June 14, 2025 |8 min read
What Does Blood in Cat Urine Mean? Understanding the Signs and Taking Action
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As cat parents, we know how important it is to stay in tune with our feline friends, especially when it comes to their health. So, when you spot something unusual in the litter box, like a reddish or pinkish tint, alarm bells start ringing. If your cat has blood in their pee, it’s not something to brush off. But don’t panic; let’s unpack what might be happening and how you can take action.
Why Is My Cat Bleeding When They Pee?
Blood in your cat’s urine isn’t always dramatic or easily noticeable. Sometimes, it’s just a faint blush in the litter, while other times, you might catch your cat straining or crying out when using the box. Either way, if your cat bleeds when they pee, it’s a sign that something's not right.
Common Symptoms and How to Spot Them
Cats are masters at hiding pain, so even subtle changes like a shift in litter box behavior or a new “favorite” pee spot can be telling. Here are a few signs that could indicate there's blood in your cat’s urine:
- Pink, red, or rust-colored urine in the litter
- Frequent trips to the litter box with little or no output
- Straining to pee or vocalizing during urination
- Accidents outside the litter box
- Lethargy or noticeable discomfort
Blood vs. Other Discoloration
It’s important to distinguish actual blood in cat pee from other kinds of discoloration. Certain foods, medications, or even supplements can slightly tint urine. If you're using PrettyLitter, you might notice a color change, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s blood.
PrettyLitter’s crystals are designed to shift hues in response to urinary pH levels, alerting you to potential urinary issues before they become serious. But if the litter turns a distinct red hue or if you're using a traditional litter and seeing red or pink, it's best to consult your vet right away.
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Possible Causes of Blood in Cat Urine
If your cat has blood in their pee, there are several potential causes, ranging from relatively mild to more complex conditions. Here’s a breakdown of the most common culprits:
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Just like in humans, cats can develop UTIs, especially females or older males. These infections occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract, often causing inflammation and irritation. This results in painful peeing, and sometimes, that frightening appearance of blood. UTIs in cats can be fairly straightforward to treat with antibiotics, but early detection is key.
Bladder Stones or Crystals
Tiny crystals or larger bladder stones can form in your cat’s bladder, leading to blockages or irritation. These often show up as blood in cat pee, accompanied by frequent urination attempts or licking at their genitals. In some cases, these stones require dietary changes, medication, or even surgical removal.
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease is a broad term that covers several conditions affecting a cat’s bladder and urethra. Cats with FLUTD often experience inflammation, difficulty urinating, and blood in their urine. This condition is especially common in indoor cats and may be linked to stress, dehydration, or diet.
Here’s the kicker: male cats with FLUTD are at risk for life-threatening blockages. If your male cat has blood in their urine, is straining, or not peeing at all, it’s an emergency. Get them to the vet immediately.
More Serious Conditions: Tumors or Cancer
Although rare, urinary tract tumors or cancers can lead to bleeding during urination. These situations require thorough diagnostic testing such as imaging or biopsies to determine what’s going on internally. It’s another reason why paying attention to changes in your cat’s bathroom habits to spot unusual warning signs early on is so crucial.
What to Do If Your Cat Is Peeing Blood
Seeing your cat in discomfort or noticing blood in their urine can make you feel helpless. But taking swift, calm action can make all the difference.
When to See a Vet Immediately
If your cat has blood in their pee, it’s time to pick up the phone and call your vet. Don’t wait it out. This is especially urgent if you notice any of the following:
- Your cat can’t urinate at all.
- They’re straining or crying out when trying to go.
- They’re going outside the litter box frequently.
- They’re unusually lethargic or hiding more than usual.
When it comes to urinary issues, early action is key. The sooner you seek care, the better chance your cat has of recovering without complications.
Diagnostic Tests and Treatment Options
Once you're at the vet, they’ll likely recommend a few key diagnostic steps to get to the bottom of why your cat bleeds when they pee:
- Urinalysis – A close look at your cat’s urine can reveal infections, crystals, or abnormal cells.
- Imaging (X-rays or ultrasound) – These tools help identify bladder stones, tumors, or inflammation.
- Bloodwork – To rule out kidney issues or monitor organ function.
From there, treatment options will depend on the diagnosis. Your vet will create a care plan tailored to your cat’s unique needs. And with the right support, most cats bounce back beautifully.
How PrettyLitter Can Help You Detect Health Issues Early
We all wish our cats could just tell us when something feels off, but since they can’t, PrettyLitter steps in to do the next best thing: give you visual clues that something might be wrong.
Color-Changing Crystals That Flag Potential Urinary Issues
PrettyLitter’s innovative crystals are more than just odor eliminators; they’re also built-in health monitors. When your cat uses the litter, PrettyLitter changes color to indicate possible issues:
- Red – May indicate blood in cat pee.
- Orange – Possible signs of acidity.
- Blue – May suggest alkalinity concerns.
These color changes can signal issues before your cat shows any obvious symptoms. That means you can schedule a vet visit early, potentially avoiding more serious (and more expensive) problems down the line.
Let Your Cat’s Litter Box Speak Volumes
Blood in cats’ urine can be a scary thing to spot, but it's also an opportunity to step in, take action, and make a life-saving difference. Whether it’s a minor infection or something more serious, you have the power to respond quickly and get your cat the help they need.
PrettyLitter can help you keep your home fresh and clean, and keep tabs on your cat’s health in a way that’s simple and science-backed. You deserve peace of mind, and your cat deserves the best care possible.
Sources:
- PetMD. Blood in Cat Urine. https://www.petmd.com/cat/symptom/blood-in-cat-urine
- Vetseter. What to do if your cat is peeing blood. https://vetster.com/en/wellness/what-to-do-if-your-cat-is-peeing-blood
- Pet Health Network. Blood in Cat Urine: What Does it Mean? https://www.pethealthnetwork.com/cat-health/cat-diseases-conditions-a-z/blood-cat-urine-what-does-it-mean
