Discovering blood in your cat’s urine, also known as hematuria, is understandably alarming for any cat owner. It’s crucial to understand that Blood In Cat Urine is never considered normal and always warrants prompt attention. While it doesn’t always indicate a life-threatening emergency, it’s a sign that something is amiss within your feline companion’s urinary system.
If your cat is urinating normally, without signs of distress, contacting your veterinarian for a timely appointment is the right first step. However, certain symptoms alongside bloody urine signal a more urgent situation. Emergency veterinary care is needed if your cat is:
- Unable to pass urine
- Straining excessively to urinate
- Only passing small droplets of urine
- Vocalizing in pain (yeowling) while in the litter box
These signs suggest a potential urinary blockage, a critical condition that can become fatal if left untreated.
Cat using a litter box, with focus on urine stream, demonstrating normal urination before discussing blood in urine
To help you better understand this issue, let’s explore the primary reasons why your cat might have blood in their urine.
Common Causes of Blood in Cat Urine
Several underlying health issues can lead to hematuria in cats. Here are five of the most common culprits:
1. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)
FLUTD is the most frequent cause of blood in cat urine. It’s also known by other names like feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) and feline urologic syndrome (FUS). Despite its prevalence, the exact cause of FLUTD remains unclear. Veterinary experts believe that multiple factors contribute to its development. Stress is considered a significant trigger, and obesity can also increase a cat’s susceptibility. Other theories involve deficiencies in the protective lining of the bladder wall and potential viral or biological elements. Older, outdated theories incorrectly pointed to high ash content in cat food or urine pH as the primary causes.
2. Bladder Stones
Bladder stones are another painful condition that can cause blood to appear in your cat’s urine. These stones irritate the urinary tract lining, leading to bleeding. In addition to hematuria, you might observe your cat straining to urinate or vocalizing in pain while trying to pee due to the discomfort caused by bladder stones.
3. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
While UTIs are relatively uncommon in young and healthy adult cats, they become more prevalent in older cats, especially female cats. This is partly due to their anatomical structure, which makes them more susceptible to bacterial infections ascending the urinary tract. Infections can inflame the urinary tract and cause blood to be present in the urine.
4. Bladder Cancer
Cancer of the bladder is a less common but serious cause of blood in cat urine. While not as frequent as FLUTD or bladder stones, it’s important to consider, particularly in older cats. Cats with bladder cancer can exhibit a range of symptoms, and hematuria is often one of them.
5. Anatomical Abnormalities
In very young kittens, congenital anatomical abnormalities within the urinary tract can sometimes be the reason for blood in the urine. These structural issues can predispose them to bleeding and other urinary problems early in life.
What To Do If You Notice Blood in Your Cat’s Urine
If you observe blood in your cat’s urine, it’s essential to take action. The first step is to contact your veterinarian and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing the underlying cause of hematuria and ensuring your cat’s comfort and health. The sooner you seek veterinary care, the quicker your feline friend can start feeling better and get back to their happy, healthy selves.
Yours in health,
Dr. Kent Morley
