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Why is my cat peeing blood and straining in and out of the litter box?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 2 years and 2 months old | 11 lbs

My (around 2-3 year old) female cat is peeing blood, often but in very small amounts, is both outside and inside the litter box, and takes a VERY long time to pee. She is eating, drinking, and playing normally. Do you know what might be happening or how I can help her? Thank you so much for your time and help

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Tomasz Wnuk

Veterinarian

Published on May 14th, 2020

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Mamacat most likely has cystitis. It is usually related to bacterial infection of the bladder but it may be due to bladder crystals or stress. Please, take her to your local vets for an appointment, as most likely she will need a course of antibiotics to get better.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on November 7th, 2016
From your description, it sounds like Chuck probably has a urinary problem of some kind. It's not normal for a cat to be straining outside the litter box and producing small amounts of blood, but unfortunately this is a fairly common problem in cats. In males, it's particularly dangerous because they can easily develop a urinary obstruction due to the build up of crystals and mucus in the urethra at the tip of the penis - if this happens, it's a life-threatening emergency since the bladder can rupture and the cat can die within 24 hours.

For this reason, I would recommend having Chuck seen by a vet as soon as you are able to. If he's acting normal otherwise (eating and drinking, active, no vomiting) it should be okay to wait until tomorrow, but I would try to get him in to your vet first thing in the morning. If he's not able to get any urine out at all, or if he seems lethargic or starts crying or vomiting, these are signs that he should be seen by an emergency vet tonight.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 5th, 2020
Yes, you should take him in ASAP. Especially if his not producing any urine or is only producing a little bit of urine at a time. He may be blocked which is an emergency.

https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=6465677
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Claudia Fioravanti
Veterinarian
Published on May 6th, 2020
Hi, it is important to have Julius checked over as he might need some intensive treatment like a urinary catheter placed. Being unable to urinate can determine life threatening consequences as all waste product stay in the blood stream. It is also a cause of distress and pain. Hope this helps clarifying why an early check up is necessary !
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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