Cat Blood In Urine
Seeing blood in your cat’s urine can be alarming, and it should never be ignored. Because cats often hide pain and illness, this symptom can signal anything from bladder inflammation to a life-threatening urinary blockage—this page explains what may cause it, when to call a vet, and what you can do next.
When to Call a Vet
Go to the ER now
- ● Your cat is straining to urinate but producing little or no urine.
- ● Your cat is crying out, hiding, vomiting, collapsing, or seems very distressed along with urinary signs.
- ● Your male cat is making repeated trips to the litter box and cannot pass urine normally.
- ● Your cat has a swollen, painful abdomen or suddenly becomes weak or lethargic.
- ● Blood in the urine appears together with signs of a urinary blockage or severe pain.
See a vet within 24 hours
- ● You can see pink, red, or brown urine, even if your cat otherwise seems normal.
- ● Your cat is urinating more often, urinating in small amounts, or having accidents outside the litter box.
- ● Your cat seems painful while urinating or is licking the genital area more than usual.
- ● The blood in the urine has happened more than once or keeps returning.
- ● Your cat is older, has kidney disease or diabetes, or has had urinary problems before.
Watch at home, call if it worsens
- ● Your cat has already been examined by a veterinarian, is urinating normally, and you are monitoring for recurrence exactly as instructed.
- ● A single mild episode seems to have resolved, but you should still call your vet for guidance because visible blood in urine is not considered a normal finding in cats.
- ● You are tracking litter box habits, appetite, and comfort while waiting for a scheduled veterinary appointment later the same day or next day.
- ● Your cat is comfortable, eating, and passing urine normally, but you should still arrange veterinary follow-up rather than simply watch and wait.
Common Causes of Cat Blood In Urine
Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC)
This is one of the most common causes of lower urinary tract signs in cats, especially younger and middle-aged cats. It causes bladder inflammation and may lead to frequent urination, straining, and blood in the urine.
Bladder stones or crystals
Urinary stones can irritate the bladder lining and cause bleeding. In some cats, stones or plugs can also contribute to dangerous urethral obstruction.
Urethral blockage
A blockage prevents urine from passing normally and is a true emergency. Male cats are at higher risk because their urethra is longer and narrower.
Urinary tract infection
Bacterial urinary infections are less common in younger cats but become more important in older cats, especially those with illnesses such as kidney disease or diabetes. Infection can cause blood, discomfort, and frequent urination.
Tumors or polyps
Masses in the urinary tract are less common but can cause bleeding and irritation. They are more likely to be considered when symptoms are persistent, recurrent, or seen in older cats.
Stress-related urinary flare-ups
Stress can play an important role in feline lower urinary tract disease. Changes in routine, household conflict, moving, or litter box issues may contribute to episodes of urinary signs in some cats.
What to Do at Home
If your cat has blood in the urine, the safest next step is to call your veterinarian. Cats are famously stoic, so even a symptom that seems mild can reflect significant bladder pain or a more serious problem. Home care should focus on observation, comfort, hydration support, and getting veterinary advice quickly—not trying to treat the cause on your own.
- Call your vet promptly and describe whether your cat is passing normal amounts of urine or only tiny drops.
- Watch the litter box closely for straining, frequent trips, crying out, or little to no urine—these can signal a life-threatening blockage.
- Encourage water intake by offering fresh water in multiple locations and, if appropriate for your cat, feeding canned food.
- Keep your cat calm and minimize stressors such as sudden routine changes, conflict with other pets, or dirty litter boxes.
- Do not give human pain relievers, leftover antibiotics, or supplements unless your veterinarian specifically recommends them.
- If possible, note when the symptoms started, whether the urine looks pink or red, and any other signs like vomiting, hiding, poor appetite, or urinating outside the box.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my cat peeing blood but acting normal?
Is blood in a cat’s urine an emergency?
Can stress cause blood in my cat’s urine?
Will blood in my cat’s urine go away on its own?
How will a vet find out what is causing the blood?
Sources
- Cornell Feline Health Center — Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Lower Urinary Tract Disease in Cats
- AVMA — Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease Client Brochure
- VCA Animal Hospitals — Struvite Bladder Stones in Cats
- Spectrum Care — Blood in Cat's Urine: Causes & What to Do — Spectrum Care
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary medical advice. Reading this content does not establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Every pet is different — always consult a licensed veterinarian before making decisions about your pet's health, diet, or care. If you'd like personalized guidance, you can talk to one of our vets. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local emergency animal hospital immediately.