Causes of Blood in Cat Urine

December 26, 2018 11:49 pm Published by

While it’s certainly alarming to find bloody urine in your cat’s litter box, it’s important to realize that this is a fairly common ailment affecting our feline friends. The presence of blood in a cat’s urine, however, does require immediate medical attention. If you notice any blood in your cat’s litter, you should call for the assistance of your cat veterinarian in Alexandria, VA. They can help you diagnose the source of your pet’s bloody urine and help you determine the most appropriate course of treatment for your furry friend.

There are a number of potential causes that could explain why your cat may have blood in their urine, some of which are exceptionally serious and some of which are not. Consulting with a pet health expert is the only way to know for sure why your cat is suffering from bloody urine. Here are just some of the reasons that you may find bloody urine in your pet’s litter box:

  • Urinary tract infections: Many older cats suffer from urinary tract infections (UTIs), just like people. This is particularly common in cats that are facing decreased kidney functionality. UTIs are frequently concentrated to the bladder, though they can also spread to the kidneys when the condition becomes serious. Because UTIs are bacterial, they’re often easy to clear up with a regimen of antibiotics prescribed by your cat veterinarian in Alexandria, VA.
  • Cystitis: The most common cause of recurring blood in a cat’s urine is interstitial cystitis, which may cause straining and an increased frequency of urination. Cystitis is a relatively mysterious condition that is diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound, urine analysis and urine culture. While there’s no cure for the disease, veterinarians can help pet owners manage the condition by making dietary changes. Cats suffering from interstitial cystitis need to eat an increased amount of wet food, which reduces the concentration of their urine.
  • Crystals in urine: Commonly found in young cats, crystals in the urine is a serious and potentially fatal condition. Urine crystals can cause blockages if left untreated that can stop male cats from peeing correctly; when this occurs, they may begin to suffer from kidney failure, which can lead to death. Some cats may form mineral stones that don’t cause urethral blockage; when this occurs, they may experience pain when urinating or blood in the urine. Urine crystals are addressed either by a change in diet or, in some instances, surgery to remove larger crystals and stones.

Since 1990, Kingstowne Cat Clinic has been a trusted cat veterinarian in Alexandria, VA. We’re proud to provide each of our patients with quality veterinary care. We are a small, locally owned and family oriented cat care clinic committed to providing our patients with excellent care and positive health outcomes. We’re capable of providing cats with quality healthcare and surgical operations. To learn more about our quality veterinary care solutions, reach out to one of our caring and knowledgeable healthcare professionals today. We look forward to meeting you and your cat!

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