Blood in a cat's urine - causes and treatment

What will you learn from the article?

Why does a cat have bloody urine? Kidney disease
Inflammation in the ureters
Urinary system injuries
Cystitis
Urolithiasis disease
Benign and malignant neoplasms in the urinary tract
Taking medications
Systemic diseases
Pathologies of the reproductive system
Castration operation
Pregnancy and childbirth
Errors in diet
Chemical poisoning
Catheterization procedure
Endoparasites

Methods for treating hematuria

Prevention

Blood in a cat's urine is a symptom indicating the presence of some disease or pathological condition. Hematuria is the scientific name for this alarming symptom for the cat owner. Visually, hematuria can be noticed by a change in the color of the urine or by bloody spots and blood clots in the tray. It can also be detected accidentally during testing. In any case, it is necessary to immediately contact a veterinarian so that he can determine the cause of this unpleasant symptom.

Common Causes of Hematuria

Blood in the urine (hematuria) is a condition in which cats urinate and produce blood. Its amount varies from a few drops to bulk impurities that change the usual color of urine to light pink or brown.

Note! Hematuria is not an independent disease, but a sign of severe injury (damage) or illness.

Why does a cat pee with blood? Among the main reasons for the appearance of blood in the urine:

Diseases of the genitourinary system

Most often, the following pathologies are diagnosed in cats: cystitis, urethritis, polycystic kidney disease, etc. Treatment requires immediate contact with a professional veterinarian, who, after examination, will prescribe anti-inflammatory and antibacterial drugs.

Urolithiasis

Urolithiasis in cats develops as a result of the formation of salt deposits (sand, stones) in the bladder. Owners of British, Persian and Burmese cat breeds need to be especially careful, as they are genetically predisposed to urolithiasis.

Falling from height

As a result of a strong blow or a fall from a height, the organs of the cat’s genitourinary system can be damaged, which is why blood impurities appear in its urine (most often, copious amounts). Free-ranging animals are especially at risk.

Drug therapy

Taking incorrectly selected medications in some cases provokes poisoning of the cat’s body, which causes severe internal bleeding. In 95% of cases this is the result of the pet’s self-medication.

Systemic diseases

If a cat pees with blood, one of the reasons may be infectious processes occurring in the body and affecting internal vital systems (for example, leptospirosis, viral peritonitis).

Castration/sterilization

After castration and sterilization, animals experience a narrowing of the urinary canals, which leads to the development or exacerbation of urolithiasis. In addition, failure to follow recommendations for nutrition and care of neutered pets after surgery can lead to injury and bleeding.

Poor nutrition

Cheap dry food, a monotonous low-quality menu, a violation of the acidity level, an excessive concentration of phosphates - all this can provoke poisoning of the pet or diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, the symptom of which is hematuria.

Blood in urine in pregnant cats

Throughout pregnancy, right up to birth, the appearance of blood impurities in the urine of a pregnant cat is an alarming sign. If such a symptom is detected, you should immediately show the animal to a doctor so that he can prescribe an ultrasound. The cause of pregnancy-related bleeding may be a miscarriage or a threatened miscarriage.

The main danger behind your pet’s blood discharge is miscarriage.

During the birth itself and a week after it, blood clots coming out of the vagina are normal. The cat's body is repaired and cleansed, removing the last parts of the placenta and other remnants of flesh associated with bearing kittens. You should pay attention to purulent impurities or a strong smell of discharge, indicating possible problems with the genitourinary system of the pet.

What should you pay attention to?

Hematuria is indicated by blood in the urine, which can cause it to change color (for example, red). With severe internal bleeding, the cat develops anemia, during which it loses motor activity, gains weight poorly, and often refuses the food offered.

Often, the release of blood in the urine is accompanied by a deterioration in the general condition of the pet. He tries to lie down most of the time, plays less, and practically does not react to various external stimuli (for example, loud sounds).

Note! In 6 out of 10 cases of hematuria, the cat will experience vomiting and other forms of eating disorder (for example, loss of appetite).

Additional factors to consider:

bloody urinary incontinence,
the cat often pees with blood,
blood impurities are also excreted in the feces.

If you notice that your cat has blood in his urine, pay attention to how he urinates. Usually this process is accompanied by severe painful sensations, so the pet rarely goes to the tray and meows loudly.

What is cystitis?

Cystitis is a general term referring to inflammation in the bladder. The term cystitis does not imply a specific cause for this disease. In cats, diseases of the lower urinary tract, bladder and urethra are often classified under the term feline lower urinary tract disease or FLUTD. We use these commonly recognized medical terms because it can be difficult to distinguish between different bladder and urethral conditions, and many conditions affect the entire lower urinary tract. If your veterinarian eliminates all specific associated diagnoses for hematuria, the condition is called feline idiopathic lower urinary tract disease (iFLUTD). Some veterinarians may use feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) to describe this condition. Idiopathic is a term that means the exact cause is unknown.

