Blood in Your Cat’s Urine? Here’s What You Need to Know
Cats may not love urinary problems, but unfortunately, they are very common—especially in younger male cats and older females. One of the most alarming signs for owners is noticing blood in the litter tray or urine in unusual places.
At Pittwater Animal Hospital, we’ve seen and treated hundreds of cats with urinary issues. The good news? With the right investigation and treatment plan, most cats can recover well.
🚩 Signs of Urinary Trouble in Cats
If your cat is showing any of the following, it’s time to book a vet appointment:
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Blood in the urine or litter tray
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Urinating more frequently
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Urinating in unusual places (e.g. the bath mat, bed, laundry basket, plastic bags)
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Crying or vocalising during urination
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Excessive licking of the genitals
These are never normal signs and should be checked promptly.
🐾 Possible Causes of Blood in the Urine
Urinary issues in cats can be complex. While people often assume it’s a urinary tract infection (UTI), that’s not always the case—especially in younger cats.
Some possible causes include:
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FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease): a group of conditions that cause bladder inflammation. Causes may include:
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Stress-related cystitis (yes, cats get stress bladders too)
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Overly concentrated urine
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Crystals in the urine
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Bladder stones
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Bacterial infections: more common in older cats
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Underlying causes such as:
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Bladder stones or polyps
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Tumours
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Bladder wall thickening
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Difficulty emptying the bladder completely
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Each of these needs different treatment, which is why accurate diagnosis is essential.
🔬 How We Investigate
The best starting point is a urine sample. At PAH, we often collect this via cystocentesis (a fine needle into the bladder)—a quick and low-stress procedure that gives us a clean sample for analysis.
We then examine the urine using our in-house urinalysis system, which can detect:
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Blood cells (red and white)
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Bacteria (rods or cocci)
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Crystals
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Casts (early kidney damage)
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Glucose and protein
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Urine concentration
Depending on results, we may recommend:
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Urine culture
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X-rays
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Ultrasound of the bladder and kidneys
🩺 How We Treat It
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to urinary issues in cats. Treatment is tailored to the cause and severity.
Common treatments include:
💧 Increase Water Intake
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Add warm water to wet food—gradually increasing to ~250ml/day
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Encourage drinking with water fountains
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Use wet food instead of dry
🍽 Prescription Diets
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Royal Canin® and Hills® make special diets that dissolve crystals and help prevent recurrence.
🌿 Supplements
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Help support the bladder lining and contain calming ingredients to reduce stress.
🧘♂️ Reduce Stress
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Provide multiple safe hiding spots and vertical spaces
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Avoid conflict in multi-cat homes
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Consider pheromone diffusers or sprays
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Google “cat enrichment” for more ideas
🧼 Litter Tray Hygiene
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Clean daily
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Provide at least one tray per cat, plus one extra
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Try different types of litter if your cat seems hesitant
🧴 Clean Soiled Areas
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Use mild detergent and water—avoid strong-smelling cleaners
💊 Medications
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Pain relief – for inflamed bladders
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Antibiotics – if a bacterial infection is confirmed
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Anti-inflammatories – to reduce swelling and pain
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Antispasmodics – to reduce urethral spasm
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Antianxiety medications – for chronic or stress-related cases
🚨 A Note About Male Cats
Male cats are at higher risk for developing dangerous blockages due to their narrow urethra. If you notice blood in the urine and your male cat is straining or not urinating at all, this may be an emergency.
Blocked bladders can be fatal if not treated quickly. When in doubt—call us immediately.
Need Help?
Urinary issues can be frustrating and distressing, but with early diagnosis and the right treatment, most cats improve dramatically.
📞 Call us on 9913 7979
📧 Or email reception@pittvets.au
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