Expert: Jessica - 8/19/2009

Question
MY CAT IS IN HER FIFTH SEASON AND FOR THE FIRST TIME I HAVE NOTICED BLOOD IN HER LITTER TRAY.IS THIS NORMAL. THIS IS THE FIRST CAT I HAVE HAD

Answer
Hi Julie.  No, this really isn't normal.  If she is passing enough blood for you to notice in the litter tray, it is actually more likely that she has a urinary tract problem that has just happened to coincide with her heat cycle right now.  She should be seen by a vet.

Blood in the urine can be caused be urinary tract infections, urinary stones or crystals, or an inflammatory condition called interstitial cystitis.  As we speak, my own cat is hospitalized due a total bladder obstruction!  Fortunately, this is not so common in females, but the intense pain is the same for both sexes.  An antibiotic is often given when blood is detected in the urine, based on the assumption that if there is not a current infection, there will soon be (there are vets who disagree).  A urinalysis and perhaps x-ray (to detect larger stones) will be recommended to try to determine what’s caused the blood in her urine.  

If the cause was bacteria alone, antibiotics should have her feeling better in a couple of days.  If stones or crystals are to blame, a change in diet will likely be in order.  Certain types of stones, called calcium oxalate, would need to be removed surgically if deemed problematic and too large to ever pass.  Cystitis can be the most difficult to treat and may include a change in diet along with medications to give during a flare up.  These may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, an anti-depressant called amitriptyline, a bladder relaxant and sometimes even narcotic pain relievers.

You may also keep an eye out on her rear when she’s outside the box for evidence of blood, in case this was not bloody urine as I am suspecting but it truly bloody vaginal discharge.  However, when cats bleed heavily enough from the vulva to be noticed, it’s generally an indication that something is wrong, and she should still see the vet.

I hope all goes well!

Jessica