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Blood in a cat’s urine is a worrying sight. Also known as ‘haematuria’, it can be a sign of a few different urinary tract conditions which is why it’s important to get your cat checked by a vet. Our article covers what other symptoms to look out for, what it could mean for your cat and ways to prevent it.

Symptoms to look out for when there’s blood in your cat’s urine

Your cat’s urine will usually be red if there’s significant blood in it, although small amounts may be hard to see. Along with this, there are some other symptoms you may notice:

Straining when they urinate
More urination
Repeatedly going in and out of the litter tray
Vocalisation when in the litter tray
Your cat is drinking more water than usual

If you notice more severe symptoms, such as the following, you should see a vet urgently:

Bleeding from the nose, gums, ears, rectum or eyes
Blood in vomit
Blood in faeces
Bruising on the skin

If your cat is unable to urinate, which is more common in male cats, this is an emergency and you should contact your vet straight away.

Why is there blood in your cat’s urine?

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If there is blood in your cat’s urine, you will need to contact your vet straight away. Below are some of the reasons why there might be blood in your cat’s urine, but your vet will be able to give you a proper diagnosis.

Many of these conditions are grouped under the general descriptor of ‘feline lower urinary tract disease’ (FLUTD). This broad group of conditions includes bladder stones, feline idiopathic cystitis, urethral obstruction, urinary tract infections and more.

Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC)

Feline idiopathic cystitis is a very common cause of blood in cats’ urine. The exact cause of this condition is unknown, but it isn’t infectious and stress, obesity and dehydration play a role. Some cats are prone to repeated bouts of FIC, so it’s important to discuss prevention with your vet as well as managing any acute flareup.

Urinary tract infections

UTIs are much less common in cats than in dogs. Most cats that appear to have a UTI have FIC instead. UTIs are more common in senior cats and female felines, but they can sometimes happen in younger cats too. Make sure to contact your vet if you’re concerned.

Bladder stones

Bladder stones can cause straining and lead to blood in the urine. Pay attention to unusual vocalisation while they are in the litter tray, as this could be a sign of painful urination. Cats with bladder stones are at increased risk of infections and acute blockages.

Bladder cancer

Though uncommon, blood in your cat’s urine can also be a symptom of bladder cancer. Always check with your vet to find the best course of action.

Trauma

Inflammation of the kidneys or urinary tract can lead to blood in a cat’s urine.

What’s the treatment for blood in a cat’s urine?

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Blood in a cat’s urine is usually a symptom of an underlying issue. So, the treatment depends on what’s causing it, which is why it’s so important to get it checked out by a vet. Treatment for bladder stones is very different compared to the treatment needed for feline idiopathic cystitis, for example. Your vet will be able to diagnose your cat and give you a treatment plan.

Can blood in a cat’s urine be prevented?

Some conditions that cause blood to show up in their urine are unpreventable. But there are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of FLUTD:

If you’re concerned about your cat, make sure to contact your vet straight away. It’s not a good idea to assume your cat’s condition will improve on its own if there’s blood in their urine. You’ll need a vet’s professional opinion.