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My senior cat is peeing blood droplets and tiny amounts. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 16 years old | 8 lbs

Female cat 16yrs old. Has thyroid and kidney disease, managed well. Eats and drinks well. Peeing tiny amount or droplets of urine with little blood the last few hours, seems like her usual self other than that. I’m concerned she will decline further over night.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 18th, 2018

I am sorry to hear about your concern for Tibou. If Tibou has a normal energy level and has been eating and drinking, and is able to urinate, and if you press on her belly and she isn't painful then this is something that can probably wait until your vet opens in the morning. We can see urinary tract infections in older cats in particular females with kidney disease. A urinary tract infection can cause the symptoms you describe. Other possible causese could include bladder stones, sterile cystitis (inflammation of the bladder without infection), tumors of the bladder or other parts of the urinary tract, or primary renal hematuria. I would call your vet in the morning for an appointment where they can check the urine and may recommend imaging such as an x-ray or ultrasound. If Tibou is acting lethargic, has a painful abdomen, is vomiting or having trouble breathing, or hasn't been eating or drinking then a visit to the emergency vet is recommended. It is never wrong, however, to take your pet to the emergency vet if you feel very concerned and need peace of mind! If you wish to discuss Tibou further then you can use our Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach consultation service. Best of luck to you and Tibou!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    If this is the only symptom there is no reason to panic, take her to your vet first thing in the morning, it's probably just a urinary infection, she will probably need an antibiotic course to solve this issue.

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 28th, 2019

    As long as some urine is coming out (even if it's just a few drops at a time) she is OK to wait until morning. But, if she keeps going to the box and straining with no urine being produced then that is an emergency and she should get to a vet right away. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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