Feline diabetes is a condition of insufficient or poor insulin production or response in cats. In this condition, cats have a permanent or long-term inability to regulate or maintain blood sugar levels. Feline diabetes primary sample includes excessive thirst, frequent urination, and weight loss. It can also cause blood in urine, which is known as hematuria in medical terms. Hematuria is a serious complication of feline diabetes, and it needs early attention. hematuria indicates health complications. In this article, we will tell you about the ways that cause feline diabetes with their proposed solutions.
Table of Contents
UTIs
The first way of getting blood in the urine of feline diabetes is UTI. It is the most susceptible cause of blood in diabetic cats because of the elevation in glucose levels in their urine. The increased level of glucose in urine provides a breeding ground for bacteria, which enhances the chances of infections. Infections can lead to blood in the urine. So, when cats develop UTIs, they may cause inflammation or irritation in their urinary tract, which may lead to hematuria.
Hematuria may be caused by frequent urination, straining to urinate, or a change in urine order. Immediate diagnosis and treatment of UTIs is important to stop further problems.
Cystitis and Inflammation
Cystitis is another way in which feline diabetes can cause blood in urine. Cystitis is mainly the inflammation of the bladder. In diabetic felines, cystitis occurs due to a high concentration of glucose in the bladder in urine. In feline diabetes cystitis and bladder inflammation are serious issues that can cause blood in urine. The main causes of cystitis are bladder stones, stress, bladder spams risk of infection, and increased blood glucose level.
Identifying the symptoms and managing the condition early is important for treatment. If your diabetic cat shows signs of hematuria, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Bladder Stones and Crystals
Bladder stones and crystals are another reason for causing blood in diabetic cats. The increased glucose level in the urine of diabetic felines can change the chemical composition of fluid within the bladder which can cause the formation of oxalate or struvite crystals. The bladder stones can destroy the urinary tract, urinary blockages which may lead to severe pain. Bladder stones can also irritate the bladder and cause bleeding.
Kidney Disease and Renal Complications
Kidney diseases and renal complications are another most common way of urinary bleeding in diabetic felines. Kidney disease contributes to damage in the urinary tract by damaging blood vessels due to increased blood pressure and can cause urinary bleeding.
CKD is also a way in which diabetic cats can get urinary bleeding. CKD stands for “chronic kidney disease” and it is more common in diabetic cats. In CKD kidneys become dysfunctional, and as a result of kidney dysfunction blood can’t be filtered effectively, which leads to hematuria.
Vascular Changes and Coagulation Issues
Coagulation issues can also lead to blood in the urine of diabetic felines. Coagulation occurs in diabetic felines due to changes in blood composition. The blood of diabetic cats becomes thick. The increased viscosity of blood can cause the sticking and gathering of platelets and abnormal clotting. This can result in blood in the urine of diabetic cats. The bleeding caused by abnormal clots formed in diabetic cats impairs the clotting system and makes it hard to stop bleeding in urine.
Vascular abnormalities can also be a way of getting blood in the urine of diabetic felines. Vascular abnormalities that occur in diabetic felines include microangiopathy, vascular damage, and an increase in permeability. The most common cause of blood in urine is permeability or vascular damage.
Permeability is mainly the leaking of blood vessels. Permeability of blood vessels in diabetic felines is due to high blood glucose levels which results in long-term hyperglycemia which damages the lining of blood vessels and allows blood to leak into surrounding tissues including the bladder which then leaves the body with urine.
Proposed Solutions
The problem of blood in the urine of diabetic felines can be managed in different ways which involves early diagnosis by Urinalysis, Blood test, Ultrasound, or x-rays. It can also be managed by Vascular Health and Blood Pressure Management which involve blood pressure monitoring or medications to control blood pressure. Feline diabetes urine bleeding can also be controlled by Kidney health monitoring which includes Routine blood tests and Adjusting treatments Another way of managing blood in the urine of diabetic cats is Managing bladder stones and crystals by dietary changes and surgery.
Bleeding in urine can also be controlled by Addressing cystitis and inflammation which Includes anti-inflammatory medication Stress management, increased water intake, or Managing diabetes with Insulin therapy, Dietary changes, and regular monitoring.
Nutrition a Solution
Diet has a major role in controlling diabetic feline’s insulin level and blood in urine. dietary changes can cause or stop the blood in the urine of diabetic felines. Here is a table showing the nutritional importance for diabetic felines
| Nutritional Element | Description | Recommended Brands/Types | Benefits |
| High-Quality Protein | Lean meats and fish to support muscle maintenance. | Hill’s Prescription Diet m/d (Chicken) – Royal Canin Diabetic (Chicken) – Wellness CORE Grain-Free (Turkey) | Supports muscle maintenance and healing. |
| Low Carbohydrates | Diets that are low in carbs to regulate blood sugar levels. | Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets DM – Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain-Free | Helps prevent spikes in blood glucose levels. |
| Increased Moisture | Wet food or added water to promote hydration. | Fancy Feast Classic (Chicken, Tuna) – Tiki Cat Luau (Chicken, Salmon) | Promotes hydration, dilutes urine, and supports urinary health. |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Ingredients rich in omega-3 to reduce inflammation. | Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d (Kidney Care with Fish Oil) – Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet (Fish Oil) | Supports kidney health and reduces inflammation. |
| Antioxidants | Foods rich in antioxidants to support the immune system. | Royal Canin Urinary SO (contains cranberries) – Nature’s Logic (Chicken Meal) | Supports immune function and urinary tract health. |
| Balanced Minerals | Proper levels of calcium and phosphorus to maintain urinary health | – Hill’s Science Diet (Adult Indoor Cat) – Purina ONE Indoor Advantage | Maintains healthy urinary pH and helps prevent stone formation |
Petcaretime suggestion
Petcaretime suggests that if your cat is diabetic or your cat is facing the problem of blood in urine you should consider a veterinary visit. Petcaretime also suggests you check the above-proposed solutions and consider one of your cats is facing the problem of urine in blood. Early diagnosis is one of the best steps and can help you to manage the problem before it gets severe. Petcaretime also suggests you make regular vet visits and consider dietary changes. Be careful about what you are feeding your cats get proper knowledge of the food you are providing your cats.
Environment plays a very important role in your cats, so give your felines a happy and healthy environment with enough physical activity for their stress-free life. Because as an animal your pets also have the right to live a happy and healthy life.
