Why Is My Cat Peeing Blood

  Seeing blood in your cat’s urine can be alarming and is a clear sign that something is wrong. Blood in the urine, known as hematuria, is not a condition itself but a symptom of an underlying issue. Understanding the possible causes and seeking prompt veterinary care is crucial to addressing the problem and ensuring your cat's health. This guide will explore the reasons why your cat might be peeing blood, the symptoms to watch for, and the treatment options available.

What Does Blood in Cat Urine Look Like?

Spotting blood in your cat's urine can be alarming. Instead of the typical yellow hue, you might observe a color change. Here's what to watch for:

• Pinkish Hue: The urine may appear light pink as it mixes with small amounts of blood.
• Red Tinges: In more severe cases, the urine can take on a reddish tint.
• Uniform Red Color: Occasionally, the urine may turn completely red, indicating a higher concentration of blood.

If you notice any of these signs, it's crucial to consult your veterinarian promptly to determine the underlying cause and seek appropriate treatment.

Why Do Cats Pee Blood?

Your cat's blood in the urine can be caused by a number of things, including but not limited to the following.

1.Socialization issues

Territorial battles or discordant relationships between multiple cats in the home may cause some cats to choose to defecate in inappropriate places. 

2.Age factor

Younger cats may need to urinate more frequently due to their high appetite and relatively small bladder capacity. Older cats may urinate more frequently due to metabolic problems or disease. 

3.Medication side effects

If a cat is taking certain medications, such as diuretics, it may experience the side effects of increased thirst and urination. 

4.Urinary tract disease

This is a common cause of blood in the urine in cats and may involve cystitis, urinary tract infections, urinary stones or bladder stones. 

5.Stress

Cats may suffer from spontaneous cystitis due to environmental changes, mood swings and other stressors, which may also lead to blood in the urine. 

Also Read: Can Stress Cause a Cat to Miscarry?

6.Dietary problems

Long-term consumption of high-protein, high-phosphorus and high-calcium foods or frequent insufficient water intake may promote the formation of stones, leading to the concentration of urine and increasing the risk of blood in the urine. 

7.Trauma

Cats with external injuries may suffer kidney or bladder damage, causing blood in the urine. 

8.Parasitic infection

Blood in urine in kittens can be caused by parasites in the body. 

9.Cat Litter Problems

Using dusty cat litter may trigger inflammation, leading to blood in the urine. 

Related: How To Litter Train a Kitten Without Mother

10.Insufficient Exercise

Lack of exercise may affect your cat's urinary health and increase the likelihood of blood in the urine. 

11.Genetic factors

Certain cat breeds may be more susceptible to urinary tract disorders due to a genetic predisposition. Some cats inherit bleeding or clotting disorders from their parents. These genetic conditions can affect the blood’s ability to clot properly, leading to unusual bleeding patterns.

12.Toxins

Toxins like rat poison contain anticoagulants, which interfere with the clotting mechanisms in a cat's body. When a cat ingests toxins like rat poison, it disrupts the normal blood clotting process. This disruption can lead to internal bleeding. One of the potential signs of this internal bleeding is the presence of blood in the cat's urine, a condition known as hematuria.

Given that blood in the urine can be a serious health issue, it is recommended that you take your cat to the veterinarian immediately for a thorough examination, including urine tests, blood tests, ultrasound or x-rays, in order to accurately diagnose the cause and treat it promptly. While waiting for your veterinarian's diagnosis, you can try increasing your cat's water intake to help dilute the urine and minimize further irritation or injury.

What are the Serious Symptoms of Blood in Urine in Cats?

Blood in urine in cats accompanied by the following clinical signs may indicate a more serious condition.

1. Frequent trips to the litter box but little or no urine output may be a sign of urinary incontinence, which can quickly lead to postrenal renal failure and if left untreated, the cat may die.
2. The cat appears tired and weak and walks unsteadily, this may be a result of circulatory compression due to anemia or other internal bleeding.
3. A noticeably distended abdomen, which may be due to urine accumulating in the abdomen and not being able to drain properly, a condition known as acute renal failure that requires urgent medical intervention.
4. Loss of appetite and vomiting, these symptoms are usually associated with urinary incontinence and may be caused by toxins accumulating in the bloodstream.
5. The mouth turns white or yellow, which may be due to hemolytic anemia caused by lack of oxygen or rupture of red blood cells.
6. Cats exhibiting painful purring or behavior, especially when trying to urinate, which may be due to bladder inflammation or urethral obstruction.
7. Frequent licking of the genital area, which may be due to urinary discomfort or pain.
8. Urinating indiscriminately, outside of the litter box, which may be due to a behavioral change due to a urinary tract infection or other discomfort. 

