Seeing blood in your cat’s pee can be terrifying for any cat parent. It’s a symptom that should never be ignored as it can be a sign of many underlying health issues in your cat. Knowing the reasons behind blood in cat urine, also known as hematuria, is key to timely vet intervention and treatment.
What is Hematuria?
Hematuria is blood in the urine. In cats it can show as pink, red or brown discoloration of the urine or may only be seen under a microscope. Hematuria can be gross (visible to the naked eye) or microscopic (only visible under a microscope).
Causes of Blood in Cat Urine
1. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Urinary tract infections are quite common in cats. They cause irritation and inflammation of their bladder and urinary tract. One symptom of the inflammation can be blood in cat urine. UTIs can also show their presence by other symptoms that include frequent urination, straining at urination, and discomfort.
2. Urinary Stones or Crystals
Mineral crystals or stones can form in a cat’s urinary tract and irritate or damage the delicate lining of the bladder or urethra. The passage of these stones or crystals may result in bleeding, with resultant blood in cat urine. Some feline diets, and a few metabolic disorders, can predispose cats to formation of either urinary stones or crystals.
3. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)
FLUTD is a collective term for many clinical conditions affecting the feline lower urinary tract. This would include idiopathic cystitis, which is the inflammation of the bladder with no definable cause, obstruction to the urinary tract, commonly seen in male cats from urinary stones or plugs, and other inflammatory conditions that may lead to hematuria.
4. Trauma or Injury
Injuries in the urinary tract from accidents or physical trauma can lead to bleeding in the urine. It could also mean bladder, urethra, or even kidney injuries.
5. Cancer
Though less common, various kinds of feline cancers that affect the urinary tract, kidneys, or associated organs can cause hematuria. Such conditions need to be diagnosed accurately by a veterinarian.
6. Coagulation Disorders
Another group of causes that may result in the bleeding disorder, including hematuria, involves disorders of the blood’s clotting ability. These disorders can be inherited or acquired and demand special diagnostic tests for their identification.
7.Drugs
Some medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are known to irritate the urinary tract and cause bleeding in some people.
Diagnosis and Evaluation
When blood is detected in a cat’s urine, prompt veterinary evaluation is essential to determine the underlying cause. The diagnostic process may include:
- Physical Examination: A thorough examination to assess overall health and look for signs of discomfort or abnormalities.
- Urinalysis: Analysis of the urine to detect the presence of blood, crystals, bacteria, or other abnormalities.
- Additional Tests: Depending on the initial findings, additional tests such as urine culture, blood tests (to evaluate kidney function and check for systemic diseases), radiographs (X-rays), or ultrasound may be recommended.
Treatment Options
Treatment for hematuria in cats depends on the underlying cause identified through diagnostic testing. Common treatments may include:
- Antibiotics: For bacterial infections causing hematuria.
- Dietary Changes: Prescription diets aimed at preventing urinary stones or crystals.
- Fluid Therapy: To help flush the urinary tract and promote hydration.
- Surgery or Interventional Procedures: For conditions such as urinary obstructions or certain types of urinary stones.
- Medications: Pain relief or medications to manage inflammation or underlying medical conditions.
- Monitoring and Follow-Up: Regular monitoring and follow-up visits to ensure the condition is resolving and to prevent recurrence.
Home Care for Blood in Cat Urine
1. Access to Fresh Water
Hydration is very important for the urinary tract. Make sure that your cat always has access to fresh, clean water. Encourage drinking by putting down multiple water bowls in different locations in the house.
2. Monitor Urination
Keep watching in your cat’s litter box to monitor frequency of urination and the color of the urine. Your vet will appreciate this data.
3. Stress-Free Environment
Reduce stress as much as possible. Stress exacerbates some feline urinary issues. Provide a quiet, peaceful environment. If your cat is highly strung or stressed in particular, then doing so will assist in reducing these problems.
4. Keep the Litter Box Clean
Keep the litter box clean. This means scooping the litter box daily and giving it a good clean using mild soap and water. The litter box should be kept clean to promote normal urination and minimize the chance of upper-tract urinary infection.
5. Dietary Considerations
Feed a premium, well-balanced diet according to your cat’s life stage, general health status, and any urinary tract conditions. Your veterinarian may be using a special prescription diet that is specifically formulated to help maintain urinary tract health.
6. Encourage Urination
Allow for urination by providing your cat with ample opportunities to use his litter box. Also, make the litter box easily accessible in a quiet, private area.
7. Avoid Self-Medicating
Do not provide any over-the-counter medications or herbal remedies without first consulting your veterinarian. Some may be highly dangerous or will mix poorly with prescribed treatments.
When to See a Veterinarian
If you notice blood in your cat’s urine, inform your veterinarian immediately. You should also contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat shows signs of urinary blockage: straining to urinate, crying in pain at the attempt to urinate, and not urinating at all.
Conclusion
Blood in the urine of cats can be caused by many kinds of health issues, all of which are related to the urinary tract and from which your cat might be suffering. A veterinarian’s attention is immediately called for if the pet owner desires to find the cause and pursue proper treatment. You will help ensure your feline companion’s health and wellness if you are conversant with the possible causes of the condition and seek veterinary care in time.
