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My old cat is weak, not eating, and has bloody urine. Is she dying?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 17 years and 6 months old | 5.5 lbs

We just came home from vacation and noticed one of our cats hiding under the beds. She is a 16 year old. She does not want us to bother with her, she's not eating or drink water. She looks real weak we've been checking on her and noticed she peed on herself and there is blood in it. Is this old age and is she about to die? We are real worried.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jenny, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 8th, 2017

It is common for cats to hide when they don't feel well. She needs to be taken to a vet to have the lethargy and bloody urine addressed. They will do blood work to check her kidneys function and a urine sample to check for an infection. Weight loss and dehydration can occur quickly in older cats. Your vet can better guide you in her quality of life based on the diagnostics.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Old age isn't a disease, and it isn't normal for a cat to have bloody in their urine. It's also serious she won't eat or drink, and looks really weak. She could have a severe UTI or bladder stones, or she could be suffering from bladder cancer causing the blood in her urine. She does need to see a vet immediately for these symptoms, as she sounds very sick. Please take her into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on April 25th, 2018
Poor Charlie! Senior cats can be afflicted with three common illness that cause weight loss. They include kidney disease, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism. The blood in his urine could be a UTI secondary to one of those diseases. He really does need to see a vet for these problems, and I would take him into a vet today if possible. The vet can do a physical exam, geriatric blood panel, and urinalysis to diagnose what is causing his weight loss and bloody urine, and then can discuss treatment options with you. Please call your vet now to see when you can get him an appointment. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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