If your cat exhibits any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately for emergency treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment is critical to improving the prognosis.

How Do Kidney or Bladder Stones in Cats Lead to Bloody Urine?

Kidney and bladder stones in cats can lead to a condition known as hematuria, which is the presence of blood in the urine. Here's how this painful process unfolds:

Formation and Growth of Stones

1. Mineral Accumulation: Over time, minerals like calcium or magnesium can accumulate in a cat's kidneys or bladder, forming small stones.
2. Stone Enlargement: As these stones grow larger, they start to cause problems by obstructing the normal flow of urine.

Obstruction and Irritation

• Blocked Urine Pathways: Larger stones can block the urinary tract, making it difficult for urine to flow naturally. This obstruction puts pressure on the urinary system, causing significant discomfort and potential damage to internal tissues.
• Passage Through Ureters: Stones may eventually pass into the ureters, the narrow tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. This journey can be incredibly painful and can scratch or cut the lining of these tubes.

Complications Leading to Blood in Urine

• Tissue Damage: When stones block urine flow or pass through the ureters, they can scrape and damage delicate tissues. This damage causes bleeding, which results in blood appearing in the cat's urine.
• Secondary Infections: The presence of stones can also lead to secondary urinary tract infections, further aggravating the issue and causing inflammation. This inflammation can make the bleeding even worse.

Predisposing Factors

Notably, certain cats are more prone to developing these stones. Male cats and specific breeds like Persians and Siamese cats are at higher risk due to their genetic predisposition and anatomical differences.

Understanding the process of how kidney and bladder stones lead to bloody urine can help cat owners recognize the symptoms early and seek veterinary care promptly to address this serious health issue.

How to Know if Your Cat Has a Urinary Tract Disease?

Symptoms of Urinary Tract Disease in Cats

Cats may exhibit a range of symptoms when suffering from urinary tract disease.

1. Abnormal urine color: thicker or lighter than usual, which may be a sign of urinary stones, cystitis or kidney failure.
2. Changes in urine character: cloudy, reddish or brownish urine, which may contain sand or stones.
3. Changes in urination behavior: urine volume decreases or increases, shows pain when urinating, frequently goes in and out of the litter box without urine discharge, or urinates indiscriminately in places other than the litter box.
4. Abnormal defecation posture: the posture when defecating is different from normal, which may be due to obstruction or pain in the urethra.
5. Behavioral changes: loss of appetite, vomiting, depression or anxiety, which may accompany the development of urinary tract disease. 

Diagnosis

If you observe one or more of the above symptoms, you should take your cat to your veterinarian's office immediately for an examination. Your veterinarian may recommend the following tests.

1. Urinalysis: to check for blood, crystals or other abnormal substances in the urine.
2. Blood tests: to assess kidney function and the health of other internal organs.
3. Imaging tests: such as x-rays or ultrasounds to look for stones or other foreign objects in the bladder and urethra.
4. Urine cultures: If a bacterial infection is suspected, urine cultures may be performed to identify the pathogen. 

Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets

Dysuria; urinary tract obstruction; urinary stone; urethritis; urinary urgency; frequent urination; hematuria

View Product

Precautions

Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical to your cat's recovery. If your cat shows signs of urinary tract disease, do not wait for the symptoms to improve on their own; act quickly. In addition, promote urinary health by ensuring your cat has an adequate supply of fresh water and providing easily accessible watering points. 

You May Interested in: Cat Urine Crystals

What First Aid Measures Should I Take When My Cat Urinates Blood?

When you notice your cat showing signs of blood in the urine, the following emergency measures should be taken immediately.

Stay calm

Quick and calm treatment is the key to helping your cat.

Isolate the cat

Place your cat in a quiet, warm place to avoid stress or further injury.

Stop feeding

Temporarily stop offering food and water to your cat to avoid aggravating the kidneys.

Contact a veterinarian

Contact your veterinarian or emergency animal hospital as soon as possible to inform them of your cat's symptoms and condition so that you can receive professional medical advice and prompt treatment.

Preparing for Transportation

While waiting for the veterinarian, prepare a comfortable transportation box to ensure your cat's safety on the way to the hospital.

Observing symptoms

Watch for other symptoms such as pain, vomiting, loss of appetite or abnormal behavior in your cat; this information is important for the veterinarian to diagnose the condition.

Do not self-administer medication

Do not give your cat any medication unless instructed to do so by your veterinarian, as improper treatment may worsen the condition.

