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My cat drinks a lot and has reddish-orange urine. Is it kidney failure?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 18 lbs

Hi! We have an adult male cat that we took in as a stray two years ago. We have no prior knowledge of his history. He is neutered, approximately 18 pounds. He has always drank water excessively since we got him. He is currently eating One can of Fancy Feast daily and free feed on Meow Mix. He recently started urinating a dark reddish orange color. I palates his stomach and his bladder is normal size and not painful. He is acting normal and he is playing and such. Is this kidney failure?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 7th, 2016

Drinking excessively can have various causes, diabetes, kidney failure, slty food, etc. The only way to diagnose kidney failure is via a blood test. Dark reddish orange urine can be caused by a urinary tract infection, bladder stones or other irritants damaging the lining of the bladder or a kidney infection. I suggest you take Buddy to a veterinarian for an exam and a blood test. That should find the reason for the problem.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    The urinating this reddish orange color can be a sign of a UTI or bladder stones. I would take him into the vet today. The vet can do a physical exam, routine blood tests and a urinalysis to see if he does have a UTI or bladder stones. If he has a UTI, he will need antibiotics to treat it. Bladder stones may need to be removed surgically, or can be managed with diet.

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