Seeing your cat pee blood is scary. It’s not just alarming—it’s a red flag that something serious is going on. In this guide, you’ll learn why your cat may be peeing blood, what to do immediately, and how to prevent it from happening again.
Is It Normal for a Cat to Pee Blood?
No—cats should never have blood in their urine. Known medically as hematuria, this symptom often signals an underlying health condition that requires immediate attention. Ignoring it can put your cat at risk for severe complications.
Top Reasons Your Cat Is Peeing Blood
1. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)
FLUTD is one of the most common causes of blood in cat urine. It’s an umbrella term covering several conditions that affect the bladder and urethra. These include:
- Idiopathic cystitis (bladder inflammation without a known cause)
- Urinary crystals or stones
- Urethral blockage (especially in male cats)
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
2. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Though less common in younger cats, UTIs are a possible culprit—particularly in older felines or those with diabetes. If left untreated, a simple UTI can lead to more severe infections or kidney problems.
3. Bladder Stones or Crystals
These sharp mineral deposits irritate the bladder lining, causing bleeding. They can also obstruct urine flow, especially in male cats, leading to emergencies that require surgery or catheterization.
4. Urethral Obstruction
A blocked urethra is life-threatening. If your cat is straining to urinate but producing little or no urine, has a swollen abdomen, or is lethargic—get emergency vet care immediately.
5. Trauma or Injury
Cats who’ve experienced physical trauma (like a fall or getting hit by a car) may bleed into the urinary tract. This is usually accompanied by other signs like bruising or limping.
6. Tumors or Cancer
While rare, tumors in the bladder or urinary tract can cause bleeding. These are more common in older cats and require specialized care.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Don’t rely solely on visible blood—look for these signs too:
- Frequent trips to the litter box
- Straining or crying while urinating
- Urinating outside the litter box
- Strong ammonia smell
- Lethargy, hiding, or loss of appetite
- Grooming the genital area excessively
When to See the Vet Immediately
If your cat is peeing blood, do not wait. Especially if they’re:
- Unable to urinate at all
- Showing signs of pain or distress
- Vomiting or showing signs of dehydration
- Experiencing recurring episodes
Urethral blockages can be fatal in less than 48 hours. Always treat any case of hematuria as an urgent matter.
What Your Vet Will Do
Diagnosis usually includes:
- Urinalysis to detect blood, crystals, bacteria
- Blood tests to check kidney and liver function
- X-rays or ultrasound for bladder stones or tumors
- Physical exam and bladder palpation
Treatment Options for Blood in Cat Urine
1. Medications
Antibiotics treat infections, while anti-inflammatories help with cystitis. Pain relief is often provided as well. Your vet may also prescribe anti-anxiety meds if stress is a factor.
2. Diet Changes
Prescription urinary diets help dissolve crystals and prevent new ones from forming. Wet food is recommended to increase hydration and dilute urine.
3. Fluid Therapy
Intravenous fluids may be necessary to flush out the urinary tract and correct dehydration.
4. Surgery or Catheterization
Blocked cats may require emergency catheterization to restore urine flow. Severe or recurrent blockages may lead to surgical procedures like perineal urethrostomy.
5. Stress Management
Stress is a leading cause of feline idiopathic cystitis. Your vet may recommend pheromone diffusers, environmental enrichment, and routines that calm your cat.
Preventing Future Episodes
Once your cat recovers, prevention is key:
- Hydration: Always offer fresh water and feed wet food daily
- Clean litter boxes: Scoop at least once a day
- Multiple litter boxes: One per cat, plus one extra
- Minimize stress: Reduce noise, provide hiding spots, avoid sudden changes
- Routine check-ups: Annual or semi-annual vet visits are essential
When Peeing Blood Leads to Spraying
Sometimes, cats that associate pain with the litter box begin to spray or urinate elsewhere. This behavior can be frustrating—but it’s not intentional. Once your cat’s medical issues are treated, it’s important to retrain litter box behavior and rebuild trust.
Need Help Stopping Spraying Behavior?
Even after medical treatment, many cat owners struggle to get their cat using the litter box again. That’s where Cat Spray No More can change everything.
This expert-crafted eBook helps you understand why your cat is peeing outside the box—and gives you step-by-step methods to stop it permanently.
- Rebuild litter box confidence naturally
- Reduce stress triggers that lead to spraying
- Use behavior-based solutions that work
Click here to get Cat Spray No More today and start turning frustration into peace of mind.
Real Cat Owner Experiences
“My male cat started peeing blood and stopped using his box. After vet treatment, he still sprayed everywhere. The methods in Cat Spray No More helped me retrain him in less than a week!” — Monica T., Michigan
Final Thoughts
Blood in your cat’s urine isn’t just a minor problem—it’s a clear message that something’s wrong. Whether it’s an infection, inflammation, crystals, or blockage, acting fast is critical. Once your vet provides treatment, your next step is restoring your cat’s confidence and ending undesirable behaviors.
Don’t let this become a cycle. Use the knowledge you’ve gained here—and give your cat the fresh start they deserve.
Take Action Now
- Call your vet immediately if your cat is peeing blood
- Follow treatment instructions to the letter
- Get Cat Spray No More to stop future spraying and restore litter box trust