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My cat has bloody urine, pees often, licks genitals. Emergency?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Sphynx | Male | neutered | 1 year and 3 months old | 9.5 lbs

My Sphinx cat has been frequently urinating with very little urine coming out each time. There appears to be blood in his urine and he frequently licks his genitals. Other than that he has been eating and drinking and acting normal. I have recently been giving him L-lysine treats because my vet recommended them. Should I be worried? Should I take him to the vet or ER?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 18th, 2020

Hello. Yes, this may constitute an emergency. If you do not have him seen today, please try to have him seen tomorrow. As long as he is urinating a little, he will not totally block up, but that can happen at any point in time, so please do not ignore this. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on August 1st, 2020
Poor Trogdor! It could be a recurrence of the feline idiopathic cystitis. I think he should see a vet asap, as the big concern with male cats is a potential blockage of the urethra. Please take him into a vet immediately. Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question and good luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on January 31st, 2019
Poor Jr! Possible causes of bloody urine and urinating outside the litter box would include FIC (feline idiopathic cystitis), bladder stones, or a bacterial urinary tract infection. None of these problems can be treated at home, so you will need to take Jr to the vet for an exam. He/she can do a urinalysis to help diagnose the problem and will get him started on appropriate medication to treat it depending on what is found.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on January 7th, 2019
Hi, and thanks for your question.
These signs might be compatible with a urinary tract infection/inflammation. Stress related (idiopathic type of inflammation) infection and presence of crystals are the most common causes of it. Other causes must be investigated at this stage. Urine analysis and abdominal radiographs or ultrasound may be needed. These signs must be checked as soon as possible as urinary tract infection can be dangerous in male (especially neutered) cats as it can develop into a urinary tract obstruction/blockage.
A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately.
Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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