Bloody urine (HEMATURIA) is a common reason cat parents seek Lab coat vet help

It’s upsetting crying to see blood in a litter box, on bedding, or on the floor

2 common causes of hematuria in a cat are cystitis & feline lower urinary tract disorder flutd

A urinalysis is used to help determine if the blood is from urinary tract disease or the result of other conditions. Blood tests are needed to rule out a bleeding/clotting disorder vs kidney disease vs diabetes & imaging (X-rays & Ultrasound) is needed to rule out bladder stones from bladder/kidney cancer

The most common diagnosis for hematuria in cats is cystitis = inflammation in the urinary bladder

In cats, diseases of the lower urinary tract, the bladder & urethra, are often categorized by the term FLUTD. We use this term because it can be challenging to distinguish between the various diseases of the bladder & urethra & many conditions affect the entire lower urinary tract

Feline Idiopathic Cystitis FIC is also used to describe this condition. Idiopathic means the exact cause is unknown

The typical symptoms of cystitis or FLUTD in cat are associated with inflammation & irritation of the lower urinary tract

The common clinical signs are:

1. Increased frequency of urination called pollakiuria. Difficulty urinating or dysuria, black cat spend a long time straining Persevering in the litter box while passing only small volumes of urine. Some cat owners confuse this with constipation.

2. The presence of bloody, foul-smelling, or discolored urine.

3. Urinating in unusual places such as on furnitue, floors, & corners.

4. Excessive grooming or licking of the genital region.

5. Inability to urinate. These cat strain to urinate producing a few drops or no urine. If you suspect your cat is obstructed &
not adequately passing urine this is an immediate medical emergency !

Urethral blockage, which is more common in male cats because of their narrow urethra (“the plumbing”), is a life-threatening complication if untreated even for a few hours.