether or not your cat is experiencing hematuria. Your vet will likely consider some of the following tests to diagnose the underlying cause of the bleeding:
- Your cat’s history. Your vet will first look at your cat’s medical history to see if any repeated issues may cause blood while peeing.
- Physical exam. Your vet will feel for any inflammation around your cat’s genitalia.
- Bloodwork. The veterinarian will be able to detect whether or not your cat’s organs are functioning.
- Urine culture, urine sample, or urinalysis. These are tests that a vet uses to identify bacteria that may be causing a UTI.
- Ultrasound and X-rays. Ultrasounds and X-rays can detect bladder stones and inflammation.
Other signs to tell your vet about
Keep a detailed log of your cat’s symptoms when dealing with hematuria. Note any changes in behavior, appetite, and litter box habits. Also, write down the frequency and color of urine, any signs of pain or discomfort, and unusual activities. Providing your veterinarian with a comprehensive overview of symptoms can help them better diagnose the underlying issue and effectively treat them.
Treatment for hematuria
You cannot self-treat your cat’s bleeding. The vet will prescribe a treatment plan based on the cause of the hematuria.
- Antibiotics. Medication can rid a cat’s urinary tract or bladder infection.
- Diet changes. Your vet may prescribe a specific diet to treat the illness causing your cat’s bleeding. It may include wet food or a canned urinary prescription diet to increase hydration. Prescription diets can help do things like dissolve stones.
- Hydration. The vet may give your cat fluids to help them flush out infection and toxins from urinary obstruction.
- Surgery. If your cat has a urethral obstruction, the vet will need to sedate your cat and insert a catheter to manage your cat’s symptoms. Bladder stones may also require surgical removal.
Hematuria prevention
While you may not be able to prevent blood in your cat’s urine, you can take measures to prevent the illnesses that may cause bleeding.
- Feed them a healthy diet. Diet plays a crucial role in keeping your cat healthy. You should also keep your cat active to prevent obesity. Wet food tends to be best for cats prone to urinary tract or bladder infections.
- Provide lots of water. Water is key for maintaining your cat’s health. Keep multiple bowls of fresh water around the house at all times. Cat water fountains are great for this purpose. Fountains encourage your cat to drink more, more often.
- Create a low-stress environment. Stress is one of the leading causes of urinary and bladder issues in cats. Look for signs of anxiety and depression. Focus on environmental enrichment by incorporating things like relaxing music and new toys into your cat’s life. Keep them on a consistent routine, like feeding them at the same time every day, and prevent drastic changes in their lives.
- Keep litter boxes clean. Vets also recommend keeping one litter box per cat plus one. So, if you have one cat, you should keep two litter boxes in your house and clean them frequently. A cat’s litter box should be big enough for them to comfortably relieve their bladder or 1.5 times your cat’s length.
👉 The OSU Indoor Pet Initiative is a great resource with advice on reducing your cat’s stress levels.
You may have to wait to get an appointment at the vet, but there are some things you can do at home to ease your cat’s pain in the meantime. Keep fresh water for your cat at all times. If they’re suffering from an infection, water can help decrease inflammation in the bladder. Try to make sure your cat is as comfortable as possible. Place them near their bed and keep away stressors like loud noises or other animals. These steps can reduce your cat’s discomfort until you can get professional veterinary care.
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Frequently asked questions
Can worms cause bleeding in cats?
Worms can cause bleeding, but it’s very rare. They are more likely to cause bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract than the urinary tract. If worms are causing blood in your cat, it is likely due to rare bladder worms or the Giant Kidney Worm that lives inside the kidneys.
Can stress make a cat pee blood?
Yes! There is a neurogenic connection between the nervous system and bladder wall inflammation. Cystitis caused by stress causes bleeding.
Can dry cat food cause blood in urine?
Feeding only dry food can make cats more prone to urinary issues. A lack of hydration, especially when eating, can cause difficulty when your cat urinates.
Is a cat peeing blood an emergency?
Yes. If your cat is peeing blood we recommend getting them to the vet as soon as possible. While they may not always be bleeding because of a life-threatening issue, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Bleeding will likely not subside on its own and requires treatment. Pet owners should take their cats to the vet right away.
How do I treat blood in my cat’s urine?
Your cat may need antibiotics, water, pain relievers, or a special diet. Your vet can assist you with the best way to treat blood in your cat’s urine.