Keep in mind that blood in the urine can be caused by a variety of conditions, including urinary tract infections, stones, tumors, or other serious illnesses. Therefore, prompt veterinary examination and treatment is vital to your cat's recovery. While waiting for your veterinarian, minimize your cat's movement to avoid additional stress or injury.

How Do Veterinarians Treat Urinary Infections in Cats?

Given that blood in the urine can be a serious health issue, it is recommended that you take your cat to the veterinarian immediately for a thorough examination, including urine tests, blood tests, ultrasound, or x-rays, in order to accurately diagnose the cause and treat it promptly. While waiting for your veterinarian's diagnosis, you can try increasing your cat's water intake to help dilute the urine and minimize further irritation or injury.

1. Antibiotic Therapy

For bacterial infections, veterinarians commonly prescribe antibiotics. These medications help eliminate the bacteria causing the infection, alleviating symptoms and preventing complications.

2. Pain Management

Cats experiencing discomfort may receive pain relief medications. These drugs help minimize pain, making it easier for your cat to urinate and recover.

3. Hydration Support

Ensuring proper hydration is crucial. Vets often recommend increased water intake or intravenously administer fluids to help flush out the urinary system.

4. Prescription Diets

Special diets may be prescribed to alter the pH of your cat's urine. This change can discourage bacterial growth and support urinary tract health.

5.Kidney or Bladder Stones

Your cat may require surgery and a special prescription diet to help dissolve certain types of stones. For other types, and depending on the size of the stone, surgery may be indicated.

By combining these approaches, veterinarians can effectively treat urinary infections and enhance your cat's overall well-being.

What Should Cats Eat When They Urinate Blood?

When a cat urinates blood, choosing the right food is vital to its recovery. Here are some types of food and suggestions for cats with blood in the urine.

• Urinary Tract Prescription Food

Designed to maintain the health of your cat's urinary tract, this type of food can help control the mineral content of the urine, maintain an appropriate urine pH and reduce the risk of stone formation. Prescription foods are usually low in magnesium, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants to help reduce urinary tract inflammation and promote stone dissolution. 

• Wet food

Wet cat food is high in water, which helps to increase your cat's water intake, dilute the urine and reduce the formation of crystals and stones. Wet food also usually tastes better and helps encourage cats to eat more.

• Foods formulated with low protein and magnesium

Low-protein diets have a lesser impact on kidney failure, helping to maintain nitrogen balance and control uremia. At the same time, reducing the amount of phosphorus in the diet can reduce the burden on the kidneys. 

• Omega-3  fatty acids

Supplementation of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids can help protect the kidneys and lower blood pressure. For cats with kidney failure, supplementation of Omega-3 fatty acids in foods that contain them will be more effective. 

• Antioxidant Foods

Antioxidants scavenge free radicals, reducing kidney damage and helping to maintain urinary health. 

• Unsalted or low-salt foods

Avoid foods that are high in salt to prevent aggravation of the kidneys. 

How to Prevent My Cat From Having Bloody Urine?

Provide plenty of fresh water: Ensure that your cat has fresh drinking water. You can encourage your cat to drink more by setting up multiple water sources and using a flowing water fountain.
Dietary management: Choose cat food that is low in salt, phosphorus and minerals and avoid feeding foods that may cause kidney stones, such as fish and certain snacks. 
Increase wet food intake: Wet food is high in water, which helps to increase your cat's water intake and reduce the risk of urinary tract disease. 
Maintain appropriate body weight: Overweight cats are more likely to suffer from urinary tract diseases, so the cat's ideal body weight should be maintained through proper exercise and dietary control. 
Reduce stress: cats are more prone to urinary problems when they are stressed and should be provided with a stable environment and reduced changes in their lives. 
Regular checkups: Bringing your cat for regular health checkups, especially for cats with a history of urinary tract problems, allows for early detection and management of potential health problems. 
Clean the cat litter box: Keep the cat litter box clean and change the litter regularly to reduce the risk of bacterial growth and urinary tract infections. 
Through the above measures, you can effectively reduce the risk of cats urinating blood and maintain the health of their urinary system. If your cat develops symptoms such as frequent urination, urinary urgency and blood in the urine, you should contact your veterinarian immediately for examination and treatment. 

When to See a Vet ?

Blood in your cat’s urine is always a cause for concern and requires prompt veterinary attention.

• Urgent Symptoms

If your cat is straining to urinate, appears to be in pain, or is unable to produce urine, seek veterinary care immediately. These symptoms could indicate a life-threatening blockage.