What to do if your cat is peeing blood?

If it is not possible to immediately contact a veterinarian if blood is detected in the urine, provide first aid to your pet. When carrying, be as careful as possible, especially if the cat has recently been sterilized or has been injured.

Your actions:

Provide peace . Don't let your pet go outside. Place him in a warm and quiet place where he feels comfortable and safe;
Don't give him drugs . Do not self-medicate. Any mistake with the dosage or method of administration will lead to irreversible consequences;
Nutrition . Eliminate dry and solid food from your cat's diet. Ensure constant availability of fresh water.

Do not hesitate to visit the veterinarian - contact him as soon as possible.

Features of castrated cats

If the cat is neutered, then with a high degree of probability we can exclude such diagnoses as prostatitis and orchitis. Previously, it was believed that neutered cats are more likely to suffer from MBC diseases. However, statistics refutes this fact. But why are neutered cats considered more at risk?

The main reason is mobility. Testosterone, which is mostly produced by the testes, is no longer supplied in the same quantities, which leads to changes in metabolism. No, the cat will not become a “vegetable” after castration, because the hunting instinct will not go away, but it will move a little less, and its appetite will most likely increase. Reduced activity and overeating leads to weight gain, and subsequently to the formation of sand and stones.

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Diagnosis of the condition

If your cat is peeing blood, then the first thing to do is contact a veterinary clinic in Moscow. Here, specialists will conduct an initial examination and take urine for laboratory tests.

In order to more fully and accurately diagnose your pet’s condition, the following may be prescribed:

blood chemistry,
vaginal smear,
x-ray of the abdominal organs,
histological examination,
cytoscopy.

Having made a diagnosis, the veterinarian prescribes an effective treatment program and determines how to treat your pet.

Preventing common urinary problems in cats

Feline urological syndrome (FUS), as the condition is sometimes called, refers to a spectrum of different conditions that cause urinary problems in furry friends, explains the Cornell Feline Health Center. The reasons for the development of these conditions and methods for their treatment still remain not fully understood. There are two main categories of preventive measures to prevent your cat from developing lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD).

Environment and stimulation. A cat's life may seem easy and enjoyable, but animals with signs of lower urinary tract disorders may disagree. Cats with urological syndrome are prone to developing stress and require a little more care than most of their cats. Having a choice of places to play, rest, eat and litter will help minimize stress for your cat. For example, each pet should have access to a private sitting area, scratching posts and toys. Cats that are prone to stress often sit on elevated surfaces to monitor their surroundings. Provide a personal litter box for each cat and one additional one. Daily cleaning of the litter box is important for many cats with urological syndrome, as indeed for all other cats. Pets do not like to use a dirty litter tray and, accordingly, can find a cleaner place for their “business” that is less desirable for the owner.
Proper nutrition and sufficient water in the daily diet. The most important ways to prevent signs of lower urinary tract disorders are to eat a healthy diet and drink enough water. Feeding your cat wet food is the main way to increase her overall fluid intake. Another way to encourage your cat to drink more is to install a fountain with circulating water, place several bowls of water in different places in the house, or perhaps the cat will like to drink water directly from the tap. If your cat drinks enough water, its urine will be less concentrated, which will prevent the formation of crystals, which are the building blocks for uroliths.

It is important to make sure that the cat is eating a complete, balanced food appropriate for its stage of life, and not “all at once.” Some foods contain excess minerals, which can contribute to the formation of crystals and uroliths and, consequently, the development of lower urinary tract diseases.

Although urological syndrome occurs quite often in cats, you should not limit yourself to your own assumptions if a cat walks around with blood. You must immediately seek veterinary help in order to figure out what’s wrong with your pet as quickly as possible and begin the necessary treatment. It is important to remember that acute urinary retention poses a threat to the animal's life and requires emergency medical attention.

Treatment Options

If a cat often pees with blood, then the treatment of this condition will depend directly on the provoking factor. So, if they suffer from urolithiasis, then catheterization of the bladder is prescribed. It ensures the normal outflow of urine through the urethra, while infusion therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs are additionally prescribed.

Other options for eliminating hematuria:

If blood in the urine is caused by malignant or benign formations , then surgical intervention is prescribed. After tumor removal, it is recommended to follow a number of recommendations from a specialist to prevent re-bleeding;
Hematuria caused by parasitic diseases is eliminated after an effective course of deworming. Additionally, vitamin and mineral complexes are prescribed to strengthen the pet’s condition;
When a cat pees with blood after castration (sterilization ), then, depending on the cause, a tight bandage, special massage, drug therapy, and surgical treatment are prescribed.

