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Why is my senior cat peeing blood and jelly outside the litter box?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 5 lbs

About 6 months or so ago, our cat started urinating outside the litter box. Gradually the pee became reddish. The red color would last for several days, then disappear for a day or two, then the red returned. Two days ago, the pee became jelly like. I am really worried. From what I read, it looks like Cystitis. My questions: 1. Is it cystitis? 2. Is it painful for cat to pee? 3. The cat is 17 years old. Is it time to let her go? Shu Liao

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on December 18th, 2016

Poor Truffles! It certainly sounds like she has a urinary problem of some kind - this could be cystitis, a bacterial urinary tract infection, or even bladder stones. Yes, all of these conditions are quite uncomfortable for the cat. Many of them are quite easily treated with medication, so I would really recommend having her examined by a vet before considering euthanasia - it may be possible to give her medication to fix the problem.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 3rd, 2020

    Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Moo. Poor boy. It could be he is suffering from feline idiopathic cystitis or bladder stones. He does need to see a vet for it, and I would call around local vets to find one to get him into asap. While you are trying to get him an appointment, feed him canned food and add water to it to flush his bladder. If he appears lethargic, ill or distressed, tries to pee but nothing or very little comes out, cries when peeing, or if the urine appears very bloody, then he has to be seen by a vet ASAP. I hope this helps!

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