Coming across blood in your cat's urine can be quite alarming, leaving you understandably worried and confused about what it might indicate. This symptom, known as hematuria, could be indicative of several different health issues - some minor, but others potentially serious. Gaining knowledge about what causes this condition and the additional signs to look out for can empower you to act swiftly. So, continue reading to understand more about blood in cat urine and what steps you should take when you come across this alarming symptom.
How Can You Tell If Your Cat is Urinating Blood?
Blood in cat urine can take several different forms. The most obvious sign is when the urine appears a deep red hue, which can be visibly quite alarming. In some cases, the urine may have a pink tinge, and other times there may only be trace amounts of blood that can’t be seen with the naked eye.
If you notice the urine takes on the appearance of a bright red color, a pinkish or orange tinge, or visible blood clots, there is evidence that there is blood in your cat's urine.
Other symptoms you may notice in addition to your cat peeing blood include:
If you notice any of these signs, especially in conjunction with blood present in the urine, you need to call your veterinarian right away. This is especially important if you have a male cat as they are at risk of developing a life-threatening urinary obstruction.
What Causes Blood in Cat Urine?
Blood in cat urine could be indicative of several different health issues - some minor and others more serious. The most common causes of bloody urine in cats are idiopathic cystitis, urinary crystals, bladder stones and urinary tract infections.
Here, we will discuss in detail the causes of hematuria:
- Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD): This is an inflammatory condition that affects the bladder of cats. Idiopathic cystitis is a component of FLUTD.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease: Genetic disorder causing the development of multiple cysts within the kidneys.
- Kidney or Bladder Stones: Mineral accumulations in the kidneys and/or bladder can be very irritating.
- Urinary Tract Infections: This could be a bacterial infection of the kidneys, called pyelonephritis, or of the bladder, which most people refer to as a UTI (urinary tract infection).
- Idiopathic Renal Hematuria: This is an uncommon condition where there is hemorrhage from the kidneys with no apparent cause.
- Blood Clotting Disorders: Various clotting disorders result in the body's inability to clot blood, causing it to show up in the urine.
- Masses or Cancer: Growths such as polyps can develop in the bladder. Cancer such as renal lymphoma, a prevalent kidney cancer in cats can also cause bloody urine.
What Should You Do if You Notice Your Cat Peeing Blood?
If you notice your cat peeing blood, the first thing to do is call your veterinarian and make an appointment. Your vet will be able to diagnose the underlying cause of the hematuria with a physical examination, urinalysis, and other tests such as blood work or X-rays if necessary.
Depending on the diagnosis, they may prescribe antibiotics or anti-inflammatories for non-serious cases such as urinary tract infections or idiopathic cystitis respectively. For more severe cases, such as bladder stones or cancer, your veterinary may recommend surgery.
In many cases of hematuria, diet plays an important role. Not only can a canned urinary diet help with FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease) and idiopathic cystitis, but it can also help prevent the development of certain bladder stones.
To sum up, spotting blood in your cat's urine is a critical symptom you shouldn't ignore. Whether the blood appears as a rich red, a slight pink tint, or is even imperceptible to the naked eye, it's a matter that demands swift action. Hematuria may be accompanied by other concerning signs such as increased frequency of urination, difficulty in passing urine, altered eating habits, or a rise in water consumption. Noticing blood in your cat's urine can point to a variety of health conditions like Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease, inherited kidney abnormalities, urinary crystals, bacterial infections, coagulation anomalies, or even malignant growths. Treatment depends on the cause but could include antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, or even surgery for urinary stones or masses. A carefully chosen diet can serve as a preventative measure and aid in managing certain urinary conditions.
If you have any questions or are concerned about blood in your cat's urine, please contact your veterinarian for further advice.