Why is my cat spraying blood and peeing outside the litter box?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 7 years and 2 months old | 14 lbs
Hello, After rescueing a kitten 5 months ago, our older cat has been spraying more often than usual. The last time he sprayed blood when we moved house the vet said it was a self induced UTI. He’s always been a grumpy cat that sprays and hisses ever since he was a kitten but it has gotten way worse since getting the kitten and now blood. Our kitten plays way too rough with him (body slams him + bites hard) so we keep them seperated to avoid fighting. Please help!
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on April 17th, 2019
Urination outside the litterbox and blood in the urine can be caused by stress or behavioural issues, but can also be due to urinary tract infection, crystals in the urine, stones in the urinary tract, toxin ingestion, coagulation disorders, or trauma to the area. Another cause, which you referenced, is idiopathic cystitis or Feline Urinary Tract Disease, which can cause the symptoms you've noticed and can be triggered by stress. It is important that you make an appointment to have Keiko seen by your veterinarian immediately to help determine the cause of his behaviour and to start treatment. If you notice him straining to urinate/unable to produce urine, this is a medical emergency and he should be seen by a vet immediately. Pain medications meant for humans can be very dangerous (and even deadly) for cats, so I do not recommend giving any to Keiko without consulting with your vet. If medical causes are ruled out, it is possible that Keiko is exhibiting signs of stress in his home environment. You can do the following to help make sure Keiko ’s environmental needs are being met. Cats need at least one litterbox per cat plus one extra to help reduce stress associated with the litterbox. They should be placed in separate rooms, away from the food and water bowls, must be scooped at least daily (preferably multiple times a day)and washed out at least weekly with a mild soap, followed by thorough rinsing. Cats need a lot of space to explore, but keeping them indoors is much safer than letting them outside, due to the risk of injury from cars, wildlife, other animals, etc. The key is providing space (particularly vertical space for climbing, such as cat trees, ledges, and the like) inside the home. Visit http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=T&C=33&S=2 and https://indoorpet.osu.edu// for tips on stress reduction. Also look into Feliway, a synthetic pheromone that is available in a diffuser and spray form that promotes calm feelings in cats http://www.feliway.com, and Feliway Friends, which helps cats get along with each other www.feliway.com/ca_en/Products/FELIWAY-FRIENDS-Diffuser .
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Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on January 17th, 2018
There are a large number of reasons that a cat will inappropriately urinate (urinate outside the litter box). I am attaching a handout below which discusses this in detail. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=633 The first step in figuring out why a cat is urinating outside the litter box is to have your veterinarian do an examination and get a urine sample to evaluate for a medical reason. Since you have seen blood in Chico's urine, there is likely a medical cause for him urinating outside the box. We do not commonly see bacterial urinary tract infections in young male cats (although it is possible). The most common type of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease that we will see in young cats is called Feline Idiopathic Cystitis. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&C=&A=611&SourceID= http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&C=&A=612&SourceID= But the only way to know what is going on with Chico is to have a urine sample evaluated. We also see that male cats can have urinary blockages which can be life threatening. So, if Chico cannot urinate at all, it is a medical emergency and he needs to see a veterinarian right away. I have also included information on that below. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&C=&A=1111&SourceID= I know that was a lot of information, but Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease can be difficult to diagnose, so I wanted you to have all the information before Chico's appointment. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and that Chico feels better soon. Thanks for using PetCoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on May 31st, 2017
Poor Migi. The color of the urine is concerning for possible hematuria (blood in the urine) and the fact that he is urinating outside the litter box tells us he either isn't well or is stressed. Cats oftentimes get stressed and this leads to a condition called Feline lower unrinay tract disease (FLUTD), which causes bloody urine and inappropriate urination. I would recommend taking Migi in to your vet for a urinalysis to properly diagnose him first. If the only finding is blood in the urine, then the vet will likely recommend placing him on a management food for FLUTD to decrease his stress and help with his condition. Here is more information on FLUTD if needed http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=611
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on September 10th, 2017
I would recommend taking Digger in to the vet immediately. Male cats, especially larger cats, are at risk for urinary blockage and he is showing a possibility of this- blood in the urine, straining to urinate and frequent attempts. This can be very painful and in case of a complete blockage- a life threatening condition quickly. Even if it is not a complete blockage, ASAP detection will allow for better and more efficient treatment! I hope he is back to normal soon!!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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