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Why is my cat peeing blood and struggling in the litter box?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 8 lbs

I have, on about 4 occasions in 2 years, seen red in Snow’s litter with no further issues, but today I noticed her in pee pose in the litter and she was there too long and when she finished there was indeed blood. I know ‘cause she let me check her. No temperament change, she drinks about a cup of water daily. Other than rarely sitting on the porch with us, she doesn’t go outside. She eats 1/3 cup of dry food twice daily. I need some ideas till payday. Having emergency house work done

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on October 27th, 2018

It could be Snow is suffering from feline idiopathic cystitis or bladder stones. She will need to see a vet for this problem. If she appears otherwise healthy and happy, eats and drinks plenty, you can wait until Monday morning. If she appears lethargic, ill or distressed, or if the urine appears very bloody, then she should be seen by a vet ASAP. Feed her wet/canned food, add water to it, and make sure she drinks a lot of water to help flush the bladder. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on January 31st, 2021

    Poor Pumpkin! Blood in the urine is definitely not normal, so I would recommend a vet visit to have this checked out. The most common cause of bloody urine in young cats is feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC), but could also be caused by bladder stones, or a bacterial urinary tract infection. Your veterinarian can do a urinalysis to help determine what's wrong and get him started on appropriate treatment depending on what is found. Be aware that male cats with urinary issues can become "blocked" and be unable to pee at all - if this happens, it's a medical emergency that requires an immediate vet visit, since this condition can be rapidly fatal without treatment. If he's acting normal right now, eating and drinking fine, etc., it should be fine to wait until tomorrow to see the vet. Signs of a urinary blockage would include things like acting lethargic, not eating, vomiting, crying or meowing in pain, or straining unproductively in the litter box. If you see any of these issues develop, then I would take him to an emergency clinic immediately rather than waiting to see your regular vet.

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on December 29th, 2016

    Poor Paprika! There are a number of different things that can cause bloody urine like this in cats. The most common possibilities would by FIC (feline idiopathic cystitis), bladder stones, or a bacterial urinary tract infection. All of these conditions are quite painful and uncomfortable, so I would recommend taking Paprika to the vet for an exam as soon as you are able to - he/she can do a urinalysis and other testing if needed to help diagnose the problem and get her started on appropriate treatment.

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on November 12th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The urinary tract symptoms you describe could be due to a urinary tract infection, urinary stones, a tumor, among other possibilities. I recommend that you have Na evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Further diagnostics would include abdominal imaging and lab work. They could start by checking the urine for an infection first. Treatment would be based on findings. Good luck and have a great day!

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