If your male cat is urinating blood, it can be a very concerning sign that something is wrong. There are several potential causes for bloody urine in cats, ranging from minor issues like urinary tract infections to more serious conditions like bladder stones or cancer. In this article, we’ll explore the most common reasons for hematuria (blood in urine) in male cats, how to tell if your cat’s pee has blood in it, and what you should do if you notice this symptom.
Potential Causes of Bloody Urine in Male Cats
Here are some of the most common causes of hematuria in male felines:
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
One of the most frequent causes of blood in a male cat’s urine is a UTI. UTIs occur when bacteria get into the urinary tract and multiply. They are more common in male cats because their urethra is longer, making it easier for bacteria to get pushed up into the bladder.
With a UTI, your cat may frequently attempt to urinate but only pass small amounts of bloody urine each time. They may lick their genital area frequently. UTIs are often painful and the cat may vocalize pain when urinating or eliminating. Treatment involves antibiotics to clear the infection.
Bladder or Kidney Stones
Another very common cause of bloody pee in cats is bladder stones or kidney stones. These are rock-like mineral deposits that form in the urinary tract. They can scrape and irritate the lining of the bladder and urethra, leading to bleeding.
Stones are more likely to develop if the urine is too concentrated or acidic. Signs can include straining to urinate, frequent urination, bloody urine, and crying out while eliminating. Stones usually require surgical removal or dissolution.
Bladder or Kidney Infections
Infections in the bladder (cystitis) or kidneys (pyelonephritis) themselves can also lead to blood in the urine. These types of infections are more serious than UTIs. They are usually caused by bacteria but can also be fungal or viral.
In addition to bloody pee, your cat may show signs like fever, lethargy, vomiting, and abdominal or back pain. Treatment involves long-term antibiotics and addressing any underlying causes.
Anatomical Abnormalities
Some male cats are born with or later develop anatomical defects that allow blood to get into the urine, such as:
- Ectopic ureters: when the ureters don’t connect properly to the bladder
- Urinary tract cysts or masses
- Bladder or urethral ulcers
- Bladder or urethral deformities
- Prostate disease
These types of abnormalities may require surgical correction.
Trauma
Injuries to the urinary tract, such as from being struck by a car, can also cause bloody urine. There may be damage to organs like the bladder or urethra. Immediate veterinary treatment is needed.
Cancer
Although rare in cats, cancers of the bladder, kidneys, prostate, or urethra can also lead to hematuria. The most common urinary tract cancer in cats is transitional cell carcinoma. This cancer leads to ulceration and bleeding.
Cats with cancer may urinate frequently in small amounts, vocalize pain, have difficulty urinating, or have blood clots in the urine. Treatment depends on the type and location of cancer, and prognosis varies.
Blood Clotting Disorders
Disorders where the blood doesn’t clot properly can sometimes manifest as bloody urine. For example, poisoning with anticoagulant rodenticide can cause internal bleeding and bloody pee.
Other signs may include bruising easily, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, and pinpoint red spots on the skin. Vitamin K therapy can help reverse the effects of anticoagulant poisoning.
How to Tell if Your Cat’s Urine Has Blood
Here are some ways to check your cat’s urine for signs of blood or hematuria:
- Look at the color – bright or dark red indicates heavier bleeding, while pinkish urine points to light bleeding.
- Check the toilet, litterbox, or ground for red or rusty colored stains after your cat pees.
- Look for blood clots or mucus in the urine.
- Use a urinalysis strip to test the urine for the presence of blood.
- Have your vet examine a urine sample under a microscope to check for red blood cells.
Sometimes the urine may look normal but there can still be microscopic hematuria only detectable on urinalysis. So if your cat is straining or showing other signs of urinary problems, it’s a good idea to have your vet examine a urine sample.
What To Do if Your Cat Has Bloody Urine
If you notice signs of blood in your male cat’s urine, here are the steps you should take:
- Collect a fresh urine sample if possible and take your cat to the vet promptly.
- The vet will run tests like a urinalysis, urine culture, bloodwork, and imaging like x-rays or ultrasound.
