TL;DR: Pink or reddish urine indicates hematuria (blood in the urine) and requires a veterinary visit within 24 hours, unless the cat cannot urinate, which is a life-threatening emergency.
What does it mean if my cat has pink or reddish tinted urine?
Noticing a pink or reddish tint in your cat's urine is typically an indication of hematuria, which is the medical term for blood in the urine. This discoloration can range from a very pale rose color to a deep, dark red. It usually signifies inflammation, irritation, or injury somewhere within the urinary tract, including the bladder, kidneys, or urethra.
Is pink or red urine in my cat a veterinary emergency?
- The urgency level for this condition is generally Medium, often caused by FLUTD, infections, or crystals.
- You should schedule a veterinary appointment within 24 hours.
- If your cat is straining and unable to produce any urine, or if they are vocalizing in pain, this is a life-threatening blockage emergency.
- In the event of a suspected blockage, you must go to an ER clinic immediately.
Why should I take a photo of my cat's urine to help with triage?
- A clear photo of the urine on a hard floor, puppy pad, or in the litter box is extremely helpful for the veterinary team.
- Because color is subjective, seeing the exact shade and concentration of the red tint helps the vet determine the severity of the bleeding.
- A photo allows triage staff to better prioritize your cat's case if the clinic is busy.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Hematuria, or the presence of blood in the urine, can manifest as pink or reddish urine in cats and may indicate several underlying conditions. Urolithiasis is often suspected with hematuria, dysuria, or urethral obstruction, and can be diagnosed via urinalysis, urine culture, radiography, or ultrasonography. Radiography, cystoscopy, or ultrasonography are important to detect uroliths; double-contrast radiography may be required for smaller uroliths. Cystitis, or urinary tract infection, is another cause and is suggested by increased numbers of WBCs, RBCs, and/or bacteria in the urine. Urine culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing should be performed if infection is suspected, ideally using cystocentesis for sample collection. Urinalysis is a crucial diagnostic test and should include assessment of color, turbidity, pH, glucose, ketones, bilirubin, occult blood, and protein.
Chapter: Urology, Infectious Disease
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1509)