Feline Hematuria (Blood in Urine): Vet Guide 2025 🐱🚨

Welcome devoted cat caretakers! I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc 🩺. Seeing blood in your cat’s urine (hematuria) is alarming. It can signal anything from urinary tract infection to bladder stones or feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC). This detailed 2025 guide helps you identify causes, run necessary diagnostics, follow through with treatment, and provide supportive home care while knowing when to reach out via Ask A Vet 💬.

🔍 What Is Hematuria?

Hematuria occurs when red blood cells enter the urine, making it pink, red, or brown. It can be visible (gross) or microscopic—detected only through lab work. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

⚠️ Common Causes

• Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC) – inflammation without infection; often stress-related. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) – bacteria-driven, more common in senior cats. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• Bladder or Kidney Stones – such as struvite or oxalate requiring diet or surgery. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Trauma, Tumors, or Coagulopathies – from injury, neoplasia, or clotting issues. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

🔬 Diagnostic Workup

• Urinalysis + Culture & Sensitivity – detects blood, infection, crystals, bacteria. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
• Blood Tests – CBC, biochemistry to assess renal function, infection, clotting. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
• Imaging – abdominal X-rays or ultrasound reveal stones, masses. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
• Stress/Environment Review – especially if FIC is suspected. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

🏥 Treatment Pathways

1. Urinary Tract Infection

• Appropriate antibiotics per urine culture; excellent recovery rate. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

2. Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC)

• Hydration via wet food, IV/subQ fluids in severe cases. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
• Pain relief (e.g. buprenorphine, gabapentin); anti-spasmics like prazosin/dantrolene. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
• Environmental enrichment and stress reduction. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

3. Bladder/Kidney Stones

• Struvite stones – diet dissolution with wet prescription foods; monitor with urinalysis. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
• Calcium oxalate or other stones – often require surgery or lithotripsy. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

4. Trauma, Tumors, Coagulopathy

• Trauma – rest, fluids, pain control.
• Tumors – removal, oncology referral.
• Bleeding disorders – treat underlying cause (e.g. vitamin K, transfusion). :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

🏡 Supporting Your Cat at Home

• Keep indoors, monitor litter box, appetite, water intake.
• Use prescription/wet diet; ensure fresh water always available for hydration. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
• Track medications, symptoms, litter box habits with **Ask A Vet app** 📱.
• Enrich environment to reduce stress—meow, toys, vertical spaces.
• Notify vet if symptoms worsen or recur, or if straining/obstruction signs arise.

📝 Prognosis & Monitoring

• UTI – excellent with prompt antibiotic treatment.
• FIC – may recur; prognosis good with lifestyle changes.
• Stones – positive if treated and diet maintained; recurrence common if untreated.
• Serious causes (tumors, bleeding) rely on disease-specific treatment and monitoring.

📞 When to Seek Help via Ask A Vet

If your cat shows straining, urinating outside litter box, frequent attempts, collapse, vomiting, lethargy, or blood persists—open the **Ask A Vet app** 💬 immediately. Quick guidance helps avert emergencies.

✨ Final Thoughts

Hematuria can signal urgent health issues—but with thorough diagnostics, precise treatments, and caring home support, most cats bounce back fully. Your vigilance, hydration focus, and partnership with vet care make all the difference ❤️🐾.