- These tests help determine the underlying cause of the hematuria so it can be properly treated.
- Treatment depends on the cause but may include antibiotics for infection, surgery for stones or masses, etc.
- Follow up regularly with your vet for monitoring and to ensure the bloody urine resolves with treatment.
- Have your vet evaluate any recurring incidents of hematuria.
- Consider dietary changes to prevent issues like stones from recurring.
- Monitor your cat’s bathroom habits at home to catch future problems early.
While blood in a male cat’s urine may resolve on its own in some cases, it’s always important to have your vet examine it to determine the underlying cause. Some conditions can become serious or even life-threatening if left untreated. So schedule an appointment as soon as you notice any signs of hematuria.
Preventing Conditions that Cause Bloody Urine
Here are some tips to help prevent urinary tract problems that can lead to blood in your male cat’s urine:
- Feed a high-quality diet. Diets too high in carbs or magnesium and low in moisture content increase the risk of crystals and stones forming.
- Provide plenty of fresh water. Increased water intake dilutes the urine and reduces crystal formation.
- Consider wet food or adding water to dry food to increase moisture intake.
- Add water fountains around your home to encourage drinking.
- Ensure your cat always has access to a clean, accessible litter box.
- Clean litter boxes frequently to reduce bacteria.
- Avoid litter deodorizers and harsh cleaners that could irritate the urinary tract.
- Reduce stress. Stress can increase urinary issues in cats.
- Provide environmental enrichment with toys, perches, and scratching posts.
- Use Feliway products to help ease stress for cats.
- Have your vet check urine yearly, even if your cat seems healthy.
- Follow your vet’s advice about special urinary tract diets or supplements if needed.
By feeding a healthy diet, reducing stress, providing plenty of water sources, and following your vet’s recommendations, you can help keep your male cat’s urinary tract healthy and reduce the chances of hematuria developing.
When to See a Vet
It’s important to have your male cat evaluated right away if you notice any of these signs:
- Blood in the urine
- Straining or crying out when urinating
- Frequently attempting to urinate but passing only small amounts
- Licking around the urinary opening more than usual
- Urinating outside the litter box
- Change in urinary habits or amount
- Loss of appetite or vomiting
- Hiding or vocalizing in pain
Hematuria in male cats should never be ignored. Even if the blood resolves on its own, the underlying cause still needs to be determined. Some conditions can quickly become severe, so fast veterinary assessment is key.
The Bottom Line
Blood in a male cat’s urine is not normal and can indicate issues like UTI, stones, cancer, or trauma. If your male cat is peeing blood, get him examined right away to determine the cause and get proper treatment. With prompt vet care, many cats with hematuria can recover fully and avoid recurrences in the future through preventative care.
| Cause | Symptoms | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Urinary tract infection | Frequent urination, small amounts of bloody urine, licking genitals | Antibiotics, address underlying causes |
| Bladder or kidney stones | Straining to urinate, blood in urine, crying out | Surgery, lithotripsy, dietary changes |
| Bladder or kidney infections | Bloody urine, fever, vomiting, abdominal pain | Antibiotics, address underlying causes |
| Anatomical abnormalities | Straining to urinate, bloody urine, frequent urination | Surgical correction depending on cause |
| Trauma | Bloody urine after injury, painful urination | Supportive care, surgery to repair damage |
| Cancer | Straining, frequent urination, blood clots, pain | Chemotherapy, radiation, surgery depending on type |
| Blood clotting disorders | Bloody urine, bruising, nosebleeds, bleeding gums | Vitamin K, address underlying poisoning/disorder |
Conclusion
Hematuria or blood in the urine of male cats always merits an immediate trip to the veterinarian. While some causes like UTIs are easily treatable, others like cancer can be more complex. But with prompt diagnosis and proper treatment guided by your vet, many cats with blood in their urine can recover and live long healthy lives. Monitor your male cat’s bathroom habits, feed a high-quality diet, reduce stress, and bring him to the vet at the first signs of trouble. With excellent care and awareness, you can help keep your feline friend’s urinary tract in top shape.