The treatment program is selected individually. The veterinarian takes into account the cause of hematuria, as well as the general condition of the pet and the characteristics of its body. Timely contact with a specialist is the key to successful treatment for your cat!

Preparing urine for analysis

One of the main stages in passing tests is the correct collection of material. Any violations of urine storage or incorrect collection of urine significantly affect the final result and complicate the correct diagnosis. You can read how to take urine from a cat for analysis on our portal. Now we will briefly discuss the main methods of collecting urine, depending on its physical condition and your preferences.

Table 1. Methods for collecting urine from a cat for analysis

Method	Description
Cystocentesis	Use this method if the cat is unable to empty its bladder on its own. The veterinarian inserts a syringe through the abdominal wall that reaches the animal's bladder and collects urine. At home, performing such a procedure is unacceptable and can lead to negative consequences, including rupture of the animal’s bladder
Catheterization	A catheter is also installed in extreme cases and helps the cat remove urine from the body. Outwardly, it resembles a thin tube that penetrates the bladder. The procedure is carried out both under anesthesia and without it. Upon completion, the pet is prescribed a number of anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents to maintain the cat’s health. One of the side effects of inserting a catheter is the penetration of infections into the bladder.
Using a urine bag	To collect urine, special bags are sold, which can be purchased both at a veterinary pharmacy (especially for cats) and at a regular pharmacy (the children's version is also good for animals). In order to collect urine, you need to wait for your pet's morning urge and attach the urine collector between the anus and genitals using a special adhesive material. If the cat resists, it is permissible to put a diaper on it to secure the urine collection bag and protect it from attacks by the animal.
Collecting urine from a tray	One of the easiest ways is to obtain urine from a tray that is already so familiar to your pet. Be prepared for the fact that the cat will not want to empty the bladder without the filler, which will have to be removed to maintain sterility. In case the animal refuses an empty tray, purchase a special kit for testing, which includes balls made of a special material that do not absorb urine, as well as a syringe without a needle, which allows you to transfer urine into a container. The balls are reusable, just wash them thoroughly
Collecting urine from the bathtub or toilet	If your pet is addicted to human plumbing, then urine collection will be preceded by a series of manipulations. Before carrying out the procedure, clean the bathtub or toilet with soda (the use of aggressive chemicals is unacceptable). Next, cover the drain using a plastic bag or film. At this point, all the main efforts are completed - all that remains is to wait for the animal’s bladder to empty and transfer the urine using a pipette or syringe into the container

Prevention of hematuria

Hematuria is a common problem among cats. It is a symptom of many diseases and often occurs due to injuries (damage). To prevent the appearance of blood in the urine of a neutered cat, provide him complete rest in the first 24 hours after surgery, do not allow him to scratch the wound and make sure that he does not climb even to a small height (sofa, bed, table, etc.).

Other preventative measures include:

Proper nutrition. This is especially true for castrated and sterilized cats, as well as animals with a predisposition to developing urolithiasis. Consult your veterinarian on how to choose the right medicinal food;
Vitamin support . A weak immune system is one of the factors that provokes the occurrence of diseases, a sign of which is bleeding. In addition, vitamin A deficiency contributes to the development of urolithiasis;
Drink plenty of fluids . To prevent salt, sand and other solid particles from gradually accumulating in the genitourinary system, it is important to provide your pet with free access to fresh and clean water. Make sure there is always plenty of it.

Identifying the causes and treating blood in a cat's urine is the responsibility of veterinarians. A timely visit to a specialist will allow you to avoid unwanted consequences and restore the health of your beloved pet!

What are the symptoms of cystitis?

Typical symptoms of cystitis or FLUTD in cats involve inflammation and irritation of the lower urinary tract. General clinical signs:

Increased frequency of urination, which is called pollakiuria.
Difficulty urinating or dysuria. (Sick cats often spend a lot of time straining in the litter box, passing only small volumes of urine. Many cat owners confuse this with constipation.)
Having bloody, strong-smelling, or discolored urine.
Urinating in unusual places such as furniture, floors, and corners is called periuria.
Excessive grooming or licking of the genital area.
Inability to urinate. These cats strain to urinate, producing a few drops or no urine at all. If you suspect that your cat is in distress and unable to urinate adequately, this is a medical emergency. Urethral blockage, which is more common in male cats due to their narrow urethra, can be a life-threatening complication if the condition is left untreated for even a few hours.