• Persistent Issues

Even if the symptoms are mild, persistent blood in the urine should not be ignored. Chronic hematuria can lead to more serious health problems and should be evaluated by a vet.

FAQs

Can a Cat Act Normally with Blood in Their Urine?

Yes, it is possible for a cat to behave normally even while experiencing blood in their urine. This can happen if the underlying health issue is mild. For instance, some cats may still eat, play, and interact without much change in their behavior.

However, the presence of blood in the urine is a significant signal that something isn't right. It's crucial not to overlook this symptom, as it can indicate serious conditions such as urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or even feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD).

Can cats recover with blood in urine?

Is There a Link Between Blood in Urine and Diet in Cats?

There may be a link between blood in the urine and diet in cats, especially if the diet contains too much salt. Foods high in salt increase the mineral content of the urine, which can lead to the formation of bladder stones or crystals, which in turn can cause inflammation and hematuria. Additionally, if your cat ingests food that contains substances that can irritate the bladder, it can also cause cystitis, leading to blood in the urine. 

Lack of adequate water in the diet can also be a factor in causing blood in the urine in cats. Cats do not naturally feel thirst as strongly as other animals, so they may not consume enough water to dilute their urine. Concentrated urine increases the risk of urinary tract blockage, which may lead to blood in the urine. 

To prevent blood in the urine in cats, it is recommended to provide a fresh water source, encourage your cat to drink plenty of water, and choose a low-salt, high-quality cat food. In some cases, dietary adjustments may be necessary to help manage your cat's urinary health, as recommended by your veterinarian. If your cat shows signs of blood in the urine, contact your veterinarian immediately for diagnosis and treatment. 

What Should I Do When My Cat Experiences Frequent Potty Trips?

It is important to adjust your cat's living environment to reduce stress when he or she exhibits frequent potty behavior. Here are some specific suggestions.

Provide multiple litter boxes: make sure the cat has enough litter boxes to use to avoid stress due to competition for resources. Cat litter box placement should be dispersed in different areas of the home to minimize anxiety. 

Keep the litter box clean: Clean the litter box regularly to keep it dry and odor-free, which helps reduce the stress of an unsanitary environment for your cat. 

Reduce environmental changes: Try to avoid frequent home changes, such as rearranging furniture or introducing new pets, which may increase your cat's stress. 

Use pheromone diffusers: Consider using pheromone products to help relieve tension associated with environmental stress. These products mimic your cat's natural pheromones and can help create a more peaceful environment. 

Maintain a regular daily routine: Establish regular feeding and interaction times to help your cat develop a stable daily rhythm and reduce the stress caused by uncertainty. 

By implementing the above measures, you can help your cat feel more at ease and comfortable, which may reduce frequent toilet behavior. If your cat's behavior does not improve after these adjustments, it is recommended that you consult your veterinarian to rule out an underlying health problem.

How to Modify Protein and Phosphorus Intake During Blood Urination in Cats?

Adjusting your cat's protein and phosphorus intake during a period of blood in the urine is very important as it will help to lessen the burden on the kidneys and promote recovery. Here are some specific recommendations for adjustments:

Limit protein intake: a high protein diet may exacerbate kidney disease, so you should choose a high quality protein source and reduce the total amount of protein moderately. You can choose proteins that are easily digestible and low in phosphorus, such as chicken or fish, and avoid high-phosphorus protein sources such as offal and legumes. 

Reduce phosphorus intake: phosphorus is one of the minerals excreted through the kidneys, and excessive phosphorus intake will increase the burden on the kidneys. Phosphorus intake can be controlled by choosing a low-phosphorus cat food or prescription food, or by using phosphorus binding agents to reduce phosphorus absorption. 

Monitor urine and blood parameters: Monitor your cat's urine and blood parameters regularly to assess whether the protein and phosphorus adjustments are effective and make necessary adjustments according to your veterinarian's instructions. 

Consult your veterinarian: When adjusting your cat's diet, you should consult your veterinarian for individualized advice and supervision to ensure that your cat receives the proper nutritional support and treatment during the period of blood in urine.

Conclusion

Blood in your cat’s urine is a concerning symptom that should never be ignored. Whether it’s due to a urinary tract infection, bladder stones, or another underlying condition, prompt veterinary care is essential for diagnosing and treating the problem. By understanding the potential causes and knowing the signs to watch for, you can take proactive steps to ensure your cat’s health and well-being. Always consult your veterinarian if you notice any changes in your cat’s urinary habits or if you see blood in their urine.

Also Read: How To Get Cat Pee Out Of Couch