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One of my cats has bloody urine. How do I identify the sick cat?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 12 lbs

I have 5 cats and it appears that one of them may have a bladder infection - as evidenced by bloody urine appearing on one or more dog beds almost daily. This has been occurring for about one week now, and I still haven't caught the culprit. What should I do - treat them all?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Steve Popish, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 14th, 2018

This is a difficult problem with that many cats, The best thing to do is isolate each cat in a separate part of the house and place a fresh litter box in the same room. You may want to use plastic to coat the bottom of the box and use only a small amount of litter allow you to see the urine in the box. You can isolate one cat at a time for a 24 hour period, Usually the culprit will be peeing more frequently and straining to urinate, so keep any eye on that behavior as well. Within a few days you will know which on is affected, then seek out your local veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. Urinary problems in cats can often be related to high magnesium containing pet food. Science diet cat food is more urinary safe and would help avoid pet food related urinary problems in all your cats. Consult your veterinarian for additional help in preventing urinary tract disease. Best of luck. thats, Steve Popish, DVM

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Related Answers from Veterinarians

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    Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 26th, 2016

    We are unable to provide prescriptions, it is not legal for any vet to prescribe medications without the animal being directly under their care and recently examined to diagnose accurately the underlying condition. Maintaining fluid intake with chicken broth, pedialyte and fresh water can help to flush the bladder but urine tests should be done to identify any infection, inflammation or stones. Enquire of your local charities for subsidized clinics or care credit

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